ESPN/ABC college football analyst Todd Blackledge really stunned me when we spoke about the upcoming season. Blackledge was very excited about the ACC, which has a huge opening weekend — Labor Day ESPN games between Navy and Maryland (4 p.m. in Baltimore) and Virginia Tech-Boise State at 8 p.m. at FedEx Field.
Blackledge on the balance in the conference » Other than the SEC, I really feel that the ACC is the second most balanced conference in college football. There is no easy game, no team you look at and say “Well, you don’t need to worry about them.” I mean Duke has developed into a program that you can’t overlook, so really, the teams that face each other in the ACC Championship Game will have earned that right.
Blackledge on the ACC favorites » Well, you really have to put Virginia Tech at the top because they have earned it. Year in and year out the Hokies just seem to get it done. They will have a very important test in the opener at FedEx Field against a very talented No. 3-ranked Boise State team. I really like FSU, Miami and Georgia Tech. Jimbo Fisher has FSU ready to return to one of the elite programs in the country led by quarterback Christian Ponder. Down in Miami, they are also looking to re-establish themselves as a premier program and coach Randy Shannon has junior quarterback Jacory Harris back running the offense and they have a chance with a tough non-conference schedule to impress the nation. They will face, on the road, in a row: Ohio State, Pitt and Clemson before getting FSU at home. If they are undefeated after that run they might be sitting at No. 1. Finally you can’t overlook George Tech with that great offense coach Paul Johnson runs. It should be a fun year in the ACC.
Blackledge on the University of Maryland » They will be better than last year, but it is hard to really see the Terps as a contender for the title. They have the talent to scare any team in the conference and perhaps pull an upset or two, but winning six games and going to a bowl would be a good season in College Park.
Jim Williams is a seven-time Emmy Award-winning TV producer, director and writer. Check out his blog, Watch this! at www.washingtonexaminer.com
