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28 Aug 2015
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The 2015 Confidential Preseason ACC Football Poll

FOOTBALL IS BACK!   ACC FOOTBALL IS BACK!   It looks to be a promising year for the ACC, as many experienced quarterbacks return and there is significant coaching stability.  While Wake Forest and Virginia may be the long shots to get to bowl eligibility in each division, there is a significant regression to the mean with FSU losing Winston (among others) and everyone else improving.   In any event, with football here, it is time for the Confidential’s preseason football poll–with 5 Confidential correspondents participating.  Remember to join our individual player fantasy league and our survivor leagues… they are FREE, easy to play, and have CA$H prizes to the winners.  In any event, here is the first poll results, with links to the Confidential’s over/under for each school:

  1. Florida State (48 points, 3 first place votes).  The Seminoles have lost of a lot, but most people figure that they will stay on top.  Jimbo Fisher has reloaded, making it fairly likely.
  2. Clemson (45 points, 2 first place votes).  Quarterback is an essential position in football and Clemson has a dynamic one.  With studs at WR and a solid defense (despite some losses), Clemson has a legitimate claim to the division and conference title.
  3. Notre Dame (38 points).  The Fighting Irish are not sufficiently ACC to be eligible to win it, but they will be good.  Whether they are the 3rd best team of the 15 remains to be seen.  That is the preseason position though.
  4. Georgia Tech (36 points).  The Yellow Jackets may be ready to reclaim the Coastal.  Pitt is loaded at skill positions, Virginia Tech is always a threat, Miami is desperate for a return to greatness, and Duke/UNC want to be more than hoops schools.  We will see.
  5. Louisville (29 points).  The Cardinals are flying under the radar, which is probably how Bobby Petrino likes it.  Certainly not going to resign themselves to the perpetual #3 spot in the Atlantic.
  6. Virginia Tech (27 points).  Is this about name recognition or potential?  The Hokies have not been their typically football selves lately.
  7. NC State (14 points).  With such an easy schedule, it will be hard for NC State not to get to bowl eligibility.  Does that make them better than the schools below them in win totals?  Debatable.
  8. Miami (13 points).  If Miami had NC State’s schedule, perhaps the schools would flip-flop.  Then again, Miami finds new ways to disappoint ever year.  Still waiting for that first Coastal division championship…
  9. North Carolina (12 points).  With solid skill players, the real question is whether that defense can improve.  With new coaching blood on that side of the ball, time will tell.
  10. Boston College (5 points).  For the past two years, Boston College has gone toe-to-toe with Florida State, Clemson, and USC (winning too!).  Regardless of talent, good to see them in this final position in the poll.

Others: Pitt (3 points), Duke (3 points).  Syracuse, Virginia, and Wake Forest did not receive votes.

See the team pages for more analysis.  Welcome any criticism too…

Posted by acaffrey in Football, Opinion, Poll, Predictions, Top 10 and tagged , , , , ,
05 Aug 2015
3 Comments

The Football Over-Unders for 2015: Clemson

This article is another in a series of articles in which the Confidential opines regarding the over/under for football wins in 2015.  We’ll take a cursory look at the schedule and determine what we think is the point where folks will struggle to select “over” or “under.”  We hope people will share their comments as to “why” they are going over/under.  If you disagree with our over/under choice, of course, feel free to let us know too.  The final team up: Clemson.  We are going with an over/under of 10.5 regular season wins.

  1. September 5 vs Wofford
  2. September 12 vs Appalachian St
  3. September 17 @ Louisville
  4. October 3 vs Notre Dame
  5. October 10 vs Georgia Tech
  6. October 17 vs Boston College
  7. October 24 @ Miami
  8. October 31 @ NC State
  9. November 7 vs Florida State
  10. November 14 @ Syracuse
  11. November 21 vs Wake Forest
  12. November 28 @ South Carolina

Likely losses: Two of South Carolina, Florida State, Notre Dame, and Louisville

Likely wins: Wofford, Appalachian State, BC, NC State, Wake Forest

Summary:  This is a tough, but decent, schedule for Clemson.   A couple cupcakes to open the season before a trip to Louisville.  Then, a long rest before hosting Notre dame and Georgia Tech.  Trips to Miami and NC State are challenges before the visit from Florida State.  Then games against Syracuse and Wake Forest before heading to South Carolina.  Clemson could run the table, they could lose all four of the “Likely losses,” or somewhere in between.  Ultimately, the Confidential goes with an over-under of 10.5 wins.

