I've completed ACC Atlantic Division previews so now it is time to begin previews for the Coastal Division. Again, I'll move north to south, saving Virginia for the end. Up first, Pittsburgh and Virginia Tech.
Pittsburgh
Last year: The Panthers finished the 2012 season 6-7 and 3-4 in the final year of the Big East, placing them second (but behind four teams) in the conference. Pitt lost, 38-17, to Ole Miss in the BBVA Compass Bowl. It started the year just 2-4 and even lost to FCS opponent Youngstown State. The Panthers' first win of the season was a surprising and resounding 35-17 squashing of Virginia Tech. Pitt ended the regular season by winning four of six games to become bowl eligible in Paul Chryst's first season as coach. The Panthers' strength on offense was their run game. Ray Graham ran for over 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns while Rushel Shell went for 677 yards and four touchdowns. Under center, senior QB Tino Sunseri completed 65.2 percent of his passes for over 3,200 yards, 21 touchdowns, and just three interceptions. On the receiving end for Sunseri were Devin Street (73 catches) and Mike Shanahan (62 receptions), who each had almost 1,000 yards receiving. Pitt's total defense was ranked 17th in the country and allowed just a tad over 21 points per game. Maddening inconsistency was Pitt's problem last year, as it lost to Youngstown State by 14 points and was blown out by Cincy. The big victory over Tech was surprising, but then the Panthers also lost to a UConn team that finished 5-7 later in the year, a week after taking undefeated Notre Dame to triple overtime before losing.
Offense: Six starters return on this side of the ball, including Street, but Sunseri is gone, as is Graham (graduation) and Shell (transfer to UCLA). The starting QB will be fifth-year senior transfer Tom Savage. He started as a true freshman in 2009 at Rutgers, completing 52 percent of his passes for 2,211 yards, 14
touchdowns and seven picks. He led the Scarlet Knights to an 8-4 record and then they defeated Central Florida in the Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl. He then transferred to Arizona, but Rich Rodriguez took over for Mike Stoops and Savage missed out on the starting job. So now he is at Pitt leading the Panthers offense. The running back situation is thin for the Panthers. Junior Isaac Bennett will be the starting running back after the exit of Graham and Shell but he's been battling a leg injury. He had 378 yards rushing and five touchdowns last season. As mentioned, Street is back at receiver, but the Panthers don't have much experience there, either. As a result, expect sophomore tight end J.P. Holtz to make a bigger impact in the passing game than last year, when he had 13 grabs for 173 yards. The line is also bit of a mishmash of freshmen and a converted defensive lineman.
Defense: This unit is returning nine starters and should be very solid after a good 2012. Defensive tackle Aaron Donald is the leader and racked up 64 tackles and 18.5 for loss last season. Beside him is nose tackle Tyrone Ezell, who tallied 39 tackles with seven for loss in 2012. Jason Hendricks is back in the secondary after six interceptions last year. Two weaknesses on defense include at end -- although the interior of Donald and Ezell should help by the attention they'll garner -- and at free safety, though Hendricks could slide over there after projected starter Eric Williams was dismissed from the team.
Special teams note: The Panthers have to find new kick and punt returners and a kicker.
Schedule, notes, outlook: Florida State, New Mexico, at Duke, Virginia, at Virginia Tech, Old Dominion, at Navy, at Georgia Tech, Notre Dame, North Carolina, at Syracuse, Miami. Pitt has had six coaches -- four permanent -- in three seasons. It will be good for the Panthers to have some continuity with Chryst back for his second season. The schedule starts tough with FSU -- a rude welcome to the ACC -- but after that, the Panthers have games they could win against New Mexico, Duke, Virginia, Old Dominion, and Navy. After that, the schedule closes tough with Georgia Tech, Notre Dame, UNC, and Miami. Pitt's defense should be very good, but the offense could struggle a lot. The Panthers might be just good enough to get to a bowl, but it could prove difficult.
