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Write your "ESPN" article on Tech's outlook for 2014 and ACC title aspirations....
I hope we can get some good reads out of this request.
I hope we can get some good reads out of this request.
For some reason, it didn't read like an ESPN article so I changed some things...
March 11, 2014
ESPN
The Weapon- Justin Thomas- ex SEC player.
The Prospect- Travis Custis- A solid built back with crazy high school numbers but not SEC speed.
The Suspect- The D-Line sans Gotsis- The Jackets will have to find a replacement for Attaochu if they hope to get pressure on the QB, like an SEC d-line.
The Surprise- Donavon Wilson- Could play the role of the big A-Back this year getting pitches on the corner in short yard situations, but needs SEC speed.
The Bold Prediction- 10-3 with losses to Clemson, UGA and FSU (ACC Championship Game), and a bowl win over a non-SEC team.
The Schedule
I. The Cupcakes
Wofford- The Terriers are coming off a rough year and the Yellow Jackets should find ample opportunity to run through the depth chart as they run through a mediocre SoCon team from South Carolina, where USCe is in the SEC.
@Tulane- The Green Wave are coming off a 7-6 year with no marquee wins to speak of and a drubbing from a mediocre Syracuse team. This may be the next Katrina as the Yellow Jackets blow through "Na Owlans." Tulane used to be in the SEC.
Georgia Southern- The game all the defeatist and "High School Offense" advocates will be watching with baited breath. The Eagles lose their Coach to Army, their QB to the NFL and their RB to the LAW. The Jackets win convincingly. Georgia is in the SEC.
II. The Standings
Miami- Replacing Morris could hurt more than most expect and nothing is ever certain with a player coming off an ACL tear. Looking at you Duke Johnson. The Jackets have established that they can move the ball against the Miami D the last two years. Will know more about this game as we get to it and are able to see how Miami gels and if their speed resembles SEC speed.
VT- Pretty much the same as Miami here. Replacing Logan Thomas will hurt more than people think because a lot of what happened last year had to do with dropped passes. At least the Jackets won't get killed by the QB sneak. The Bud Foster D has been known to reload but with all the losses it is hard to believe they will be as good this year as in years past. VT also recruits the Tidewater where athletes approach SEC speed.
III. The Marlboro's
Duke- With a surprising showing last year Duke comes in with a lot of momentum and a QB who is very good. The problem Duke faces is stopping the Jackets Offense. Cutcliffe and staff have not shown any improvement on the defensive side of the ball and the Jackets will have to take advantage of that if they expect a win. Cutcliffe coached the Mannings who played in the SEC.
UNC- The perennial underperformers are replacing a QB but it may not effect them as much as other teams because of the style of offense. Screen passes will be ever present at Keenan. UNC cheats like an SEC program.
IV. Cupcakes Part Deaux
Pitt- Replacing a QB. Virginia- Good God Mike London. NC State- Still at least a year from returning to a semblance of a winning team. Many professional football players played in the SEC.
V. The Rivals
Clemson- It seems like they replace everybody this year but they actually return almost everyone on D. Boyd and Watkins are gone so ACC D-Coordinators can rest a little easier. This will be a tough one, but historically, the Tigers don't play so well in Atlanta, where the SEC championship is played.
UGA- The RB's return. It will be interesting to see how they stack up with out Murray. Mason will be helped with the return of a solid Receiving core and the D will be improved with everyone coming back. UGA was 5 yards away from playing in the national championship game when they lost to Alabama in the SEC Championship.