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		ACC Season Recap

		Boston College Eagles Final Season Record: 9-3, defeated Boise State 27-21 in the MPC Computers Bowl 2005 Preseason Prediction: 8-3 What went right: Although senior quarterback Quinton Porter had more experience, the switch to sophomore Matt Ryan is going to pay dividends for the Eagles. In ten games, the young quarterback threw for 1514 yards and eight touchdowns to five interceptions. Ryan showed poise and as the season went along, he grew more comfortable standing in the pocket and making throws downfield. Ryan should be a stable for the Eagles success in the next two seasons. Also, Porter and Ryan were only sacked 12 times this year, a sure sign that the offensive line was one of the best in the NCAA. The switch of Will Blackmon to the offensive side was a success, as the senior caught 51 balls for 763 yards and four touchdowns. Defensively, the Eagles were led by senior defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka. Kiwanuka finished with 9.5 sacks in the regular season and is a sure bet to be drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft. Outside of Kiwanuka, the rest of the defensive line was strong and the linebackers helped to limit opposing rushing attacks to 95.2 rushing yards per game. Linebacker Brian Toal was valuable on defense, but also scored six rushing touchdowns in 2005. What went wrong: If the Eagles want to be considered one of the ACC's elite, they must step up against the best teams in the conference. The Eagles lost to Florida State and Virginia Tech by a combined 31 points. Obviously, the Eagles can't frown on nine wins, but beating the Noles or Hokies would help their credibility within the conference. Also, the Eagles lost a winnable game against North Carolina, which can't happen if the Eagles want to seriously contend for the ACC title. In terms of what the team can improve upon the next season, the rushing attack needs more consistency and the pass defense needs work. Final Thoughts on 2005: The Eagles first season in the ACC was a solid one and there is nothing to be ashamed of. Also, their six point victory in the MPC Computers Bowl was huge and should set-up the Eagles for another solid year in 2006. The Eagles offense was up and down, but settled when Ryan tookover the starting spot. Head coach Tom O'Brien loves to run the ball and although Whitworth and Callender were alright, they weren't spectacular and didn't really provide a breakaway threat at the position. Moving Blackmon to the receiving corps was valuable and the defense didn't really suffer. Although Kiwanuka missed two games, the defense was still strong. Statistically, the Eagles ranked 52nd in pass defense, which was of slight concern, but the run defense ranked eight. The pass defense wasn't spectacular, but they only allowed nine passing touchdowns this year. Also helping the pass defense was a good pass rush, which was led by Kiwanuka and fellow defensive lineman Al Washington. Key returning players/departures: Quarterback Matt Ryan, Running backs Andre Callender and L.V. Whitworth, Wide receivers Tony Gonzalez and Kevin Challenger, Guards James Marten and Josh Beekman, Offensive tackle Gosder Cherilus, Defensive linemen B.J. Raji and Nick Larkin, Linebacker Brian Toal, Defensive backs Ryan Glasper and Jamie Silva Departures: Offensive tackle Jeremy Trueblood, Center Pat Ross, Wide receiver Larry Lester, Wide receiver Will Blackmon, Tight end Chris Miller, Defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka, Defensive tackle Al Washington, Cornerback Jazzmen Williams, Linebackers Ricky Brown and Ray Henderson Look ahead to 2006: O'Brien always has the Eagles ready to soar and 2006 should be no exception. The return of quarterback Matt Ryan should pay dividends, as the sophomore played well in the bowl game and gave the offense stability. Although Ryan returns, the Eagles will need to replace two key offensive linemen and need more production from their ground game. Also, the departure of Blackmon and Lester leaves the wide receivers without a breakaway threat. Blackmon was also a key special teams player. Defensively, losing Kiwanuka is going to be huge and his presence must be replaced. The loss of Williams is a big blow in the secondary, but three starters still return. The linebacking corps must also find two new starters. The defense may need some time to regain their form of 2005. Although the Eagles lose key personnel on both sides of the ball, expect them to find a way into another bowl game. The Eagles aren't likely to win the ACC Atlantic crown, but seven or eight wins are reasonable. Clemson Tigers Final Season Record: 8-4, defeated Colorado 19-10 in the Champs Sports Bowl 2005 Preseason Prediction: 6-5 What went right: With the ACC's move to 12 teams, the Tigers were one of those middle of the pack teams that needed to get better right away to have any shot at contending for the divisional title. Quarterback Charlie Whitehurst's senior leadership was valuable and back-up Will Proctor got experience that will be helpful next season. Freshman running back James Davis will be a staple for future Tiger success and he'll only get better next season. Defensively, the Tigers weren't bad at forcing turnovers and they did a good job at getting to