What do you think?  Over or under?  Let us know.

Prior discussions: Florida State Georgia Tech Wake Forest Pitt Virginia Virginia Tech Louisville Miami Notre Dame NC State Duke Boston College UNC

Posted by acaffrey in Football, Over/Under, Poll, Predictions and tagged , , , , , ,
04 Aug 2015
4 Comments

The Football Over-Unders for 2015: Syracuse

This article is another in a series of articles in which the Confidential opines regarding the over/under for football wins in 2015.  We’ll take a cursory look at the schedule and determine what we think is the point where folks will struggle to select “over” or “under.”  We hope people will share their comments as to “why” they are going over/under.  If you disagree with our over/under choice, of course, feel free to let us know too.  The next team up: Syracuse (see recent discussion of Syracuse).  We are going with an over/under of 5.5 regular season wins.

  1. September 4 vs Rhode Island
  2. September 12 vs Wake Forest
  3. September 19 vs Central Michigan
  4. September 26 vs Louisiana State
  5. October 10 @ South Florida
  6. October 17 @ Virginia
  7. October 24 vs Pittsburgh
  8. October 31 @ Florida State
  9. November 7 @ Louisville
  10. November 14 vs Clemson
  11. November 21 @ NC State
  12. November 28 vs Boston College

Likely losses: LSU, Florida State, Louisville, Clemson

Likely wins: Rhode Island, Wake Forest, Central Michigan

Summary:  Syracuse finally scheduled somewhat appropriately–with only one P5 school, LSU.  Still, LSU is a tough opponent for a school like Syracuse, which rarely fares well against 10-win teams.  But there is a legitimate chance for Syracuse to start 3-0, and perhaps even get to 6-1 before the Florida State game.  They might have to if they want to be bowl-eligible because you have to think that the three game stretch of FSU, Louisville, and Clemson is going to be a three-loss stretch.  We think Syracuse improves a notch over last–but bowl eligibility may require Syracuse to go 3-1 OOC and then beat 3 of Virginia, Pitt, NC State, Wake Forest, and BC?  It is easy to say yes in August.  Let’s see if the ‘Cuse can actually do it.  Ultimately, the Confidential deems it a toss up and goes with an over-under of 5.5 wins.

What do you think?  Over or under?  Let us know.

Prior discussions: Florida State Georgia Tech Wake Forest Pitt Virginia Virginia Tech Louisville Miami Notre Dame NC State Duke Boston College UNC

Posted by acaffrey in Football, Over/Under, Poll, Predictions and tagged , , , , , ,
04 Aug 2015
4 Comments

The Football Over-Unders for 2015: North Carolina

This article is another in a series of articles in which the Confidential opines regarding the over/under for football wins in 2015.  We’ll take a cursory look at the schedule and determine what we think is the point where folks will struggle to select “over” or “under.”  We hope people will share their comments as to “why” they are going over/under.  If you disagree with our over/under choice, of course, feel free to let us know too.  The next team up: North Carolina.  We are going with an over/under of 7.5 regular season wins.

  1. September 3 vs South Carolina (Charlotte, NC)
  2. September 12 vs North Carolina A&T
  3. September 19 vs Illinois
  4. September 26 vs Delaware
  5. October 3 @ Georgia Tech
  6. October 17 vs Wake Forest
  7. October 24 vs Virginia
  8. October 29 @ Pittsburgh
  9. November 7 vs Duke
  10. November 14 vs Miami
  11. November 21 @ Virginia Tech
  12. November 28 @ NC State

Likely losses: South Carolina, @Georgia Tech

Likely wins: NC A&T, Delaware, Wake Forest, Illinois or NC State

Summary:  Like Boston College, North Carolina has two games against FCS opponents–North Carolina A&T and Delaware.  In addition, UNC also plays all but one of its first seven games in the state of North Carolina and 9 overall in the state.  Make no mistake, South Carolina will be tough, and Illinois is no pushover despite its recent futility.  Still, with a Coastal slate and Atlantic games against Wake Forest and NC State, North Carolina has a path to the ACC Championship Game.  That being said, the Confidential does not expect same.  Ultimately, the Confidential goes with an over-under of 7.5 wins.