Win-loss prediction: 5-7 or 6-6
Virginia Tech
Last year: The Hokies went 7-6 last season and 4-4 in the ACC, which placed them fourth in the Coastal Division. Though they won a bowl at the end of the season over Rutgers, it was a disappointing season by Virginia Tech standards. It had to win its final two regular-season games against BC and UVa just to become bowl eligible, which did extend a streak of making 20 straight bowl games. The Hokies failed to get to 10 wins for the first time since 2003 and at least eight victories for the first time since 1997. Quarterback Logan Thomas came into the year as one of the most heralded QBs in the nation but had a pretty bad year, completing just over 51 percent of his passes for just under 3,000 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions. He regressed from his breakout 2011 performance. Part of the problem was a weak running game. Thomas was the team's leading rusher, too, with just 524 yards. The leading running back was J.C. Coleman with 429 yards. Marcus Davis, Corey Fuller, and Dyrell Roberts all had over 30 catches and combined for more than 2,000 yards and 12 touchdowns. The defense was another reason Tech was not its usual self. The normally dominating Bud Foster-led unit gave up more than 20 points in seven games and 30 or more points four times.
Offense: Coach Frank Beamer made sure things changed on offense heading into this season. The Hokies
have a new offensive coordinator, offensive line coach, and wide receivers coach. Thomas must rebound from a disappointing 2012. The problem is Tech's lack of offensive weapons won't make things easy on him. Coleman might not be ready for the season opener against Alabama because of sprained ankles. Another returning running back, Michael Holmes, was kicked off the team and yet another, Tony Gregory, tore his ACL in the preseason. Trey Edmunds, who redshirted last year, could get the call at starting running back against the Crimson Tide. Joel Caleb should contribute this season, too, but he is suspended for the 'Bama game. Tech has lots of unproven weapons at receiver. Davis, Fuller, and Roberts are all gone. Demitri Knowles is the leading returner at the position with 19 catches, 240 yards, and a touchdown in 2012 but the Hokies are also getting back D.J. Coles, who missed all of last year with an injury. Also look for redshirt freshmen Joshua Stanford and Charley Meyer to contribute. The offensive line loses tackles Vinston Painter and Nick Becton from a year ago and projected starter Mark Shuman is out for a few weeks with an injury.
Defense: The defense should be the strength of the team and probably better than last year. It has some problems, too, though. Projected starting linebacker Ronny Vandyke is out for the season with a shoulder injury. Cornerback Donaldven Manning decided he was going to transfer a couple weeks ago. He started last year but was losing ground in practice to true freshmen Kendall Fuller and Brandon Facyson. Corey Marshall, who was expected to provide good depth on the second team defensive line, is taking some time away from football. Cornerback Antone Exum, who suffered a non-football injury in January, is recovering from surgery to repair his knee and won't play against Alabama. Despite these issues, Tech is talented and experienced on defense. Stars include Exum (five picks a year ago), when he returns, Kyle Fuller (older brother of Kendall) at CB (two INTs a year ago), defensive linemen Derrick Hopkins (51 tackles, 10 for loss in 2012) and Luther Maddy (35 tackles, four for loss last season), defensive end James Gayle (43 tackles, five sacks last year), and linebacker Jack Tyler (119 tackles, 13 for loss last season).
Special teams note: Knowles was dangerous as a kick returner last season, averaging 28.3 yards per return and scoring a touchdown.
Schedule, notes, outlook: Alabama (in Atlanta), Western Carolina, at East Carolina, Marshall, at Georgia Tech, North Carolina, Pittsburgh, Duke, at Boston College, at Miami, Maryland, at Virginia. Tech's season is not off to a good start. The Hokies hope to show last season's seven-win season was a fluke as they try to get back to double-digit victories. It won't be easy. The schedule is fairly tough and the injuries, transfers, and dismissals have started to pile up. The offense is bereft of proven weapons and Thomas is a question mark after a dismal 2012. The defense, if it can get back to being healthy, should gel and be very good. It will keep Tech in many games. The Hokies benefit from not having to play Clemson or Florida State, but they have to take on Alabama right out of the gate and East Carolina and Marshall are also no pushovers in the non-conference slate. Tech also will be challenged by Georgia Tech, UNC, and Miami. And, of course, Virginia would really like to break a streak of nine losses to the Hokies in Charlottesville on Nov. 30. The Hokies badly want to return to the top of the ACC but there are definitely some roadblocks. If the offense can come together, it's possible. If not, the defense will be relied on too much and it could be a rough year for VT.
