ACC Primer: Virginia Tech Out Front, But the Hokies Have Company

With Virginia Tech, Florida State and Miami in the ACC, conference officials thought the league would have a second BCS team at least once every three years.

Well, it hasn't quite worked out that way -- but that's not to say the conference's luck won't change in 2010.

Known as a balanced league with several good teams -- but not a great one -- the ACC must rely on its stable of established quarterbacks and an entertaining non-conference schedule to prove to the nation it has more than a regional reach.

The numbers have been oft-repeated, dissected and snickered at. Admit it, you know them.

The conference is 2-10 in BCS games -- the worst mark among the six leagues with automatic access to the worthy bowls -- and has won only one big-money bowl game (cha-clank instead of cha-ching) since adding the Hurricanes and Hokies.

Yet, it was only two years ago when then-North Carolina State athletic director Lee Fowler pointed to the conference's young quarterbacks, saying they would help change the league's perception over the next few years. He also credited the league's coaches for staying the course.

Well, this is as good as any time for the conference to live a little and avoid the same beaten-down path.

The candidates with the best national potential, however, look awfully familiar: Virginia Tech, Miami and FSU. The trio is joined by North Carolina and Georgia Tech in the major polls.

The conference has an opportunity to make a favorable first impression, too.

A nice opening weekend features Maryland against Navy and Boise State versus Virginia Tech in Landover, Md. Additional non-conference matchups over the course of the season feature Miami at Ohio State, FSU at Oklahoma, North Carolina at Rutgers and Georgia Tech at Georgia, to name a few.

Coaching changes at FSU (Jimbo Fisher replaced living legend Bobby Bowden) and Virginia (Mike London replaced Al Groh) should revitalize each program. Virginia Tech's Frank Beamer is probably the best head coach not to win a national title.

Searching for star quality? Check out the fellas behind center.

Quarterbacks Russell Wilson (right) at North Carolina State, Christian Ponder at FSU, Tyrod Taylor at Virginia Tech, Kyle Parker at Clemson, Jacory Harris at Miami and Josh Nesbitt at Georgia Tech are among the country's finest.

While the ACC is recognized as a proven commodity, it continues to search for national relevance.

Will this be the year? Probably not, but the journey should be good again.

A QUICK TRIP AROUND THE ACC

*Who should win the league: Virginia Tech. Six consecutive double-digit win seasons for Beamer and Co.

*Who will win the league: Virginia Tech. When's the last time we've said this: The Hokies' defense will be just fine.

*Who might win the league: Florida State. Jimbo's doing it his way in Tallahassee, Fla.

*Who might fall flat: North Carolina. Too many distractions from visits by the NCAA.

*Coach of the year: Frank Beamer, Virginia Tech. Dude just wins.

*Coach you will love: Mike London, Virginia. Burns positive energy.

*Player of the year: QB Christian Ponder, FSU. The senior has his own website, for crying out loud.

*Player you will love: LB Mark Herzlich, Boston College. Cancer? Broken foot? Mark's conquered fear.

*Coach who best enjoy the perks while he can: Ralph Friedgen, Maryland. The Fridge needs to impress the new brass.
Incoming University of Maryland president Wallace D. Loh says he expects to play a significant role in selecting the school's next athletic director.

*Top 10 Games of note, plus one: LSU vs. UNC in Atlanta, Sept. 4; Boise State vs. Virginia Tech in Landover, Md., Sept 6; Miami at Ohio State, Sept. 11; FSU at Oklahoma, Sept. 11; Virginia at USC, Sept. 11; Clemson at Auburn, Sept. 18; Alabama at Duke, Sept. 18; Notre Dame at BC, Oct. 2; Virginia Tech at Miami, Nov. 20; Florida at FSU, Nov. 27; Georgia Tech at Georgia, Nov. 27.

*Bonus Round: Keep an eye on Boston College. The Eagles play six of their first eight games at home. They also don't have to worry about playing Georgia Tech, Miami or North Carolina. A victory over rival Notre Dame would certainly make it feel like, well, heaven on the BC campus.