The 2020 college football season is just around the corner and with a bit of luck this COVID situation will be under control and we can finally enjoy sports again. The Atlantic Coast Conference is packed with a ton of NFL caliber talent and we will cover each team’s most intriguing prospects, their Vegas total and our prediction on whether or not they can reach that total.
Atlantic Division
Boston College Eagles: Vegas Win Total- 5
This team is not good after winning only six games last season, the program elected to press the restart button and hire first time head coach and former Ohio State assistant, Jeff Hafley to run the show. The offense looses a bit of talent, most notably, AJ Dillon, a three-time All-ACC member to the NFL and starting quarterback Anthony Brown via the transfer portal. Their offensive line is fantastic and the defense returns seven starters, but without talent at the skill positions and a better than average defense, its tough to see this team going over the projected five wins. Prediction: Under 5
Top Prospects:
Ben Petrula, OT, 6-5, 310 pounds, Sr.: Petrula was second-team All-ACC last season and will likely be first-team this year. He is a big reason the Eagles were eighth in the country in rushing yards in 2019.
Alec Lindstrom, C, 6-4, 290 pounds, Jr.: Lindstrom should have been All-ACC last season as he is easily a top-tier center in college football, but entering his junior campaign, I’m sure he will garner more attention.
Tyler Vrabel, OT, 6-5, 310 pounds, So.: Vrabel is a redshirt sophomore and will be eligible to declare after this season, but will likely need another season of seasoning. Vrabel is the son of Titans head coach Mike Vrabel.
Clemson Tigers: Vegas Win Total- 11.5
There is not a lot of wiggle room with this total. Clemson needs to go undefeated to hit the mark and the ACC is a bit tougher this year and they travel to Notre Dame. The Tigers have gone to the playoffs all five times and taking this bet means you are sure they can reach it for a sixth time. Clemson had a high-powered offense and will likely be lighting up the scoreboard again in 2020, but this line is too close for my liking. Prediction: Under 11.5
Top Prospects:
Travis Etienne, RB, 5-10, 210 pounds, Sr.: Would have been in the running for first running back off the board in 2019. Etienne has elite athleticism and will be looking to improve on his already impressive vision and receiving skills in 2020.
Trevor Lawrence, QB, 6-6, 220 pounds, Jr.: The odds-on favorite to be the number one selection in 2021, Lawrence is on the path to be one of the best NFL prospects in recent history. He will be looking to rebound from his first collegiate loss, which occurred in the CFP championship game.
Justyn Ross, WR, 6-4, 205 pounds, Jr.: Ross is going to miss the entire season due to a serious spinal injury, but he is still an elite prospect with a giant catch radius and lethal athletic profile. His 2019 season was a bit disappointing, but he is still a productive big-play machine.
Florida State Seminoles: Vegas Win Total- 7.5
Mike Norvell is in charge now and if Willie Taggart can win six games than Norvell should be able to tack on at least two more victories with this squad. This isn’t the safest bet considering that the Seminole offensive line is garbage, the quarterback is not a game-breaker and the defense appears lackluster, but it would not be surprising to see a fast turnaround considering that this team didn’t even play hard last year. Norvell will change that issue in a hurry. Prediction: Over 7.5
Top Prospects:
Marvin Wilson, DT, 6-5, 310 pounds, Sr.: The full package interior defensive lineman, Wilson checks every box and although he missed a portion of last season due to a hand injury, he would have likely been a day one or two anyways.
Hamsah Nasirildeen, S, 6-4, 212 pounds, Sr.: All-ACC level performer, Nasirildeen led the Seminoles in tackles the last two seasons. He plays at an elite level and that was most evident in his 22 tackle performance against Boston College last season.
James Blackman, QB, 6-5, 190 pounds, Jr.: By the way people talk about him you would never guess Blackman has 41 career touchdowns and 5,079 career passing yards to his name. He has already started 23 games for Florida State, but with a competent Mike Norvell running the show, expect a big leap from Blackman in 2020.