the quarterback. What went wrong: One of the big concerns for the Tigers were close losses. The close losses put this team into a mid-tier bowl game, although they were obviously better than that. The Tigers have to start the season better, but 2005 wasn't a failure by any stretch of the imagination. Offensively, injuries to Whitehurst and Davis hindered the offensive production. Whitehurst had an eleven touchdown to nine interception ratio, which isn't great. The offense needed more consistency and more touchdowns from the passing game. Outside of the injuries, the offense was solid. Defensively, the defense wasn't great, but wasn't bad either. The Tigers had a great pass rush, but could've used more production from the entire unit. Final Thoughts on 2005: The 2005 Tigers were only 14 points away from an undefeated season. Considering that, this team took Miami, Fla. into overtime, knocked off Florida State and barely lost to Boston College and Georgia Tech. The Tigers close losses kept them from reaching the ACC title game, but winning four straight to close the season was impressive. Although Whitehurst battled a shoulder injury most of the season, the senior played well and having freshman running back James Davis emerge, really helped this offense. Whitehurst threw behind a veteran offensive line and the receivers got a boost from the development of Chansi Stuckey and the emergence of Aaron Kelly. On the defense, the Tigers were good, but not great. The run and pass defense both ranked in the top 40 in the NCAA and the Tigers were good at getting pressure on the quarterback. Charles Bennett registered 9.5 sacks, while Gaines Adams gave the Tigers another sack threat with 7.5. Kicker Jad Dean was steady, as he nailed 22 of 29 during the regular season. Head coach Tommy Bowden is often criticized for his slow starts, but his teams know how to finish each season and 2005 is no different. Key returning players/departures: Returning: Running back James Davis, Offensive linemen Barry Richardson, Roman Fry, Dustin Fry and Marion Dukes, Wide receivers Chansi Stuckey and Aaron Kelly, Quarterback Will Proctor, Defensive end Gaines Adams, Linebackers Anthony Waters and Nick Watkins, Defensive back C.J. Gaddis, Kicker Jad Dean Departures: Quarterback Charlie Whitehurst, Offensive lineman Chip Myrick, Tight end Bobby Williamson, Wide receiver Curtis Baham, Defensive linemen Trey Tate, Cory Groover and Charles Bennett, Cornerback Tye Hill, Safety Jamaal Fudge Look ahead to 2006: If there is a sleeper team for the 2006 ACC season, the Tigers would be it. Thanks to a solid core of returning talent, this team should be the number two team in the ACC Atlantic going into the season. Although Proctor has experience, he'll need to prove that he can beat Florida State, Miami, Fla. and Boston College right away. The Tigers are still the underdogs in the conference and they'll have to prove they can consistency compete with the big dogs. Outside of Proctor, the offense should be fine, but defensively there are holes. The defensive line will need rebuilding and the secondary loses two key players. Overall, expect another solid season for the Tigers and another bowl berth, but expecting a division title is too much to ask. Duke Blue Devils Final Season Record: 1-10 2005 Preseason Prediction: 3-8 What went right: When you finish 1-10, there aren't many bright spots. Offensively, the Blue Devils couldn't throw the ball and when they did, they had a knack for turnovers. Running back Justin Boyle rushed for 458 yards and nine touchdowns, which is a good sign. Boyle is a sophomore and has provided a ray of hope in the running game. Tight end Ben Patrick led the team with 30 receptions for 252 yards and would be a household name if he played elsewhere. Defensively, the Blue Devils ranked 40th in the NCAA in pass defense. Freshman linebacker Michael Brown led the team in tackles and should be a good building block for next season. Junior cornerback John Talley picked off five passes and was a key reason why the Blue Devils had success in pass defense. What went wrong: One win should say it all. The Blue Devils played poorly this season and lost to East Carolina in the first game of the year. That was a winnable game for the Blue Devils and that set the tone for 2005. Offensively, the combination of Zack Asack and Mike Schneider did very little to win games as the starting quarterback. Without a passing game, the Blue Devils couldn't score. Their highest point total came against 1-AA VMI, which was 40 points. Defensively, the Blue Devils couldn't stop the run. Their inability to stop the run wore down the defense and they spent too much time on the field. Final Thoughts on 2005: Head coach Ted Roof brought much needed enthusiasm to the program, but that hasn't translated into wins. The Blue Devils need a heavy infusion of talent and they seem to constantly start freshman and sophomores, but they don't improve. The quarterback situation was horrible this season and that has to be changed next year. If the Blue Devils can get better protection from the offensive line and more production at the quarterback spot, that should help open the ground game. Defensively, the Blue Devils were terrible at stopping the run and that was the culprit in several of their losses. Key returning