It’s May and not a whole lot is going on right now with Spring Practice over (if there is news this time of year, it is usually bad) so I thought we could take a look ahead to the ACC vs SEC matchups in 2009.
Alabama vs Virginia Tech September 5th Atlanta, GA
Early Lean: Alabama 65.4% Chance of Winning
Why? The Tide returns nearly their entire defense from a unit that ranked top 5 nationally last year. QB Greg McElroy looks like a suitable replacement for the departed John Parker Wilson.
Why Not? Frank Beamer is one of the few coaches that can match Nick Saban in game preparation. Also, the Hokies won’t be underestimating ‘Bama like Clemson may have last year.
Alabama vs Virginia Tech September 5th Atlanta, GA
Early Lean: Alabama 65.4% Chance of Winning
Why? The Tide returns nearly their entire defense from a unit that ranked top 5 nationally last year. QB Greg McElroy looks like a suitable replacement for the departed John Parker Wilson.
Why Not? Frank Beamer is one of the few coaches that can match Nick Saban in game preparation. Also, the Hokies won’t be underestimating ‘Bama like Clemson may have last year.
South Carolina at NC State September 3rd
Early Lean: NC State 53.3%
Why? The Wolfpack were a much different team at the end of last year than in the beginning when the Gamecocks throttled them. QB Russell Wilson is the difference maker for NC State and he should be healthy for this game.
Why Not? Steve Spurrier is still one of the best game planners when given ample time. It will come down to his team executing well which they have not done as much as expected over the last four years.
Georgia Tech at Mississippi State October 3rd
Early Lean: Georgia Tech 69.8%
Why? The Yellow Jackets return 19 of the 22 starters from the end of last season and will have a full off season to implement more of Paul Johnson’s offense.
Why Not? The Bulldogs defense will have seen a similar offense having practiced against Dan Mullen’s scheme during the spring and pre season. Whether or not they have the talent to stop it is the question.
Early Lean: NC State 53.3%
Why? The Wolfpack were a much different team at the end of last year than in the beginning when the Gamecocks throttled them. QB Russell Wilson is the difference maker for NC State and he should be healthy for this game.
Why Not? Steve Spurrier is still one of the best game planners when given ample time. It will come down to his team executing well which they have not done as much as expected over the last four years.
Georgia Tech at Mississippi State October 3rd
Early Lean: Georgia Tech 69.8%
Why? The Yellow Jackets return 19 of the 22 starters from the end of last season and will have a full off season to implement more of Paul Johnson’s offense.
Why Not? The Bulldogs defense will have seen a similar offense having practiced against Dan Mullen’s scheme during the spring and pre season. Whether or not they have the talent to stop it is the question.
Georgia Tech at Vanderbilt October 31st
Early Lean: Georgia Tech 68.9%
Why Not? Vandy was very good at forcing turnovers last year and fumbles can be a plenty in an option/running offense.
Florida State at Florida November 28
Early Lean: Florida 86.7%
Why? The Gators have dominated FSU as of late, especially in the Swamp. They have a big talent advantage and a coaching edge too.
Why Not? Florida falls victim to the pre season hype, does not live up to expectations, and does not take a better than expected FSU team seriously.
Georgia at Georgia Tech November 28
Early Lean: Georgia Tech 53.7%
Why? Georgia Tech beat Georgia in Athens last year and that was with Matt Stafford having a career day. Willie Martinez is still the Georgia DC too.
Why Not? The Yellow Jackets fall victim to too many pats on the back and cannot handle the favorite role against a very good team. See Chick Fil A Bowl.
Clemson at South Carolina November 28
Early Lean: Clemson 50.1%
Why? Clemson just seems to have South Carolina’s number in this rivalry. Otherwise, the teams have very comparable talent and coaching staffs.
Why Not? South Carolina is due for a victory and they are at home.
What are your thoughts?
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That specific with the percentages eh? Though I do like 'em. I would put UF in the >90% confidence.
ReplyDeleteI would have put Florida higher too, but you just never know in a rivalry game this far out. With an 86% percentage chance I am saying Florida is about 5 to 1 favorite over FSU or a money line around -500.
ReplyDeleteMost everyone would have thought UGA had a 90% or better chance of beating Ga Tech last year last off season.
Pre season hype can do weird things to teams.
Well, the SEC made a clean sweep over the ACC on Rivalry Weekend... SMACK!
ReplyDelete