Louisville Cardinals: Vegas Win Total- 7.5
Louisville had the biggest turnaround of any Power-Five school last season with a six-win improvement from two wins in 2018 to eight in 2019, but this team was very fortunate and will likely come back down to reality in 2020. They lose one of the best offensive lineman in school history with the Mekhi Becton departure and their defense is floating around the below-average tier. Their schedule is also back-loaded with a murderous five-game stretch to end the year. Prediction: Under 7.5
Top Prospects:
Tutu Atwell, WR, 5-10, 153 pounds, Jr.: A dynamic All-ACC level athlete, Atwell has speed for days. He scored 11 receiving touchdowns last season with six of them going for at least 50 yards.
Dez Fitzpatrick, WR, 6-2, 204 pounds, Sr.: Despite only hauling in 35 receptions last season, Fitzpatrick still managed to take six to the house and flirted with declaring for the NFL. He would have been an early-round selection after 2019, and with what we can assume will be more targets in 2020, the sky is the limit in regard to his draft stock.
Javian Hawkins, RB, 5-9, 182 pounds, So.: Another All-ACC performer, Hawkins led all freshmen with an average of 117 rushing yards per game last season. Despite being undersized, Hawkins runs like a big back taking on a full workload and running through oncoming defenders.
NC State Wolfpack: Vegas Win Total- 5
This feels like free money, as the Wolfpack won four games last season and return most of their major contributors. The team is young and if they peak early there is no reason they can’t double those four games in 2020. Dave Doeren is fighting for his job this season and this team has always played with top-notch physicality before. With his feet to the flames, a turnaround should be expected. If you do lose this bet, you can take solace in the fact that Doeren will lose his job. Prediction: Over 5
Ikem Ekwonu, OT, 6-4, 308 pounds, So.: Ekwonu was granted his first start by default after an injury occurred to the regular starting tackle, but Ekwonu was better than expected and earned All-ACC honors.
Trenton Gill, P, 6-4, 217 pounds, Jr.: One of the best punters in the ACC, Gill averaged a healthy 47.6 yards per punt and ended the season with All-ACC honors.
Thayer Thomas, WR, 6-0, 195 pounds, Jr.: Another All-ACC performer, Thomas is an electric return man in addition to being an excellent receiver. the Wolfpack used Thomas all over the field and he even attempted passes before injuries took their toll.
Syracuse Orange: Vegas Win Total- 5.5
Syracuse lost a lot of starters and missing spring ball to COVID-19 is not going to help them. They won five games last season, but I don’t see how they can improve on that mark. The offensive line is just not good enough and the defense as a whole is too disappointing to take the over here. Prediction: Under 5.5
Top Prospects:
Chris Elmore, TE, 6-0, 292 pounds, Sr.: Elmore is a reliable player that can do the dirty work. The NFL will view him as a fullback/H-Back hybrid player and although that is a niche position he could excel at it.
Andre Cisco, S, 6-0, 206 pounds, Jr.: Cisco is an All-ACC performer for good reason as evidenced by his already insane 12 career interceptions, which makes him the active leader in the FBS. Coaches love him and his elite awareness and ball skills make him a perfect safety.
Andre Szmyt, K, 6-1, 191 pounds, Jr.: Another All-ACC player, Szmyt won the Lou Groza award in 2018 and had an equally impressive 2019 season nailing 17 of his 20 field goal attempts.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons: Vegas Win Total- 6.5
Wake Forest won eight games last season and that number would have been larger if not for a cluster of injuries. The offense only returns three starters and the schedule is a tad tougher, but Dave Clawson appears to have this program moving in the right direction and they should be able to surpass the six game mark. Prediction: Over 6.5
Top Prospects:
Carlos “Boogie” Basham Jr., DE, 6-5, 275 pounds, Sr.: Basham is an All-American level performer as evidenced by his dominating 18 tackles for loss, 11 sacks and three forced fumbles last season. Extremely underrated due to coming from Wake Forest, but Basham has early-round potential.