players/departures: Returning: Running back Justin Boyle, tight end Ben Patrick, linebacker Michael Brown, safety Chris Davis, cornerback John Talley Departures: linebacker Brendan Dewan Look ahead to 2006: With only one win in 2005, there has to be some improvement. The Blue Devils started several young players and if they can develop, three to four wins are expected. The quarterback situation needs to be cleared up and redshirt freshman Gene Delle Donne might be the answer. Running back Justin Boyle is a threat, but the offense could use a gamebreaker. Also, the talent at receiver is so-so. Defensively, they have to stop the run and get off the field on third downs. A better pass rush and better physical play up front would help. The Blue Devils can only go up, but they have a lot of work to do and it won't be easy. Florida State Seminoles Final Season Record: 8-5, lost to Penn State 26-23 in the Orange Bowl 2005 Preseason Prediction: 8-3 What went right: Head coach Bobby Bowden has every reason to be proud of this team. Coming into 2005, the Seminoles weren't picked to finish very high by some, but football.com believed they were the best in the ACC Atlantic and that's exactly how it shook out. The Seminoles had several freshman see playing time, the most important being quarterback Drew Weatherford. Weatherford played well enough to earn football.com's top ACC quarterback award and had a nice cast of developing receivers. The defense didn't have as many big names as in previous years, but 2005 was a solid year for this unit. After losing top defensive lineman Clifton Dickson and top cornerback Antonio Cromartie, the Seminoles just reloaded and got enough production to finish 14th in NCAA total defense rankings. Overall, the Noles defensive output was solid and enough players return next season that the Noles should keep that total defense ranking. What went wrong: The biggest downfall for the Seminoles was their offensive line and their inability to run the ball. The offensive line had three key injuries early in the season and that prevented the Noles from establishing their ground attack. Running backs Leon Washington and Lorenzo Booker are potential 1000 yard backs, but could only manage Final Thoughts on 2005: When 2005 began, the Noles had an uncertain situation at quarterback and they fully expected their running game to lead the way. However, that wasn't the case at all, as Weatherford grew into the ACC's freshman of the year and the running game stalled out. The Seminoles lack of production from their offensive line really hurt this team and prevented the running game from taking off. Defensively, the pass defense was a little suspect at times, but overall wasn't bad. The Seminoles got a break in the kicking game against Miami, but those demons reappeared when they lost to Penn State in the Orange Bowl. Bowden can't be disappointed in this young's team run to the ACC Championship. Key returning players/departures: Returning: Quarterback Drew Weatherford, Running backs Lorenzo Booker and Antone Smith, Wide receivers: De'Cody Fagg, Greg Carr, Chris Davis and Fred Rouse, Linebackers Buster Davis and Lawrence Timmons, Cornerbacks Tony Carter and J.R. Bryant, Kicker Gary Cismesia Departing: Running back Leon Washington, Wide Receiver Willie Reid, Linebackers A.J. Nicholson and Ernie Sims, safeties: Kyler Hall and Pat Watkins, Defensive Linemen Broderick Bunkley and Kamerion Wimbley, cornerback Antonio Cromartie, Punter Chris Hall Look ahead to 2006: Watch out for the Seminoles in 2006, 2007 and 2008. Bowden knows he's building something in Tallahassee and something that could result in another national championship. The Seminoles will start out as the top team in the ACC Atlantic and could contend for the national championship if they find bodies along the offensive line. The offense should only get better if a line forms, especially with Weatherford only getting better. Defensively, the Seminoles will miss Cromartie and Nicholson, but this team reloads. It's not unreasonable to think that the Seminoles could win the ACC and once again compete in a BCS game, but they'll need a better offensive line and better run production next season. Expect the Noles to win the ACC Atlantic and should have a great shot at winning the ACC Championship game once again. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Final Season Record: 7-5, lost 38-10 to Utah in the Emerald Bowl 2005 Preseason Prediction: 7-4 What went right: Starting the season 3-0 and knocking off Miami, Fla, Clemson and Auburn are all positives for the Yellow Jackets. However, the Yellow Jackets lost games to N.C. State and Virginia, which were very winnable games. The offense had flashes of hope, but overall struggled. Even though he missed one game, running back P.J. Daniels was strong and back-up Tashard Choice was a dependable player. The defense was the bread and butter for this team, as they ranked tenth in total defense and only allowed 18.5 points per game. What went wrong: Since Chan Gailey has taken over as the Yellow Jackets head coach, the team is always up and down. Along with N.C. State, Maryland and North Carolina, the Yellow Jackets are the ACC's version of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. If the Yellow Jackets want to be seriously considered as one of the