Win-loss prediction: 6-6 or 7-5
Pittsburgh
Last year: The Panthers finished the 2012 season 6-7 and 3-4 in the final year of the Big East, placing them second (but behind four teams) in the conference. Pitt lost, 38-17, to Ole Miss in the BBVA Compass Bowl. It started the year just 2-4 and even lost to FCS opponent Youngstown State. The Panthers' first win of the season was a surprising and resounding 35-17 squashing of Virginia Tech. Pitt ended the regular season by winning four of six games to become bowl eligible in Paul Chryst's first season as coach. The Panthers' strength on offense was their run game. Ray Graham ran for over 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns while Rushel Shell went for 677 yards and four touchdowns. Under center, senior QB Tino Sunseri completed 65.2 percent of his passes for over 3,200 yards, 21 touchdowns, and just three interceptions. On the receiving end for Sunseri were Devin Street (73 catches) and Mike Shanahan (62 receptions), who each had almost 1,000 yards receiving. Pitt's total defense was ranked 17th in the country and allowed just a tad over 21 points per game. Maddening inconsistency was Pitt's problem last year, as it lost to Youngstown State by 14 points and was blown out by Cincy. The big victory over Tech was surprising, but then the Panthers also lost to a UConn team that finished 5-7 later in the year, a week after taking undefeated Notre Dame to triple overtime before losing.
Offense: Six starters return on this side of the ball, including Street, but Sunseri is gone, as is Graham (graduation) and Shell (transfer to UCLA). The starting QB will be fifth-year senior transfer Tom Savage. He started as a true freshman in 2009 at Rutgers, completing 52 percent of his passes for 2,211 yards, 14
Defense: This unit is returning nine starters and should be very solid after a good 2012. Defensive tackle Aaron Donald is the leader and racked up 64 tackles and 18.5 for loss last season. Beside him is nose tackle Tyrone Ezell, who tallied 39 tackles with seven for loss in 2012. Jason Hendricks is back in the secondary after six interceptions last year. Two weaknesses on defense include at end -- although the interior of Donald and Ezell should help by the attention they'll garner -- and at free safety, though Hendricks could slide over there after projected starter Eric Williams was dismissed from the team.
Special teams note: The Panthers have to find new kick and punt returners and a kicker.
Schedule, notes, outlook: Florida State, New Mexico, at Duke, Virginia, at Virginia Tech, Old Dominion, at Navy, at Georgia Tech, Notre Dame, North Carolina, at Syracuse, Miami. Pitt has had six coaches -- four permanent -- in three seasons. It will be good for the Panthers to have some continuity with Chryst back for his second season. The schedule starts tough with FSU -- a rude welcome to the ACC -- but after that, the Panthers have games they could win against New Mexico, Duke, Virginia, Old Dominion, and Navy. After that, the schedule closes tough with Georgia Tech, Notre Dame, UNC, and Miami. Pitt's defense should be very good, but the offense could struggle a lot. The Panthers might be just good enough to get to a bowl, but it could prove difficult.
Win-loss prediction: 5-7 or 6-6
Virginia Tech
Last year: The Hokies went 7-6 last season and 4-4 in the ACC, which placed them fourth in the Coastal Division. Though they won a bowl at the end of the season over Rutgers, it was a disappointing season by Virginia Tech standards. It had to win its final two regular-season games against BC and UVa just to become bowl eligible, which did extend a streak of making 20 straight bowl games. The Hokies failed to get to 10 wins for the first time since 2003 and at least eight victories for the first time since 1997. Quarterback Logan Thomas came into the year as one of the most heralded QBs in the nation but had a pretty bad year, completing just over 51 percent of his passes for just under 3,000 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions. He regressed from his breakout 2011 performance. Part of the problem was a weak running game. Thomas was the team's leading rusher, too, with just 524 yards. The leading running back was J.C. Coleman with 429 yards. Marcus Davis, Corey Fuller, and Dyrell Roberts all had over 30 catches and combined for more than 2,000 yards and 12 touchdowns. The defense was another reason Tech was not its usual self. The normally dominating Bud Foster-led unit gave up more than 20 points in seven games and 30 or more points four times.