What do you think?  Over or under?  Let us know.

Prior discussions: Florida State Georgia Tech Wake Forest Pitt Virginia Virginia Tech Louisville Miami Notre Dame NC State Duke Boston College

Posted by acaffrey in Football, Over/Under, Poll, Predictions and tagged , , , , , ,
03 Aug 2015
6 Comments

The Football Over-Unders for 2015: Boston College

This article is another in a series of articles in which the Confidential opines regarding the over/under for football wins in 2015.  We’ll take a cursory look at the schedule and determine what we think is the point where folks will struggle to select “over” or “under.”  We hope people will share their comments as to “why” they are going over/under.  If you disagree with our over/under choice, of course, feel free to let us know too.  The next team up: Boston College.  We are going with an over/under of 7.5 regular season wins.

  1. September 5 vs Maine
  2. September 12 vs Howard
  3. September 18 vs Florida State
  4. September 26 vs Northern Illinois
  5. October 3 @ Duke
  6. October 10 vs Wake Forest
  7. October 17 @ Clemson
  8. October 24 @ Louisville
  9. October 31 vs Virginia Tech
  10. November 7 vs NC State
  11. November 21 @ Notre Dame (Fenway Park)
  12. November 28 @ Syracuse

Likely losses: Florida State, Clemson and Louisville

Likely wins: Maine, Howard, Wake Forest and NC State

Summary:  With 8 games in Massachusetts, including that “road game” against Notre Dame at Fenway Park, Boston College has one good thing going for it.  The scheduling of Maine and Howard should equal two more wins.  Hosting Florida State, as well as trips to Clemson and Louisville, should be three losses.  However, Boston College has played everyone close the past two years–nothing should be taken for granted.  One wonders about health and attrition, as the only bye week comes on November 14–late in the season.  But we see good things for the Eagles overall.   Ultimately, the Confidential goes with an over-under of 7.5 wins.

What do you think?  Over or under?  Let us know.

Prior discussions: Florida State Georgia Tech Wake Forest Pitt Virginia Virginia Tech Louisville Miami Notre Dame NC State Duke Boston College

Posted by acaffrey in Football, Over/Under, Poll, Predictions and tagged , , , , , ,
22 Jul 2015
6 Comments

The Football Over-Unders for 2015: Duke

This article is another in a series of articles in which the Confidential opines regarding the over/under for football wins in 2015.  We’ll take a cursory look at the schedule and determine what we think is the point where folks will struggle to select “over” or “under.”  We hope people will share their comments as to “why” they are going over/under.  If you disagree with our over/under choice, of course, feel free to let us know too.  The next team up: Duke.  We are going with an over/under of 7.5 regular season wins.

  1. September 3 @ Tulane
  2. September 12 vs North Carolina Central
  3. September 19 vs Northwestern
  4. September 26 vs Georgia Tech
  5. October 3 vs Boston College
  6. October 10 @ Army
  7. October 24 @ Virginia Tech
  8. October 31  vs Miami
  9. November 7 @ North Carolina
  10. November 14 vs Pittsburgh
  11. November 21 @ Virginia
  12. November 28 @ Wake Forest

Likely losses: Who knows?  Have to be some in here, right?

Likely wins: Tulane, NC Central, Army

Summary:  Duke rivals North Carolina State for schedule ease, but similarly goes on the road for two of its foes–Tulane and Army.  This, of course, is sandwiched around four home games.  The Confidential has no idea how Duke will do this year.  None.  Home losses to Northwestern, Georgia Tech, Miami, and Pitt could happen… or not.  Road losses to Virginia Tech, North Carolina, and Virginia could happen.  Or not.  Heck, even Wake Forest could beat Duke–especially with Wake hosting the game.  Or not.  Kind of absurd that Duke avoids all of Florida State, Clemson, and Louisville in crossover games.  Seriously, anything could happen here.  0-12.  12-0.  Ultimately, however, the Confidential goes with a a default over-under of 7.5 wins.