ACC's elite, that has to change. Ball is always up and down and Gailey has to either mold him into a better quarterback next season or look for another option. The junior quarterback has tremendous ability, but can't put it together for a complete season. For the season, Ball completed 47.9 percent of his passes and threw 11 touchdowns to 12 interceptions. Ball's inability to show consistency was a main part of the team's struggles. Also, the Yellow Jackets defense was ranked tenth in total defense, but allowed 38 points to a so-so Utah offense. Obviously, the Yellow Jackets didn't show up to play in the Emerald Bowl and their defense gave up way too many yards and points. Final Thoughts on 2005: Disappointment, that's how 2005 could be summed up for the Yellow Jackets. Obviously, losses to the Wolfpack, Cavaliers and Utes were very confusing and victories against the Hurricanes and Tigers were positive. Ball was too inconsistent for the offense and Daniels battled injuries once again. The offensive line was strong, allowing only ten sacks this season. Defensively, the Yellow Jackets were strong and that unit led the team to their upset victory against the Hurricanes. However, the defense also let this team down against the Utes and Cavaliers. Key returning players/departures: Returning: Quarterback Reggie Ball, Wide receiver Calvin Johnson, Running back Tashard Choice, Linebackers KaMichael Hall and Philip Wheeler, Cornerback Kenny Scott Departures: Wide receiver Damarius Bilbo, Running back P.J. Daniels, Offensive tackle Brad Honeycutt, Defensive end Eric Henderson, Linebacker Gerris Wilkinson, Safeties Chris Reis and Dawan Landry Look ahead to 2006: If the Yellow Jackets want to contend in 2006, finding consistency in their passing game is going to be key. Johnson is really the team's only weapon, but he can't do it all by himself. Ball has to be more consistent and the offense needs another receiver to emerge. The offensive line returns four out of five starters, which is a good thing and Choice should be an effective runner. Defensively, the team loses a couple of key players, but enough of a core returns for a successful defense in 2006. With the whipping that that Utes laid on the Yellow Jackets in the Emerald Bowl, this team needs to come out ready in 2006. Don't expect the Yellow Jackets to win the ACC Coastal Division, but expect another bowl game and six to seven wins. Maryland Terrapins Final Season Record: 5-6 2005 Preseason Prediction: 6-5 What went right: One of the bright spots for the Terrapins was the play of quarterback Sam Hollenbach. Hollenbach battled injuries this season, but appears to be the answer at quarterback. The junior quarterback completed 61 percent of his passes and threw for 2539 yards. The running game was expected to drop-off when running back Josh Allen was lost for the season with a knee injury, but Lance Ball picked up the slack. Ball rushed for 903 yards and six touchdowns and is another building block for this offense. Head coach Ralph Friedgen is an offensive guru, but this offense has stalled out in recent seasons. Friedgen has to get this offense turned around and Hollenbach and Ball are starting spots. Tight end Vernon Davis was a man among boys in 2005, as he caught 51 passes for 871 yards and six touchdowns. Davis is a junior and he may enter the NFL Draft. Defensively, linebacker D'Qwell Jackson was always around the ball, as he made 137 tackles. Jackson was the unquestioned leader of the defense and helped this unit grow throughout the season. Senior safety Milton Harris notched 82 tackles and was a big reason why the Terrapins ranked 18th in the NCAA. What went wrong: The offensive line allowed quarterbacks to be sacked 31 times this season. The line has to play better in 2006 and give the quarterback more time to throw. Also, the Terrapins didn't get enough big plays from their receivers. Although Hollenbach was an excellent passer, he had more interceptions (15) than touchdowns (13). The run defense had a bad year, especially considering the strength of the defense was their linebackers. The rush defense ranked 80th in the NCAA, which signifies that the Terrapins really need help along the defensive line. Final Thoughts on 2005: The Terrapins final game of the season ended any hopes of going to a bowl game. The Terrapins couldn't get a victory against N.C. State and had to sit at home for the bowl season. Offensively, more consistency was needed and with another off-season to work on the passing game, Hollenbach should help the Terrapins get back onto the bowl scene. Defensively, this team struggled and that contributed to their losses. The special teams weren't bad, but field goal kicker Dan Ennis could be more consistent from 30 yards and out. Key returning players/departures: Returning: Quarterback Sam Hollenbach, running back Lance Ball, safety Chris Varner, cornerback Josh Wilson, linebacker David Holloway Departing: Linebackers D'Qwell Jackson and William Kershaw, cornerback Gerrick McPhearson, tight end Vernon Davis Look ahead to 2006: Getting to a bowl game in 2006 will depend upon getting more consistent play from the offense and the defense will need to shore up the front seven. Hollenbach has to play with more consistency and needs to cut down on the turnovers. Friedgen has a good developing