NCAA Football 14: Picking A Dynasty Team - ACC - jmik58's Blog

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NCAA Football 14: Picking A Dynasty Team - ACC

Posted on July 8, 2013 at 10:25 AM.

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Unique offenses and occasional defense leave the door wide open in the ACC.

Taking the reigns of an ACC program might be similar to ordering a 16 oz New York Strip and only getting to eat half of it. What you get to enjoy is certainly great, but you still know it wasn't the whole package.

Some of the most exciting offenses in the nation reside here along with one of the best defenses thanks to Bud Foster's group at Virginia Tech. There's no-huddle passing attacks at Duke, sixty or seventy point outbursts by Clemson, electrifying option attacks in Atlanta, and of course a handful of balanced running attacks. But outside of Florida State and perhaps Virginia Tech (if they find their offense) the complete package of both offense and defense just isn't there.

If you can look past the lack of defense (or amazing offense, if that makes you feel better) the schools of the Atlantic Coast have more to offer as well. The addition of Pitt and Syracuse broaden the northern reach, but it could be the orange and purple Tigers that get you excited. And what other conference can say they are home to a school of possessed church leaders and oxygen deprived devils? Confused yet? Then don't try to figure out the triple option attack of those pesky insects at Georgia Tech.

While it's tempting to ramble on about the rumor that one school's mascot translates to a castrated turkey, instead let's consider some on-field points when choosing a dynasty team from the ACC.

Atlantic Division

Boston College Eagles
Offense: Pro Spread (HB, 3 WR, TE)
Defense: 4-3

(+) All-ACC WR Alex Amidon highlights eight returning starters on offense.
(+) Equally experienced, the defense only replaces one starter while returning ten.
(-) An underwhelming passing attack puts pressure on an injury-riddled halfback fleet.
(-) A tough schedule will limit how easily the bounce-back season can be.

Clemson Tigers
Offense: Spread (HB, 3 WR, TE)
Defense: 4-3

(+) The Boyd to Watkins connection will keep the scoreboard hot in 2013.
(+) Can the Tigers break out with their third straight year of double-digit wins?
(-) The loss of Ellington in the backfield leaves a huge void in the backfield.
(-) One of the least intimidating pass defenses in the ACC.

Florida State Seminoles
Offense: Multiple (HB, 3 WR, TE)
Defense: 4-3

(+) HB Devonta Freeman should be the face of the 'Noles at season's end.
(+) LB Christian Jones returns from an All-Conference year in '12 to lead the defense.
(-) A freshman at quarterback may be the weak link of the team.
(-) The loss of big-name NFL draft picks on the defensive line will be tough to ignore.

Maryland Terrapins
Offense: Multiple (HB, 3 WR, TE)
Defense: 3-4

(+) Diggs and Long make an incredible duo at wide receiver.
(+) This could be a big year if the defense solidifies.
(-) Need major help in the running game.
(-) The front seven defensively are inexperienced.

NC State Wolfpack
Offense: Pro Spread (HB, 3 WR, TE)
Defense: 4-3

(+) A soft schedule gives an opportunity to break in a new scheme offensively.
(+) Lack of a mobile QB may open up chance to get creative from day one.
(-) Only five starters return on offense and defense respectively.
(-) A weak secondary means trouble in the ACC.

Syracuse Orange
Offense: Pro Spread (HB, 3 WR, TE)
Defense: 4-3

(+) HB Jerome Smith is the hope of the offense.
(+) Dyshawn Davis stands out as a playmaker at linebacker.
(-) The first year in the ACC could be a troubling wake-up call.
(-) Two non-conference games against BCS foes wasn't the smartest idea.

Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Offense: Pro Spread (HB, 3 WR, TE)
Defense: 3-4

(+) More read option and QB runs equals a more exciting offense.
(+) A strong defense was key the last two times achieving double-digit win seasons.
(-) Can they finally overcome their non-conference struggles?
(-) The defense has allowed over 26 ppg the last four years.

