Everyone has their own version of the bold predictions. I've read things like Virginia Tech will be a national title contender, or Jonathan Dwyer will be a Heisman Trophy contender. That's not a bold prediction. That's more like a mild prediction. These are actualy bold predictions that I think actually will happen.
Georgia Tech will win the Coastal Divsion, and represent the ACC in the Orange Bowl. The key matchup is October 17, when Georgia Tech faces Virginia Tech in Atlanta. I'm a firm believer in home field advantage meaning a lot. And it will in this case. With an extra year of experience in this triple option system, and Jonathan Dwyer in the backfield, and add in the fact that I'm not a believer in the Virginia Tech hype, it all adds up to a Georgia Tech win and a path to the division title. And no matter who they face out of the Atlantic Divison (which I believe is an inferior division compared to the Coastal Division), Georgia Tech will beat them and represent the ACC in the Orange Bowl.
Al Groh will not be fired after this season. I would agree that Groh should have been fired already, and for a while, I thought this season would be the last one for Groh, barring a miracle. But the more I think about it, the more I think he won't be fired. Why would you get rid of most of your staff and change your entire offensive philosophy if you're not going to be around again next year? That would put the program back even farther than it is now. It would have been more logical to can Groh after last season, but with all of the changes, it may not be a good idea. UVA athletic director Craig Littlepage might have made a mistake in this situation.
Duke will not have the worst record in the conference. Over the past 15 years, Duke having the worst record in the conference is like saying the sky is blue. This year, that will not be the case. Duke will be a little more improved this season, but they have a tough schedule, and they will probably win four games this year. But the title for worst record will go to Boston College. With a new head coach who has one game of coaching experience, and zero experience at quarterback. In fact, they're so desperate, there's a chance a former minor league pitcher could be starting for the Eagles. Not to mention the tragic story of linebacker Mark Herzlich and whether or not he will play this season. They may win three games this year.
Wake Forest will be an ACC title contender again. This prediction probably isn't as bold as the ones listed above, but they were picked to finish fourth in the Atlantic Division. But let's be realistic. How many years in a row has Wake Forest exceeded expectations? As long as Jim Grobe is on the sidelines, you can count on his teams to be competitive. If you look at the schedule, you could make a case that they could win all but one of their games (I don't give them much of a chance at Georgia Tech). But then again, they will have faced Navy two weeks prior, and they run the exact same offense as Georgia Tech, and they will be a lot more ready to face Georgia Tech. Wake Forest does have some of the tougher matchups at home (Baylor, Stanford, Miami, Florida State), and a nine win season is within reason.