Sage Surratt, WR, 6-3, 215 pounds, Jr.: Surratt was named first-team All-ACC last year despite suffering a season-ending shoulder injury against Virginia Tech halfway through the season. He has managed to haul in 15 career receiving touchdowns in 19 career games.
Nick Sciba, K, 5-9, 190 pounds, Jr.: Like Basham, Sciba earned All-American honors and rightfully so after setting an NCAA record with 34 straight field goals made.
Coastal Division
Duke Blue Devils: Vegas Win Total- 5.5
This line at 5.5 feels like easy money as it is hard to envision Duke winning more than three games, which should be the first three of the season. This offense was terrible last season and I don’t see any reason why that would change, especially with a shortened off-season. This coaching staff feels desperate even bringing in a transfer quarterback, which is weird for David Cutcliffe to do. Prediction: Under 5.5
Top Prospects:
Jack Wohlabaugh, C, 6-4, 305 pounds, Sr.: Wohlabaugh is a fifth year Senior with very few accolades, but he is consistent and could see his stock rise in 2020.
Victor Dimukeje, DE, 6-2, 265 pounds, Sr.: An All-ACC performer, Dimukeje may not have the eye-popping stats of other top edge rushers, but he is a great pass rusher that demands double teams.
Damond Philyaw-Johnson, WR, 6-1, 170 pounds, Jr.: Another All-ACC selection, Philyaw-Johnson is an elite return man and averages 32.3 yards per kick returns on his 17 total returns last season. He housed two against Wake Forest and this offense needs to do a better job of manufacturing touches for him in 2020.
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets: Vegas Win Total- 3
This line is perfect and it’s hard to envision this Georgia Tech team being any better than last season’s train wreck. The offense was just sad and even if they do get better, the schedule gets harder. It is realistic for this team to get dominated early in 2020 and lose all momentum and hope, which would result in an even worse season. This roster does not have the talent needed to compete in the ACC. Prediction: Under 3
Top Prospects:
David Curry, ILB, 6-2, 230 pounds, Sr.: An All-ACC level performer, Curry enters his sixth year as the leader and quarterback of this defense. He led the Jackets in tackles last season with 97.
Jordan Mason, RB, 6-1, 219 pounds, Jr.: Mason earned All-ACC honors last season and should have an even better 2020 considering how rough the offensive line was last season.
Tre Swilling, CB, 6-0, 200 pounds, Jr.: Another All-ACC selection, Swilling is the son of Pat Swilling and has lived up to the name as one of the best defensive backs in the country.
Miami Hurricanes: Vegas Win Total- 9
Nine games? That feels like a huge leap after Miami only earned six wins in 2019 and ended the season by being blown out by Louisiana Tech in their bowl game. Manny Diaz was banking on incoming freshman and transfers to take this team to the next level in 2020, but with a limited off-season, those hopes seem bleak. Prediction: Under 9
Top Prospects:
Quincy Roche, DE, 6-4, 235 pounds, Sr.: Roche dominated at Temple last season with 19 tackles for loss, 13 sacks and five passes batted down and he will look to continue this dominance as a graduate transfer at Miami. He is a tad undersized, but has enough athleticism to overcome that at the next level.
Brevin Jordan, TE, 6-3, 235 pounds, Jr.: A first-team All-ACC selection, Jordan was also a finalist for the John Mackey Award last season. He snagged 35 receptions for 495 yards last season.
Gregory Rousseau, DE, 6-7, 253 pounds, So.: An All-American level performer, Rousseau had a huge freshman season earning 54 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss and 15.5 sacks. Those stats weren’t just earned against cupcake opponents either as he earned 12 of those sacks in ACC games and had four against Florida State and three against Pittsburgh.
