The ACC is shaping up to be a very tight race as there will likely be three teams ranked in the top 25 polls from the conference. Bookmakers have the ACC pegged as a two horse race posting both Virginia Tech and Florida State at +250, making them co-favorites to take home the championship. However, the best value might be found in Georgia Tech who is listed at +700. In a wide open race, this could be a team who sneaks up on people. The odds makers seem to be overlooking the Yellow Jackets as they have posted both Clemson and Miami ahead of them at +500 and +550 respectively.
Most experts are expecting big things from the Virginia Tech Hokies and Las Vegas sports books seem to agree. The success of Va Tech is going to be whether or not Tyrod Taylor can step in as he is finally “the man” at quarterback in Blacksburg. We all know he can run but he needs to prove he can throw the ball in the spread offense. Last year he threw two touchdown passes and was picked off seven times. If he can step up and be the player he is expected to be, the ACC title will be the Hokies for another year. Virginia Tech will be able to pound the ball down opposing team’s throats with Darren Evans, who rushed for over 1,200 yards last year, and a superb offensive line. As usual, the defense should be sound as well. They will miss cornerback Macho Harris and are inexperienced at the linebacker position but I expect a Frank Beamer coached team to be able to find a way to get the job done.
Florida State is another team that is battling with possible NCAA sanctions but if Bobby Bowden can get this group to worry about things on the field, they could be very competitive in this league. The offense has potential but Christian Ponder has to be much more consistent then last season. Receivers Greg Carr and Preston Parker will be missed but there is plenty of speed returning to help Ponder out. The offensive line is full of returning starters which should keep Ponder well protected. The defense is the bigger question mark for the Noles in ’09. They have speed but are extremely young and inexperienced. I look for FSU to make a title run but ultimately I believe the Hokies are just a hair bit better.
Georgia Tech is a team that could be dangerous in this conference and challenge Virginia Tech and Florida State. ACC Player of the Year, Jonathan Dwyer is back to lead a very potent running attack. The wide receiver core will be better and if Josh Nesbitt can raise his completion percentage from 44% a year ago, this could be a very good offense. The defensive line is the only question mark on this team. If they can find a way to stop the run with youngsters, this team can make a run. And you have to give credit to head coach Paul Johnson who proved his offense is not just a gimmick that would never work at a BCS school.
College Football Odds To Win ACC Conference 2009:
About Trev Rogers
