After a dominant 2018 from Clemson, the ACC had a very interesting offseason, which saw many high profile transfers come in the conference and look to make things more competitive up top. Here are five bold predictions for the ACC in the 2019 season.
Virginia Takes a Major Step Back This Year
I will start to say that I think Bryce Perkins is a beast, but he will not be enough to carry a whole offense. UVA lost two major offensive contributors in WR Olamide Zaccheaus and RB Jordan Ellis due to graduation. Last year’s backup tailback and presumed starter this year in PK Kier only had 68 yards on the ground all last season. Overall the Cavaliers will not have enough weapons to place around Perkins. This team will have to look for there stout defense to carry them throughout the season.
North Carolina Will Not Make a Bowl Game in Mack Brown’s Tenure
I absolutely hate the hiring of Mack Brown to UNC. The hire is the equivalent of Frank Beamer coming back to coach Virginia Tech or Bobby Bowden coming back to coach Florida State. Will he get recruits? Yes he will, but it will not lead to success. Brown had a 27-21 combined record in his last four years at Texas, and showed that he is not the coach that can lead a team to the National Championship. Do not be shocked if the Tar Heels wound up with another 2-10 season after the 2019 season is finished.
Florida State Goes 5-7, Again…
FSU has recruited great in Willie Taggart’s tenure in Tallahassee. Having the 19th ranked class in the nation last year and the 13th ranked class so far in 2020. Frankly though, I just think that Willie Taggart is not that great of a coach. Taggart has one 10 win season and a 52-57 record on his resume. No disrespect to Taggart, but I really do not think he is the guy to lead FSU to success.
Clemson Repeats as ACC Champions
This is a not very bold prediction, but the Tigers are just far ahead of everyone in 2019. The offense returns with star QB Trevor Lawrence and 1,000 yard rusher in Travis Etienne. The Tigers also get leading tackler Isaiah Simmons back on defense and are loaded with returners from last year’s national championship team. Barring any hiccups, Clemson should be on there way to a second consecutive undefeated season.
Virginia Tech Will Win the Coastal
This Hokies team comes back with tons of experience on both sides of the ball. Seventeen Hokies record double digit tackles last year and 15 return for another season. Tech also returns QB Ryan Willis and has multiple weapons around him in Tre Turner, Damon Hazelton, and Dalton Keene. Not to mention the Hokies have a very easy schedule avoiding Clemson. The games at Miami and UVA could be a challenges, but granted UVA has not beat Tech in 15 years.
