ACC Coastal Division

[HujoTDs]

If I took Virginia Tech and gave you the field to win the ACC Coastal Division would you do it? Thats pretty much the question with Virginia Tech -105 to win the division. Comparatively Florida State is -290 to win the Atlantic.

The rest of the Coastal Division is comprised of Duke, Georgia Tech, Miami (FL), UNC, and Virginia. We're all aware of the problem that have arisen at Miami and UNC this summer. And Virginia Tech having their bye the week before Georgia Tech to allow for 2 weeks to prepare for Paul Johnson's triple option is about as big of a break as you could hope for heading into that game.

Someone talk me out of Virginia Tech -105.

[vegasobie]

wish i could, but that sounds like stealing to me. Even one loss in the conference should win that division and i have trouble finding two losses on Techs conference schedule. They avoid FSU from the atlantic division and get clemson at home. Miami and UNC are also at home. In reality, they should run the table.

[Beyond the Bets]

Can't talk you out of it. It's a 10-win or 11-win team, IMO.

The ONE team that would somewhat scare me in the Coastal is Georgia Tech. I have a hunch that they're going to outperform expectations.

[SkyBlues42]

yeah, I'm not gonna be the one to talk you out of it either.. love the play

Miami and UNC have too many questions (now).. Tech should run the table.

[wazzufan]

(08-23-2011 11:19 AM)Beyond the Bets Wrote:  Can't talk you out of it. It's a 10-win or 11-win team, IMO.

The ONE team that would somewhat scare me in the Coastal is Georgia Tech. I have a hunch that they're going to outperform expectations.

[Beyond the Bets]

Don't sleep on the Jackets!

[Canegrad05]

I honestly do not understand this line at all. I was already in on Virginia Tech as I think the schedule is just ridiculously easy. That being said, that old adage just stays in the back of my mind: if it's too good to be true, it probably is.

They do have to replace QB and two star running backs (yes, I realize how good the returning RB is). They do have question marks in terms of consistency. They do have question marks of performing at expectations, especially at home. But I just don't see Miami escaping player suspensions in time to challenge Virginia Tech.

Full strength, I still think Miami is capable of surprising people since the issue the last three years has not been talent, but turnovers.

[ChiefZilla]

I understand they have a new QB, but that Logan Thomas kid looks legit. I've only seen highlights of practice and scrimmage-type stuff, but honestly, after watching him Va Tech is one of my dark horses to sneak into the national championship discussion. Not that I think they're a top-3 team in the country or anything, just that the schedule is easy enough for them to get into the discussion by November.

[Screech99]

(08-23-2011 02:25 PM)ChiefZilla Wrote:  I understand they have a new QB, but that Logan Thomas kid looks legit. I've only seen highlights of practice and scrimmage-type stuff, but honestly, after watching him Va Tech is one of my dark horses to sneak into the national championship discussion. Not that I think they're a top-3 team in the country or anything, just that the schedule is easy enough for them to get into the discussion by November.

Oh great, I can see the argument on Around the Horn now .... "Should undefeated Va Tech get in the BCS Title Game over one-loss Alabama or one-loss LSU?"

[jimmysingh9]

with Georgia Tech, you need to see the QB that runs that triple option, he is the key. I didnt like the way Tevin Johnson ran the offense when he was in there last year. I mean Josh Nesbitt wasnt that great but he got by for 2 years by throwing dead ducks to Thomas deep. Last year, you could see the passsing numbers were down more and i know its a triple option team, but you need that pass because one play with a loss of yardage and you are 90% of time punting that ball in a 1-2 plays.

Not sure that defense got any better, but how can it be worse lol

[Beyond the Bets]

The key to me is the fumbles. Georgia Tech fumbled 37 times and lost 20 of them, which is uncharacteristic for a Paul Johnson team, even one that runs as much as his teams do. In three, and possibly four, of their seven losses (including the bowl game), fumbles were the primary cause.

GT could start 4-0 and then take 2 of 3 against NC State, Maryland and Virginia for a 6-1 start.

[jimmysingh9]

(08-23-2011 04:10 PM)Beyond the Bets Wrote:  The key to me is the fumbles. Georgia Tech fumbled 37 times and lost 20 of them, which is uncharacteristic for a Paul Johnson team, even one that runs as much as his teams do. In three, and possibly four, of their seven losses (including the bowl game), fumbles were the primary cause.

GT could start 4-0 and then take 2 of 3 against NC State, Maryland and Virginia for a 6-1 start.

that is apart of the QB situation i was talking about. If the QB can make the best options and get the ball in the RB's hands, also makes for less fumbles. I think they get quite a bit of fumbles from QB to RB's hands as well.

[HujoTDs]

My best friend went to the Naval Academy and because of that I've been following Paul Johnson pretty closely the past decade moreso before he moved to Georgia Tech. That being said the best Navy offenses were built around the fullback dive. Their best offense, and likewise their best fullback, was built around Kyle Eckel. After he left they didn't function quite the same until Adam Ballard came along. If the fullback dive can be established and the defense is forced to respect it then the rest of the offense falls into place.