back in Lance Ball and Hollenbach's passing lanes should open up more in 2006. The offensive line has to perform a little better, but with a few less turnovers, the Terrapins might be bowling. Defensively, losing Jackson, Kershaw and McPhearson are going to be huge. Jackson's presence in the middle was large and the Terrapins will struggle to replace him. The Terrapins have key holes to fill, but if Friedgen can get his offense going again and the defense to shore up the run problems, they can reach a bowl game. Miami, Fla. Hurricanes Final Season Record: 9-3 2005 Preseason Prediction: 10-1 What went right: When you have to break in a new quarterback, there is obviously going to be a learning curve. Sophomore quarterback Kyle Wright looked great at times, but at other times looked lost. Wright ended the season with 18 touchdowns and ten interceptions, but the sophomore racked up touchdowns against Temple and Duke, which inflated his numbers. When running back Tyrone Moss was lost for the season with an ACL tear, sophomore Charlie Jones played well. The receivers were so-so, but tight end Greg Olsen was a trusty option. Defensively, the team dominated opponents, allowing only 11.9 points during the regular season. The secondary was particularly tough against opponents, allowing only six passing touchdowns during the regular season. Also, the defense allowed seven or less points five times this year. What went wrong: The biggest disappointment of the 2005 season had to be the ‘Canes losses to Georgia Tech and LSU. Although losing to arch-rival Florida State isn't well appreciated, the Yellow Jackets and Tigers were winnable games. In the bowl game against the Tigers, the ‘Canes number three ranked total defense was plastered for 40 points. Obviously, the ‘Canes were disappointed about not going to a bigger bowl game and it clearly showed. Also, the Yellow Jackets defense dominated the ‘Canes offense, which clearly showed the offense's weaknesses. Wright was up and down and the offensive line was shaky. Wright was sacked 34 times in 12 games, which isn't a good statistic. For a speedy set of receivers, none of the Hurricane wideout were really impressive. Sinorice Moss led the team with 37 receptions for 614 yards and six touchdowns, but no real number one receiver emerged. Final Thoughts on 2005: Check disappointment for the ‘Canes 2005 season. The ‘Canes contend for championships every year and they blew a key opportunity to get back into the BCS this year. The loss to Georgia Tech was horrible and without that loss, they rematch Florida State in the ACC Championship game. Although Brock Berlin wasn't a fan favorite at quarterback, Wright wasn't much better. The ‘Canes defense was tough, but gave up big plays in the Peach Bowl and didn't really develop a consistent pass rush this season. Key returning players/departures: Returning: Quarterback Kyle Wright, Running backs Charlie Jones and Tyrone Moss, Center Anthony Wollschlager, Tight end Greg Olsen, Defensive end Bryan Pata, Defensive tackle Baraka Atkins, Linebackers Romeo Davis and Jon Beason, Safeties Brandon Merriweather and Kenny Phillips, Kicker Jon Peattie Departures: Offensive tackles Eric Winston and Rashad Butler, Offensive guards Tyler McMeans and Tony Tella, Wide receiver Sinorice Moss, Defensive tackle Orien Harris, Defensive end Thomas Carroll, Linebacker Rocky McIntosh, Cornerbacks Kelly Jennings and Marcus Maxey, Athlete Devin Hester Look ahead to 2006: Head coach Larry Coker has some rebuilding to do if the ‘Canes want to return to promience in the ACC. Offensively, Wright has promise, but the youngster was up and down in 2005. The current sophomore has to find a way to show more consistency, but he could be helped by better offensive line play. The loss of four offensive line starters isn't going to make life easier either. Look for Tyrone Moss and Charlie Jones to get a big workload, but the running game could struggle without line help. Defensively, expect the ‘Canes to once again be solid. The linebackers and secondary should be solid and with a little help, the line will be in good shape. Coker is feeling some heat from the ‘Canes faithful and he needs to win right away. Expect the ‘Canes to find a way to get into the top two of the ACC Coastal Division and they'll likely find themselves neck and neck with the Hokies. North Carolina Tar Heels Final Season Record: 5-6 2005 Preseason Prediction: 1-10 What went right: The biggest thing that the Tar Heels did right was win five games. Before the season started, football.com predicted the Tar Heels to finish 1-10 and with good reason. The team lost starting quarterback Darian Durant and had to replace a couple of other key players. Winning five games was a huge step for the Tar Heels and although they always didn't win pretty, a win is a win. Quarterback Matt Baker played well at times and the running game was alright. Defensively, the Tar Heels were alright, but nothing special. Return man Brandon Tate averaged 25.8 yards per kickoff return and should make a bigger impact at receiver next season. What went wrong: One of the downfalls for the Tar Heels was their lack of firepower on offense. Every offense needs a gamebreaker and although Baker was steady, he simply didn't test defenses deep. Also, the offensive line was up and down and the