Sunday, Aug. 30, 2009

Closer look at ACC Coastal

Head coach: David Cutcliffe (4-8 in one season at Duke, 48-37 overall).

2008 record: 4-8 (1-7 ACC).

Players to watch: QB Thaddeus Lewis (2,171 passing yards, 15 passing touchdowns in 2008); LB Vincent Rey (109 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss); DT Vince Oghobaase (51 tackles).

Game of the year: Nov. 7 at North Carolina. It may not be basketball, but this in-state rivalry could have a big impact on how well Duke’s Coastal Division schedule progresses.

Cutcliffe says: “We’re throwing and catching better, we’re being where we’re supposed to be in coverage better, just retention — with coaches not having to make any critical assignment corrections — so that’s been really, really good in that regard.”

Ledger-Enquirer says: Last year’s 4-8 mark was a noted improvement for the team that repeatedly has found itself in the basement of the ACC. The key to Duke’s success will revolve around its passing game, specifically how well Lewis can take over a particular game and carry his team.

Schedule: Sept. 5 vs. Richmond; Sept. 12 at Army; Sept. 19 at Kansas; Sept. 26 vs. North Carolina Central; Oct. 3 vs. Virginia Tech; Oct. 10 at North Carolina State; Oct. 24 vs. Maryland; Oct. 31 at Virginia; Nov. 7 at North Carolina; Nov. 14 vs. Georgia Tech; Nov. 21 vs. Miami; Nov. 28 at Wake Forest.

Head coach: Randy Shannon (12-13 in two seasons at Miami, 12-13 overall).

2008 record: 7-6 (4-4 ACC).

Players to watch: RB Graig Cooper (841 rushing yards in 2008); QB Jacory Harris (1,195 passing yards, 12 passing touchdowns); PK Matt Bosher (40-for-40 on extra points, 18-for-20 on field goals).

Game of the year: Sept. 17 vs. Georgia Tech. After taking on Florida State in a rare season-opener two weeks prior, Miami’s contest with Georgia Tech will be a key indicator as far as how good the Hurricanes are.

Shannon says: “Miami’s never been a school that always had a chance that wanted to stay for a long time. I’m an alumnus, I like Miami. I plan on staying here a long time.”

Ledger-Enquirer says: Miami is one of the big unknowns in the ACC this season. Conventional wisdom says the rich history of the program and Shannon’s bulldog mentality, could combine to bring the Hurricanes back to the glory days they once long enjoyed.

Schedule: Sept. 7 at Florida State, Sept. 17 vs. Georgia Tech, Sept. 26 at Virginia Tech, Oct. 3 vs. Oklahoma, Oct. 10 vs. Florida A&M, Oct. 17 at Central Florida, Oct. 24 vs. Clemson, Oct. 31 at Wake Forest, Nov. 7 vs. Virginia, Nov. 14 at North Carolina, Nov. 21 vs. Duke, Nov. 28 at South Florida.

Head coach: Butch Davis (12-13 in two seasons at North Carolina, 63-33 overall).

2008 record: 8-5 (4-4 ACC).

Players to watch: LB Quan Sturdivant (122 total tackles in 2008); RB Shaun Draughn (866 rushing yards).

Game of the year: Oct. 29 at Virginia Tech. Expected to be one of the Coastal Division’s top teams this year, North Carolina will have to run through the likes of Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech in order to do so. Catching the Hokies in the middle of the season may play to the Tar Heels’ advantage, as they’ll have a few extra weeks to make up ground if they lose this showdown. Either way, Lane Stadium should be rocking.