ITA Preseason Roundtable: Handicapping the ACC

We continue our preseason football coverage with a staff roundtable. Managing editor Justin Cates, associate managing editor Mike McDaniel, and frequent contributor Jeff Greenberg weigh in on the 2017-18 ACC football season.

1. Is Lamar Jackson the least hyped returning Heisman winner ever?

Jeff:
Yes and no. People were very much aware of his presence at the ACC Kickoff. That was primarily the ACC media, although the national guys were there as well. What hurts his hype was the way Louisville ended their season. After a strong start they sort of fell apart down the stretch and that’s left questions heading into this season. Now, if they start the year the way they did last season then his hype machine might crank right back up.

Justin:
I’m going with mostly yes. His offensive line was terrible last season and he was still incredible. Unless the rules of football have been significantly changed this offseason, I don’t see any real reason why he isn’t the favorite yet again. The Heisman odds from the Las Vegas Sports Book lists Sam Darnold as the favorite by a solid margin. I’ll go on record as saying I’m not convinced about all the Darnold hype just yet. He’s a standard drop back passer and he won’t put up near the total offense numbers that Jackson will.

Mike:
I think that it’s certainly possible that he’s the least hyped ever. It will be tough to put up the numbers that he did last year at the quarterback position, but it is all the more impressive when you consider just how bad that offensive line was at Louisville last season. If there are improvements to that unit heading into this season, Jackson could be every bit as good as he was last year, whether he reaches those final statistics or not. Jackson should have another strong year for the Cardinals, which should put him right in the mix to be in New York once again at season’s end for the Heisman Trophy ceremony.

2. Who do you expect to breakout this season?

Jeff:
Honestly, I think there will be a player nobody is talking about yet that will fit this description. With all of the QBs being replaced maybe it will be one of their successors. Will it be RBs Cam Akers or Jacques Patrick from Florida State? Maybe WR Deon Cain from Clemson? Or even LB Andre Smith from UNC? I think it’s going to be somebody I can’t think of right now.

Justin:
Whoever starts at quarterback for Georgia Tech. That figures to be Matthew Jordan who started one game last season. That was an upset of Virginia Tech where he guided an offense missing four starters and ran 32 times for 121 yards and two touchdowns in a 30-20 victory. If one of the group of TaQuon Marshall, Jay Jones, or Lucas Johnson wins the job, they vault to the top of the list of breakout players.

Mike:
With all of the quarterbacks that are going to be first year starters in this conference, I believe that it is a safe bet that the breakout player comes from that position. With that being said, I’m going with Josh Jackson at Virginia Tech. The redshirt-freshman is a former 4-star recruit who is an extremely accurate passer with good athleticism to boot. He is primed to win the starting quarterback job with the Hokies and will look to help them compete for a second consecutive Coastal Division crown this fall.

3. Who is your preseason Player of the Year?

Jeff:
Lamar Jackson. You’re the champ until somebody else knocks you off.

Justin:
Lamar Jackson is the obvious choice. I’ll give mention of Derwin James from Florida State also though. If he’s fully healthy this season he’s going to be completely off the charts on an outstanding defense.

Mike:
My preseason Player of the Year is Deondre Francois of Florida State. I am one of the believers that the Seminoles will be every bit as good as advertised, and I believe Francois will be a major reason why. It should be a dog fight between him and Lamar Jackson for Player of the Year honors, but since most awards shy against giving the same player the award in back-to-back years, I’ll give the slight edge to Francois over Lamar Jackson.

4. Which team is going to make the biggest move up the standings?

Jeff:
Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jackets have three of their four main Coastal opponents at home.

Justin:
Duke, mainly because I can’t see them finishing tied for last two years in a row. They also have one of the best quarterbacks in the league with Daniel Jones.

Mike:
Georgia Tech. They’ll be much better than advertised as they have a favorable conference home schedule and a majority of their team returning. They should be in the mix to win the Coastal Division.

5. Who wins the Coastal?

Jeff:
Georgia Tech, although it’s a complete toss-up to me.

Justin:
Every team except for Virginia has a chance here. I’ll take Miami even though they’ve never won the division before.

Mike:
Virginia Tech. With so many unknowns at the quarterback position in the Coastal Division, I’ll go ahead and side with the team that has the best defense heading into 2017.

6. Who wins the Atlantic?

Jeff:
Clemson. Again, champs until you’re knocked off. Plus, the Tigers have the Seminoles at home. Key games will be road tests at Virginia Tech and at NC State.

Justin:
Florida State. The defense will be the best in the conference and Deondre Francois is only going to get better at QB.

Mike:
Florida State, although Clemson will be a major player once again.

7. Who wins the ACC Championship?

Jeff:
Clemson

Justin:
Florida State

Mike:
Florida State. I’m all in on the Seminoles.

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