injury to running back Ronnie McGill slowed the offense's progress early on. The Tar Heels blew a chance to knock off Maryland, as they lost by three points and struggled in a 14-5 loss to Wisconsin. Obviously, losing close games prevented this team from reaching a bowl game. Final Thoughts on 2005: Not much was expected of the Tar Heels, but they came within one victory of making a bowl game. Head coach John Bunting has been faced with criticism in the past couple of years, but Bunting has the Tar Heels competing well every season. Although wins and losses are important, the Tar Heels obviously don't have the talent of Florida State, Miami, Fla. and Virginia Tech, so five wins in a much-improved ACC are solid. Neither side of the ball was spectacular, but the Tar Heels just found a way to win games. Key returning players/departures: Returning: Running backs Ronnie McGill and Barrington Edwards, Wide receivers Brandon Tate and Jesse Holley, Tight end Jon Hamlett, Linebacker Larry Edwards, safeties Kareen Taylor and Trimane Goddard, Departures: Quarterback Matt Baker, Offensive lineman Kyle Ralph, Linebacker Tommy Richardson, cornerback Cedrick Holt, defensive end Tommy Davis, defensive tackle Chase Page Look ahead to 2006: Bunting has found a way to get players he likes and make them work with his system. 2006 is going to be another rebuilding year, particularly at quarterback. The Tar Heels need to find a quarterback that can start for the next two or three years, especially since this team doesn't need to constantly be rebuilding. Cameron Sexton was a top recruit at the position and may be the Tar Heels starter. Look for the running game to lead the offense, until the quarterback position can be settled. Defensively, the Tar Heels return a solid core, but the defense wasn't all that great this year. Losing two solid safeties is a concern and the Tar Heels could use more turnovers next season. Although Bunting has found a way to get his teams into position for bowl games, 2006 is going to be another tough year. The non-conference schedule features games against Rutgers, South Florida, Furman and Notre Dame. Thanks to the improvements by Rutgers and South Florida, those can't be considered winnable games anymore. Either way, look for the Tar Heels to get three to six wins, but will likely miss the bowl season for another year. N.C. State Wolfpack Final Season Record: 7-5, defeated South Florida 14-0 in Meineke Car Care Bowl 2005 Preseason Prediction: 7-4 What went right: A young rushing attack led this team all the way to a seven win season. Behind Andre Brown and Toney Baker, the Wolfpack were really only able to run the ball without an effective passing game. When the Wolfpack could throw, the receivers were capable players. Defensively, thanks to the play of ends Mario Williams and Manny Lawson, opposing quarterbacks had nightmares when facing the Wolfpack. Williams finished with 13 sacks, while Lawson finished with 9.5. In terms of statistics, the Wolfpack ranked in the top 30's in rush and pass defense. What went wrong: If the Wolfpack had a quarterback, this team wouldn't be in the Meineke Car Care Bowl. The battle between Marcus Stone and Jay Davis was less than thrilling and neither quarterback was particularly great in the passing game. Stone ended up leading the offense better and won out the job. The offensive line also struggled, which only added to the quarterback issues. Final Thoughts on 2005: Strangely, head coach Chuck Amato faced tough criticism from the Wolfpack fans about their lackluster season. Although the Wolfpack struggled to make a bowl game this year, the Wolfpack faithful should be a little more patient with Amato. Philip Rivers obviously spoiled the Wolfpack faithful with his success and they have yet to find the right quarterback to follow the NFL first round draft pick. This year's struggles at quarterback were similar to last season and that must be addressed next season. Since the Wolfpack couldn't throw the ball, they became a power running team and led with defense. The 14-0 victory over South Florida in the Meineke Car Care Bowl was a big positive and should help this team in 2006. Key returning players/departures: Returning: Quarterback Marcus Stone, Running backs Andre Brown and Toney Baker, Defensive linemen, DeMario Pressley and Tank Tyler Departures: Defensive end Manny Lawson, receivers Brian Clark and Tramain Hall, tight end T.J. Williams, Linebacker Oliver Hoyte, cornerback Marcus Hudson, rover Garland Heath, linebacker Stephen Tulloch, Defensive linemen Mario Williams and John McCargo Look ahead to 2006: Like 2005, the success of the Wolfpack sits with their quarterback position. With Davis graduating, the job is Stone's to lose and he'll have to improve his passing numbers to even consider keeping the job. Look for the rushing attack to lead the Wolfpack, but they'll need to be better with the forward pass. Defensively, the defense loses a couple of key players and the losses got even bigger when Williams decided to bolt for the NFL. Obviously, the Wolfpack are a middle of the pack team heading into 2006 and Amato will have to make several improvements to get them to move any higher in the standings. Look for the Wolfpack to win four to seven games next year, but don't rule out a bowl game. Virginia Tech