North Carolina Tar Heels: Vegas Win Total- 8.5
North Carolina is legit and after winning seven games last season and Sam Howell likely to be even better in 2020, this seems like an easy over bet. The Coastal Division has been rampant with parody, but if the Tar Heels can work through their tough non-conference slate, they should roll through conference play. Prediction: Over 8.5
Top Prospects:
Sam Howell, QB, 6-2, 225 pounds, So.: An All-American performer, Howell was the crown jewel of Mack Brown’s first recruiting class and didn’t look back after earning the starting gig. He threw for 3,641 yards and an eye-popping FBS true freshman record 38 touchdowns and only seven interceptions.
Chazz Surratt, OLB, 6-3, 230 pounds, Sr.: Named All-ACC, Surratt is a former quarterback who found his calling on defense. He led the Heels with 115 tackles and 15 tackles for loss last season.
D.J. Ford, S, 6-3, 210 pounds, Sr.: A bit under the radar, Ford doesn’t have a lengthy resume filled with accolades, but he is a consistent defender looking to break out in 2020.
Pittsburgh Panthers: Vegas Line Total- 6.5
This line is tight, but Pittsburgh won eight games last season and shouldn’t be much worse if at all. It wouldn’t be shocking to see them hit double-digit victories considering they return 15 starters with eight on their strong defense. This could be the year Pat Narduzzi takes the Panthers to the next level. Prediction: Over 6.5
Top Prospects
Paris Ford, S, 6-0, 190 pounds, Sr.: An All-American candidate, Ford could have declared after an impressive 2019 season and would have likely been taken early. He led the Panthers with 97 tackles and three interceptions and was second on the team with 11 pass break-ups.
Jimmy Morrissey, C, 6-3, 305 pounds, Sr.: Looking to build upon his first-team All-ACC recognition last season. Morrissey is the anchor of an impressive Pittsburgh offensive line.
Patrick Jones II, DE, 6-5, 260 pounds, Sr.: Another All-ACC selection, Jones tied for team leader in tackles for loss with 12 and was fifth in the FBS in forced fumbles with four. Jones also 43 tackles, 18 quarterback hurries and 8.5 sacks.
Virginia Cavaliers- Vegas Team Total- 6.5
Bronco Mendenhall has done a spectacular job rebuilding the Virginia program. Although they might not match last season’s nine wins, it is hard to imagine them falling back to only six. The Cavaliers have a rough early-season slate, but Mendenhall has his team poised to build on the momentum built from 2019. Prediction: Over 6.5
Top Prospects:
Charles Snowden, OLB, 6-7, 235 pounds, Sr.: An All-ACC selection, Snowden is dynamic coming off the edge and has an intriguing mix of size and athleticism. He is every inch of 6-7 and his basketball background is obvious.
Terrell Jana, WR, 6-0, 190 pounds, Sr.: Another All-ACC performer, Jana came on strong during the second half of the 2019 season snagging 49 of his 74 receptions.
Olusegun Oluwatimi, C, 6-3, 305 pounds, Jr.: Oluwatimi was named All-ACC after an impressive sophomore season and is the anchor on one of the more experienced offensive lines in the country.
Virginia Tech Hokies- Vegas Win Total- 8
Virginia Tech won eight games last season and should be even better in 2020. The Hokies have slowly improved under Justin Fuente and hitting double-digit wins is doable. There is some concern surrounding the defense after the departure of legend, Bud Foster, but the unit returns ten starters and is very solid up front and in the secondary. Prediction: Over 8
Top Prospects:
Caleb Farley, CB, 6-2, 207 pounds, Jr.: Farley is an All-American level performer and has been a stud since his freshman season in 2018 when he recorded 36 tackles, seven pass breakups and two interceptions. Last season he was downright elite with 12 pass breakups and four interceptions.
Justus Reed, DE, 6-5, 235 pounds, Sr.: A Youngstown State grad transfer with well-deserved hype, Reed racked up 12.5 sacks last season in the FCS. He is a pass-rushing specialist looking to prove his worth at the next level.
Divine Deablo, S, 6-3, 223 pounds, Sr.: Versatile safety with the ideal size to dominate as a strong safety in the NFL, but he currently roams the field as a free for the Hokies and has unique athleticism.
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