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2003 College Football Preview Ranking the ACC July, 2003
There was a time when picking this conference was like picking whether to watch The Godfather or Cabin Boy. Florida State was constantly bringing home championships and headlines, while the rest were fighting not to be the worst in the conference. Yes, times have certainly changed in the old Atlantic Coast Conference.
1. Virginia 2. N.C. State 3. Florida State 4. Maryland 5. Clemson 6. Georgia Tech 7. North Carolina 8. Duke 9. Wake Forest
Matt Schaub and Wali Lundy are a formidable tandem at quarterback and running back that will be part of an offense that returns eight starters. The defense returns only six starters from a crew that finally figured out the system and really came together at the end of the 2002 campaign.
If Virginia doesn't win this conference this year it will be North Carolina State who steps in their way. Phillip Rivers and T.A. McClendon are as good or better than Schaub and Lundy at QB and RB, but the defense is suspect. The front seven returns only one, but the secondary should be strong and they need it to be, their season depends on it.
The always erratic Chris Rix returns for his junior campaign at Florida State, but the focal point will be TB Greg Jones. Jones is an Eddie George clone at 6-1, 248 lbs., who absolutely loves contact and he'll get plenty as only one offensive lineman returns from a year ago. The defense returns 10 of 11 starters for Mickey Andrews and looks to be solid again.
The last of the teams with a shot at the 2003 ACC Crown is Maryland who returns Running Back Bruce Perry to the fold for what should be a great senior campaign. Ralph Friedgen has done as good a job as could be expected to turn this program around and with Perry back and returning starter Scott McBrien at QB don't rule anything out.
Clemson and Georgia Tech should qualify for bowl games and nowadays if you qualify, you are going. It would take a lot for North Carolina to go bowling and a near miracle for Duke or Wake Forest to go.
It doesn't appear that the ACC will have a clear-cut national title contender this year, but don't be surprised if Virginia makes a run to New Orleans this year.
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