Hokies Final Season Record: 10-2, defeated Louisville 35-24 for Gator Bowl title 2005 Preseason Prediction: 10-1 What went right: At times, quarterback Marcus Vick looked like an All-American and at times, he looked like a freshman. Vick struggled to play well against Florida State and Miami, Fla., who are the two best teams in the ACC. Outside of those two teams, the junior played well. Cedric Humes, Mike Imoh and Brenden Ore were all effective runners and the cast of receivers provided Vick with an excellent core of weapons. On the defensive side of the ball, the Hokies were tough, but had lapses against the Seminoles and Hurricanes. Defensive end Darryl Tapp played well and cornerback Jimmy Williams usually eliminated one receiver from the game-plan. What went wrong: After battling off the field incidents, Vick made some changes and appeared to put those incidents behind. However, his antics against West Virginia and Louisville raised questions about his maturity. Now the talented junior is gone and the Hokies have to rebuild their offense. The biggest problem for the Hokies was their losses to the Seminoles and Hurricanes. In the past couple of years, the Hokies have had question marks as they closed the season and 2005/2006 was no different. Losing the two biggest games of the year virtually gave the Hokies a disappointing season and the Gator Bowl wasn't exactly a prize for them. Final Thoughts on 2005: Head coach Frank Beamer has the Hokies another ten win season and another bowl victory. The veteran head coach had a solid team this year, but once again, the Hokies couldn't find a way to get the job done against the Hurricanes or Seminoles. Vick's return at quarterback was good and bad, as his antics provide criticism for the Hokie program. The defense was sharp, but they gave up 27 points to the Hurricanes and Seminoles, which isn't good. Overall, although the Hokies won ten games, this isn't what was expected. After dreaming of a national championship with a 8-0 start, the Hokies looked very lackluster at times to close the season. Key returning players/departures: Returning: Kicker Brandon Pace, Running back Brenden Ore, Receivers Josh Morgan, David Clowney and Eddie Royal, Rover Aaron Rouse, Linebackers Vince Hall and Xavier Adibi, Defensive end Chris Ellis, Cornerback Roland Minor Departures: Cornerback Jimmy Williams, Defensive end Darryl Tapp, Running backs Mike Imoh and Cedric Humes, Tight end Jeff King, Linebacker James Anderson, Defensive tackle Jonathan Lewis, Offensive guard Jason Murphy, Center Will Montgomery, Quarterback Marcus Vick Look ahead to 2006: Although the Hokies and Hurricanes lose key personnel, they'll start atop the ACC Coastal Division next year. Any chance that the Hokies have at winning the division rests with their quarterback spot. Losing Vick was a big blow to the Hokies, but the right thing to do. The offense must now find a signal caller and none of the returning quarterbacks have much game experience. The majority of the carries in 2006 will go to Ore, who's a promising youngster. The offensive line may need patching up, but the biggest concern might rest with the defense. Losing stars such as Tapp and Williams is a concern, so look for the Hokies linebacking corps to lead the way early in the year. Expect another solid year for the Hokies and they'll finish either first or second in the ACC Coastal. Virginia Cavaliers Final Season Record: 7-5, defeated Minnesota 34-31 in Music City Bowl 2005 Preseason Prediction: 7-4 What went right: Quarterback Marques Hagans made some plays with his legs and was instrumental in leading the Cavaliers to an upset victory over Florida State. Hagans had a so-so senior season, but made plays at times. The senior's top target proved to be Deyon Williams, who caught 58 balls for 767 yards and seven touchdowns. The defense forced turnovers at times, including interceptions with Tony Franklin and Marcus Hamilton. What went wrong: Once again, the Cavaliers couldn't quite get past the big dogs in the ACC. Although they knocked off the Seminoles, the Cavaliers couldn't find a way to beat (5-6) Maryland and lost 7-5 to North Carolina. Losses such as that won't impress anybody and only hurts the Cavalier program. Hagans threw 12 interceptions and only 14 touchdowns. Also, the running game was very lackluster, particularly with senior back Wali Lundy. Lundy was injured part of the season, but didn't look all that great when healthy. For an offensive line that has solid individual players, Hagans was sacked 32 times. Defensively, the Cavaliers struggled, but injuries did play a role in that area. Final Thoughts on 2005: Head coach Al Groh has recruited well, but those recruits haven't exactly translated to much on the field success. Of course, winning the Music City and Continental Tire Bowls are nice, but the type of recruits that he has brought in are ACC title ones. However, the Cavaliers just can't reach that level and have work to do next season. In 2005, the Cavaliers biggest downfall was a lack of a running game and struggles on defense. The offense was inconsistent at times and Hagans threw too many interceptions. Overall, the Cavaliers haven't really lived up to expectations recently and the Music City Bowl victory was a positive building block for next season. Key returning