From first year coaches, to seasoned veterans, ACC coaches are entering a season where more than wins or losses are on the line. We looked at some of the top story-lines in the conference, below.
Jimbo Fisher, Florida State: For some reason, many college football fans have this assumption that Fisher didn’t win at FSU without Heisman Trophy, and national title winning quarterback Jameis Winston. They seem to forget that Fisher and Seminoles won 31 games in Fisher’s first three years without Winston leading the huddle. Now, though, those same detractors will be waiting to pounce, as life without Winston once again begins, only this time, there isn’t quite the same dynamic talent waiting in the wings. How do he and the Noles fare in such a climate?
Pat Narduzzi, Pittsburgh: The 2013 Broyles Award winner, given to the country’s top assistant coach, comes into Pitt with one of the best defensive pedigrees in the country. During a four season span, from 2011-2014, Michigan State was the only team to rank in the FBS Top 10 in total defense and rushing defense. Now his challenge will be to accomplish the same kind of turnaround for the Panthers as he did for the Spartans. Narduzzi will have plenty of talent to work with on the offensive end, which should allow him to focus a bit more on getting Pitt’s defense up to snuff. If he can, the Panthers could push towards the top of the Coastal Division.
Dave Doeren, North Carolina State: Coming over from Northern Illinois, it took Doeren just two seasons to get the Wolfpack back on track, winning eight games in 2014. Still, just three of those came during ACC play. Thankfully, he brings back quarterback Jacoby Brisset, one of the top signal callers in the conference, for another run. Can NC State push past the likes of Florida State and Clemson, and even challenge for a spot in the College Football Playoff?
Al Golden, Miami: Fan support may not be one of Miami’s traditions, but neither is mediocrity, which is about all that Golden has achieved in south Florida. Going 28-22 might get it done at some schools, but at The U, they expect conference titles and runs towards a national championship. Golden brings back one of the conference’s most dynamic young talents in Brad Kaaya, but given his recent track record, one that hasn’t included turning top talent into wins, can we really trust Golden to get it done now?
Paul Johnson, Georgia Tech: The Yellow Jackets were just one possession away from upsetting Florida State, and shaking up the entire CFB landscape a year ago in the ACC Conference Championship Game. Now, most people have them as the prohibitive favorite to return to that same venue, and have a real shot to win it–with that would also come a realistic shot at joining the College Football Playoff. That scenario would give Johnson his fifth appearance in the conference championship game, and a shot to win his first.