Coastal Division

Duke Blue Devils
Offense: Spread No Huddle (HB, 3 WR, TE)
Defense: 4-3 Hybrid ("Devil" OLB/S)

(+) Normally a pass-happy team, QB Anthony Boone provides a read option element.
(+) DB Ross Cockrell was 1st team All-ACC last year.
(-) Can you take advantage of the academic aspect of recruiting at Duke?
(-) The rush defense is pretty bad.

Georgia Tech Yellowjackets
Offense: Multiple Option (3 HB, 2 WR)
Defense: 4-3

(+) If you love to run the triple option with talent, this is the place to be.
(+) The offensive line is very skilled and filled with all upperclassmen.
(-) A new QB could equal some growing pains.
(-) The secondary needs serious help after allowing 230 passing yards a game last year.

Miami (FL) Hurricanes
Offense: Pro Spread (HB, 3 WR, TE)
Defense: 4-3

(+) HB Duke Johnson was an All-American at kick returner last year.
(+) DE Anthony Chickillo leads a defense jammed full of experience and talent.
(-) The schedule holds the potential for three top-ten opponents.
(-) Defensively they must improve on last year's 30 points per game mark.

North Carolina Tarheels
Offense: Pro Spread (HB, 3 WR, TE)
Defense: Multiple

(+) A switch to the pass produced over 40 points per game in '12.
(+) All-ACC defensive end Kareem Martin returns.
(-) A trip to South Carolina highlights a difficult road schedule.
(-) The top three tacklers exit from last year's squad.

Pittsburgh Panthers
Offense: Pro Style (HB, 2 WR, 2 TE)
Defense: 4-3

(+) Matt Rotheram has NFL potential on the offensive line.
(+) Eight returning starters on defense are led by lineman Aaron Donald.
(-) The backfield is missing a talented runner to run the rock.
(-) Can the defense maintain their 20 ppg clip in their upgrade to the ACC?

Virginia Cavaliers
Offense: Multiple Pro Set (HB, 3 WR, TE)
Defense: 4-3

(+) Nine returning starters on offense includes future NFL left tackle Morgan Moses.
(+) The entire secondary returns; a huge boost in the point-happy ACC.
(-) Last year's -14 turnover margin is a major concern.
(-) The top two tacklers from 2012 are gone.

Virginia Tech Hokies
Offense: Multiple (HB, 3 WR, TE)
Defense: 4-3

(+) QB Logan Thomas is versatile, talented, and difficult to bring down.
(+) Antone Exum earned All-ACC honors at DB and joins eight other returning starters on defense.
(-) A lack of proven playmakers on offense isn't a good sign for Thomas.
(-) Usually a top-ten defense, the squad slipped to 18th in scoring defense last year.

Which ACC program would be your choice for dynasty mode in NCAA Football 14?

Comments

# 1 Blackout863 @ Jul 8

As a fan of Miami and a realist. that review on Anthony Chickillo was very off. Chick has not done much in his time at Miami. There isn't a lot of good experience. Same defensive line that doesn't get much of a push in the middle. only 1 returning starter at LB returning after Gionni Paul and Eddie Johnson have left and in the secondary, Bush is talented but still raw. Rodgers is a senior but hasn't done much in his time after being a top recruit. Same goes for the rest of the CBs. Howard was heralded but not even close to being an Elite CB.

Miami has a good offense but even with that, Yet another coordinator. Duke Johnson was just short of 1k yes but now can he handle a full season of carries? He was injured most of last year with an elbow injury .

# 2 Blackout863 @ Jul 8

Also for years VT in real life runs the 4-2-5 Defense not a 4-3 and have been leaning toward a spread offense for the last few years.

# 3 zkiesel @ Jul 8

Ok, one thing about Maryland: The running game doesn't need that much work. Brandon Ross and Albert Reid make up a very good combo (it was a great trio before Wes Brown was arrested). The offensive line is questionable, but with C.J. Brown's running ability at QB, the running game is something of a plus for this year's Terps team.

# 4 Stats85 @ Jul 8

Florida State and Clemson also probably Miami 4 possible upsets on my season