The ACC, From The Bottom To The Top Part 1

Tune into the Gulf Coast Sports Radio Hour Wednesday at four to hear Brian Scott and Michael Felder delve deeper into Kentucky, Duke and the SEC/ACC picture.

Biggest Offseason Loss

The Blue Devil’s biggest losses come in the departure of wide receiver Eron Riley. Riley was quarterback Thaddeus Lewis’ favorite target; having accounted for 693 of Lewis’ 2171 yards and 8 of his 15 touchdowns. Riley was a sure handed, speedy target capable of getting open down field and making the big play for the Devils.

Losing Michael Tauiliili; the middle linebacker who led the ACC and finished third in the nation in tackles should also be noted. However, his loss will not be felt as significantly as Riley’s due to the Devils returning solid contributors from last season’s defense.

Best Returning Players

In Durham this question gets a simple answer; Thaddeus Lewis. Lewis is the best pure pocket passer in the ACC and with the exception of the big names at the position the senior would be an upgrade for most schools.

He is, in effect, the anti-Graham Harrell; no gaudy or inflated statistics but a legitimate pro-styled quarterback who has received great tutelage under Cutcliffe and will have a legitimate shot at the next level.

Break Out Player

Donovan Varner will be tasked with filling Eron Riley’s shoes. The 5’9” sophomore out of Miami, Floridais the best athlete on Cutcliffe’s team and after playing corner, return man and a little receiver in 2008 Varner will use his talents on offense and in the return game exclusively.

As a full time receiver Varner has already flourished, catching six balls for 116 yards in the spring game last month. He gives Thaddeus Lewis a weapon capable of breaking the big run and a dangerous asset for Cutcliffe’s offensive mind to utilize.

Three Crucial Games

Duke @ Kansas, Duke @ NC State, Duke vs Wake Forest

The Devils will have a shot at winning all of these games and to achieve Cutcliffe’s goal of a bowl appearance they will likely have to win all three. Heading to Lawrence will give the Blue Devils their first quality test of the season against a likely top 25 team. NC State, Wake Forest and a November date in Chapel Hill should all help Cut’s in-state recruiting goals if they can find a win.

Dream vs Nightmare Season

For the Blue Devils their dream season is an 8-4 masterpiece by Cutcliffe. Getting the Devils to their first bowl game since Spurrier and putting them squarely in the thick of the ACC Coastal race. Loses to VT, NC State, UNC, GT and Miami appear to be inevitable however, stealing a win from one of those schools while completing their soft non-conference schedule while beating UVA, Wake and Maryland would land the Devils in a heavenly scenario.

On the flipside of the dream scenario is the Blue Devil nightmare. Losing all league games plus contests with FCS Richmond and Kansas would truly set the Blue Devils back into the “loser” stratosphere they’ve inhabited since the departure of Spurrier.