What do you think?  Over or under?  Let us know.

Prior discussions: Florida State Georgia Tech Wake Forest Pitt Virginia Virginia Tech Louisville Miami Notre Dame NC State

Posted by acaffrey in Football, Over/Under, Poll, Predictions and tagged , , , , , ,
21 Jul 2015
11 Comments

The Football Over-Unders for 2015: NC State

This article is another in a series of articles in which the Confidential opines regarding the over/under for football wins in 2015.  We’ll take a cursory look at the schedule and determine what we think is the point where folks will struggle to select “over” or “under.”  We hope people will share their comments as to “why” they are going over/under.  If you disagree with our over/under choice, of course, feel free to let us know too.  The next team up: North Carolina State.  We are going with an over/under of 7.5 regular season wins.

  1. September 5 vs Troy
  2. September 12 vs Eastern Kentucky
  3. September 19 @ Old Dominion
  4. September 26 @ South Alabama
  5. October 3 vs Louisville
  6. October 9 @ Virginia Tech
  7. October 24 @ Wake Forest
  8. October 31  vs Clemson
  9. November 7 @ Boston College
  10. November 14 @ Florida State
  11. November 21 vs Syracuse
  12. November 28 vs North Carolina

Likely losses: Louisville, Clemson, Florida State

Likely wins: September’s slate.

Summary:  North Carolina State is scheduling itself for 4-0 in out-of-conference play–that much is clear.  The only difficulty here is that two of the games are road games.  No P5 games outside of conference is shameful.  But smart, as NC State only has to win 2 conference games (Syracuse and Wake Forest) to get to a bowl.  And its not like NC State cannot beat Virginia Tech, Boston College or North Carolina also.  Even if we might not be impressed with 6 wins, 9 wins is not out of the question.  Ultimately, however, the Confidential goes with an over-under of 7.5 wins.

What do you think?  Over or under?  Let us know.

Prior discussions: Florida State Georgia Tech Wake Forest Pitt Virginia Virginia Tech Louisville Miami Notre Dame

Posted by acaffrey in Football, Over/Under, Poll, Predictions and tagged , , , , , ,
20 Jul 2015
2 Comments

The Football Over-Unders for 2015: Clemson

This article is another in a series of articles in which the Confidential opines regarding the over/under for football wins in 2015.  We’ll take a cursory look at the schedule and determine what we think is the point where folks will struggle to select “over” or “under.”  We hope people will share their comments as to “why” they are going over/under.  If you disagree with our over/under choice, of course, feel free to let us know too.  The next team up: Clemson.  We are going with an over/under of 10 regular season wins.

  1. September 5 vs Wofford
  2. September 12 vs Appalachian State
  3. September 17 @ Louisville
  4. October 3 vs Notre Dame
  5. October 10 vs Georgia Tech
  6. October 17 vs. Boston College
  7. October 24 @ Miami
  8. October 31 @ NC State
  9. November 7 vs Florida State
  10. November 14 @ Syracuse
  11. November 21 vs Wake Forest
  12. November 28 @ South Carolina

Likely losses: One of Notre Dame/Florida State, one of Louisville/South Carolina

Likely wins: Wofford, Appalachian State, BC, Syracuse, Wake Forest

Summary:  Clemson has an interesting schedule, with two gimmes to start the season and develop confidence–unlike the Georgia games of recent years.  And 5 of the first 6 are home games.  This means that only 2 of the final 6 are home games… and those 2 include a game against Florida State.  We think that Clemson will lose one of the Notre Dame/Florida State home games, as well as one of the Louisville/South Carolina games.  Of course, Clemson could lose all four or win all four.   We are going to eschew the .5 in the win total, as 9.5 seems low and 10.5 seems too high.  In any event, look out for the Clemson Tigers this year, as the Confidential goes with an over-under of 10 wins.

What do you think?  Over or under?  Let us know.