players/departures: Returning: Wide receiver Deyon Williams, offensive guards Branden Albert and Marshal Ausberry, Tight ends Tom Santi and Jonathan Stupar, Running back Michael Johnson, Defensive end Chris Long, Linebackers Kai Parham, Clint Sintim and Ahmad Brooks, Cornerbacks Tony Franklin and Marcus Hamilton Departures: Quarterback Marques Hagans, Running back Wali Lundy, Offensive tackles D'Brickashaw Ferguson and Brad Butler, Center Brian Barthelmes, Kicker Connor Hughes, Defensive end Brennan Schmidt Look ahead to 2006: Any hopes the Cavaliers have on winning the ACC Coastal crown will rest under center. Quarterback Chris Olsen was highly recruited but hasn't played much, so he's somewhat of an unknown at this point. Although Olsen is taking over under center, the rest of the offense may need revamping, particularly at running back and offensive line. Defensively, enough talent returns to make improvement, but Parham left to the NFL and Brooks had an injury plagued year. Look for the secondary to be solid, but the Cavaliers might have an uncertain front seven. Groh has done a nice job of consistently getting the Cavaliers into the bowl scene, as they've made four consecutive bowl games. Next year should be no different, as they'll find themselves in a bowl game, but it may not be much bigger than the MPC Computers Bowl or Music City Bowl. Wake Forest Demon Deacons Final Season Record: 4-7 2005 Preseason Prediction: 4-7 What went right: When Cory Randolph moved back into the starting quarterback role, the team immediately improved and the Deacons moved to a 4-7 record. Running back Chris Barclay rushed for 1127 yards and ten touchdowns, which is a fantastic season. Defensively, the Demon Deacons weren't bad at stopping the run. Special teams was a bright spot, as punter Ryan Plackemeier was one of the best in the NCAA. What went wrong: Head coach Jim Grobe is an excellent coach, but one move that had to be questioned is moving Randolph to wide receiver at the start of this season. Back-up Ben Mauk has promise, but didn't need to start this year. This situation reminds me of when Antwaan Randle El was at Indiana and was moved to wide receiver to make room for Jay Rogers. Unfortunately for the Hoosiers, that was a horrible move and this was to. Randolph isn't a great passer, he just brings intangibles such as leadership and the ability to win to the table. Also on the offense, outside of Nate Morton, the offense didn't really have a dependable receiving option. Also, consider that the Demon Deacons were nine points away from six wins. Losing by four to Vanderbilt and five to Boston College were tough losses to stomach. The defense also struggled at stopping the pass, which isn't good, when you face teams like Clemson, Florida State and Boston College, all teams that like to throw the ball. Final Thoughts on 2005: Coming into the season, the Deacons wanted to find a way to win the close games and that plan didn't quite work out in 2005. The Deacons lost two close games that cost them bowl opportunities and starting Randolph earlier might've changed how the season went. The Deacons are always going to be a tough out in the ACC, but they've got to get better on defense and get Mauk back on track at quarterback. Key returning players/departures: Returning: Quarterback Ben Mauk, Running back Micah Andrews, Wide receivers Nate Morton and Demir Boldin, Offensive tackle Steve Vallos, Defensive end Matt Robinson, Linebacker Jonathan Abbate, Safeties Josh Gattis and Patrick Ghee, Kicker Sam Swank Departures: Quarterback Cory Randolph, Running back Chris Barclay, Offensive tackle Greg Adkins, Punter Ryan Plackemeier, Defensive tackle Goryal Scales Look ahead to 2006: Grobe always has the Deacons playing well, but 2006 is going to be a real test. Mauk struggled at quarterback and he'll be the key to their success. If Mauk can get going, the offense shouldn't be too bad. Andrews is an effective runner and the running game shouldn't drop off too much. Defensively, the Deacons have to shore up holes in the passing defense and get the unit to play at an overall higher level. Right now, the Deacons don't appear to have enough to get back to a bowl game, especially in a tough ACC. Look for the Deacons to hover around four and five wins, but will need an upset to get back into the bowl mix. 2005-2006 All-ACC Team QB Drew Weatherford, Florida State RB Chris Barclay, Wake Forest RB Lance Ball, Maryland WR Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech WR Chansi Stuckey, Clemson TE Vernon Davis, Maryland OL D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Virginia OL Eric Winston, Miami, Fla. OL Kyle Ralph, North Carolina OL Jeremy Trueblood, Boston College OL Jason Murphy, Virginia Tech DL Mario Williams, N.C. State DL Mathias Kiwanuka, Boston College DL Darryl Tapp, Virginia Tech DL Manny Lawson, N.C. State LB D'Qwell Jackson, Maryland LB Stephen Tulloch, N.C. State. LB Kai Parham, Virginia DB Jimmy Williams, Virginia Tech DB Tye Hill, Clemson DB Kelly Jennings, Miami, Fla. DB Brandon Merriweather, Miami, Fla. K Connor Hughes, Virginia P Ryan Plackemeier, Wake Forest KR Devin Hester, Miami, Fla. PR Willie Reid, Florida State Steven Lassan is a senior NCAA and NFL staff writer and NCAA content manager for Football.com. You can reach him at: ncaagurusteven@yahoo.com.