Our 2012 Preseason Projections Have Florida State Winning the ACC and Heading to the Orange Bowl
Now that we’ve detailed each team’s 2012 season, we can take a look at where they’ll be headed for the postseason. While we’re still a full two seasons away from the long-awaited college football playoff, it’s still fun to see your team picked for a bowl game (and will be once the four-team playoff comes into effect).
Below is a list of bowl-eligible ACC teams, and which games they’d be headed to. Keep in mind that while we’ve projected North Carolina to reach the requisite six wins, they have a postseason ban this year, and will not be allowed to partake in a bowl game. Disagree with any of these? Share your own picks below.
ACC Bowl Projections, Preseason 2012
Discover Orange Bowl: Florida State Seminoles (12-1) vs. BCS at-large
Chick-fil-a Bowl: Clemson Tigers (10-2) vs. SEC
Russell Athletics Bowl: Virginia Tech Hokies (11-2) vs. Big East
Hyundai Sun Bowl: NC State Wolfpack (10-2) vs. Pac-12
Belk Bowl: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (9-3) vs. Big East
Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl: Virginia Cavaliers (8-4) vs. SEC
Additionally, Pittsburgh (8-4) and Syracuse (6-6) are projected to be bowl eligible as well. We’ve slated Pitt to be selected to play against Georgia Tech in the Belk Bowl. Syracuse, on the other hand, is on track to head to the Beef O’Brady’s Bowl.
We’ll be updating these each week, so be sure to check back throughout the season.
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You know, as much as I’d like to see the ACC get another BCS at-large bid for the money involved, these bowl match-ups are probably a lot more favorable in terms of wins (something the conference definitely needs – bowl wins!)
Right. I see a very defined “top” and “bottom” for the ACC this year, and while it would be nice to get another BCS at-large bid, I think it’s going to take small steps first. Finishing the year with five ranked teams and grabbing a BCS win are nice starts, which can be built on going into 2013. If these predictions worked out, and Georgia Tech won their bowl game, the conference would also have five teams with 10+ wins — a huge milestone.
Sorry John, but not seeing 6 wins on Syracuse’s schedule. USC, Pitt, @ Rutgers, @ South Florida, Louisville, @ Missouri appear to be losses. Have to win the rest but plenty of swing games.
Commendable schedule even if in a scheduling bind, but not seeing 6.
Thanks, Brian. I’ve always liked Syracuse’s scheduling. More often than not, it’s a bit aggressive, regardless of the circumstances.
If we’re taking a look at the sure losses on SU’s schedule, let’s put USC, Mizzou, USF, Louisville and Pitt over there — and honestly, I don’t think any Big East game is a “sure win” or “sure loss” for ‘Cuse. Just too much parity that league.
Going 6-1 in the other games doesn’t seem out of the question. I think we’ll beat Northwestern, Minnesota, Stony Brook, Temple and UConn. So there’s five. Then just 1-1 versus Cincinnati and Rutgers. Things weren’t close against the Bearcats, admittedly, but that Rutgers game was literally given away. We’re definitely not a postseason lock, but I do think we stand a pretty good chance to get to a bowl game. First game should tell us quite a bit, though. if we lose to Northwestern, I’ll admit, not too much wiggle room left.
Also think Virginia is more 5-7 / 6-6 than 8-4. Cavs are still a year or two away. Can see them easily losing to Penn State, @ Georgia Tech, @ TCU, Louisiana Tech, @ N.C. State, North Carolina and @ Virginia Tech.
UVa outkicked its coverage in 2011. Look for a regression to the mean in 2012.
I just think UVa’s schedule helps them out more than anything here. Games against Duke, Miami and Maryland, plus Richmond and an iffy Penn State team.
For the remaining games, I think they stand a better chance against UNC than many give them credit for. I gave them that one, especially since it’s a home game. Also see them beating Wake (again, at home). The Deacs can’t rush the passer, and with time, Rocco should be able to pick his spots pretty easily.
If Rocco struggles to start the year (not at all out of the question), this all gets tossed out the window, though. Still don’t know how sold I am on Sims THIS year.