Prior discussions: Florida State Georgia Tech Wake Forest Pitt Virginia Virginia Tech Louisville Miami Notre Dame

Posted by acaffrey in Football, Over/Under, Poll, Predictions and tagged , , , , , ,
17 Jul 2015
8 Comments

The Football Over-Unders for 2015: Notre Dame

This article is another in a series of articles in which the Confidential opines regarding the over/under for football wins in 2015.  We’ll take a cursory look at the schedule and determine what we think is the point where folks will struggle to select “over” or “under.”  We hope people will share their comments as to “why” they are going over/under.  If you disagree with our over/under choice, of course, feel free to let us know too.  The next team up: Notre Dame.  We are going with an over/under of 9.5 regular season wins.

  1. September 5 vs Texas
  2. September 12 @ Virginia
  3. September 19 vs Georgia Tech
  4. September 26 vs UMass
  5. October 3 @ Clemson
  6. October 10 vs Navy
  7. October 17 vs. Southern Cal
  8. October 31 @ Temple
  9. November 7 @ Pittsburgh
  10. November 14 vs Wake Forest
  11. November 21 @ Boston College (Fenway)
  12. November 28 @ Stanford

Likely losses: @ Clemson, @ Stanford

Likely wins: Texas, @ Virginia, UMass, Navy, @ Temple, Wake Forest

Summary:  Notre Dame’s schedule is not TOO awful this year from a difficulty standpoint.  Unlike the full-time ACC schools, Notre Dame has several winnable games OOC–UMass, Navy, Temple.  Then, games against Wake Forest and @ Virginia look interesting.  The opener against Texas should go the Irish’s way too.  So that’s 6 wins.  Can the Irish win 4 of the remaining 6? Probably.  But note how the second half gets much tougher, with road trips to Temple, Pitt, BC, and Stanford.  We see loses to Clemson, Stanford, and at least one other team… with one more game being the swing.  The Confidential goes with an over-under of 9.5 wins.

What do you think?  Over or under?  Let us know.

Prior discussions: Florida State Georgia Tech Wake Forest Pitt Virginia Virginia Tech Louisville Miami Notre Dame

Posted by acaffrey in Football, Over/Under, Poll, Predictions and tagged , , , , , ,
14 Jul 2015
10 Comments

The Football Over-Unders for 2015: Miami

This article is another in a series of articles in which the Confidential opines regarding the over/under for football wins in 2015.  We’ll take a cursory look at the schedule and determine what we think is the point where folks will struggle to select “over” or “under.”  We hope people will share their comments as to “why” they are going over/under.  If you disagree with our over/under choice, of course, feel free to let us know too.  The next team up: Miami.  We are going with an over/under of 6.5 regular season wins.

  1. September 5 vs Bethune-Cookman
  2. September 11 @ Florida Atlantic
  3. September 19 vs Nebraska
  4. October 1 @ Cincinnati
  5. October 10 @ Florida State
  6. October 17 vs. Virginia Tech
  7. October 24 vs. Clemson
  8. October 31 @ Duke
  9. November 7 vs Virginia
  10. November 14 @ North Carolina
  11. November 21 vs Georgia Tech
  12. November 28 @ Pittsburgh

Likely losses: Florida State, Nebraska or Clemson,

Likely wins: Bethune-Cookman, Florida Atlantic

Summary:  Louisville’s schedule is tough, but Miami’s might be tougher.  OOC road games against Florida Atlantic and Cincinnati, sandwiched around a home game against Nebraska.  Then, the first four conference games are @ FSU, Virginia Tech, Clemson, and @ Duke.  Only 6 home games overall.  This is a very tough schedule for Miami–even with the promising offense.  Assume a 2-0 start–do you see 5 wins the rest of the way?  UNC, Duke, and Pitt are winnable–but on the road.  The Confidential goes with an over-under of 6.5 wins.

What do you think?  Over or under?  Let us know.

Prior discussions: Florida State Georgia Tech Wake Forest Pitt Virginia Virginia Tech Louisville

Posted by acaffrey in Football, Over/Under, Poll, Predictions and tagged , , , , , ,

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