Offense: Coach Frank Beamer made sure things changed on offense heading into this season. The Hokies
have a new offensive coordinator, offensive line coach, and wide receivers coach. Thomas must rebound from a disappointing 2012. The problem is Tech's lack of offensive weapons won't make things easy on him. Coleman might not be ready for the season opener against Alabama because of sprained ankles. Another returning running back, Michael Holmes, was kicked off the team and yet another, Tony Gregory, tore his ACL in the preseason. Trey Edmunds, who redshirted last year, could get the call at starting running back against the Crimson Tide. Joel Caleb should contribute this season, too, but he is suspended for the 'Bama game. Tech has lots of unproven weapons at receiver. Davis, Fuller, and Roberts are all gone. Demitri Knowles is the leading returner at the position with 19 catches, 240 yards, and a touchdown in 2012 but the Hokies are also getting back D.J. Coles, who missed all of last year with an injury. Also look for redshirt freshmen Joshua Stanford and Charley Meyer to contribute. The offensive line loses tackles Vinston Painter and Nick Becton from a year ago and projected starter Mark Shuman is out for a few weeks with an injury.
Defense: The defense should be the strength of the team and probably better than last year. It has some problems, too, though. Projected starting linebacker Ronny Vandyke is out for the season with a shoulder injury. Cornerback Donaldven Manning decided he was going to transfer a couple weeks ago. He started last year but was losing ground in practice to true freshmen Kendall Fuller and Brandon Facyson. Corey Marshall, who was expected to provide good depth on the second team defensive line, is taking some time away from football. Cornerback Antone Exum, who suffered a non-football injury in January, is recovering from surgery to repair his knee and won't play against Alabama. Despite these issues, Tech is talented and experienced on defense. Stars include Exum (five picks a year ago), when he returns, Kyle Fuller (older brother of Kendall) at CB (two INTs a year ago), defensive linemen Derrick Hopkins (51 tackles, 10 for loss in 2012) and Luther Maddy (35 tackles, four for loss last season), defensive end James Gayle (43 tackles, five sacks last year), and linebacker Jack Tyler (119 tackles, 13 for loss last season).
Special teams note: Knowles was dangerous as a kick returner last season, averaging 28.3 yards per return and scoring a touchdown.
Schedule, notes, outlook: Alabama (in Atlanta), Western Carolina, at East Carolina, Marshall, at Georgia Tech, North Carolina, Pittsburgh, Duke, at Boston College, at Miami, Maryland, at Virginia. Tech's season is not off to a good start. The Hokies hope to show last season's seven-win season was a fluke as they try to get back to double-digit victories. It won't be easy. The schedule is fairly tough and the injuries, transfers, and dismissals have started to pile up. The offense is bereft of proven weapons and Thomas is a question mark after a dismal 2012. The defense, if it can get back to being healthy, should gel and be very good. It will keep Tech in many games. The Hokies benefit from not having to play Clemson or Florida State, but they have to take on Alabama right out of the gate and East Carolina and Marshall are also no pushovers in the non-conference slate. Tech also will be challenged by Georgia Tech, UNC, and Miami. And, of course, Virginia would really like to break a streak of nine losses to the Hokies in Charlottesville on Nov. 30. The Hokies badly want to return to the top of the ACC but there are definitely some roadblocks. If the offense can come together, it's possible. If not, the defense will be relied on too much and it could be a rough year for VT.
Win-loss prediction: 6-6 or 7-5
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