While perhaps the Atlantic Coastal Conference has not produced a BCS Champion since FSU defeated Virginia Tech in 1999. Miami won in 2001 but were not affiliated with the ACC until 2004), the division is not as lackluster as most might think. Preseason rankings have 3 of the 12 ACC teams within the top 25 (#9 Clemson, #17 Virginia Tech and #13 Wake Forrest not to mention a plethora of talented athletes that unfortunately fly under the radar.

With several of the ACC teams kicking off their season this past Thursday, we were lucky enough to get an early glance at some of these stars and see what can be expected of them throughout the season.

Despite a crushing loss to South Carolina, N.C. State running back Andre Brown, the 21 year old senior, managed 101 yards on 21 carries. Brown was a standout in what was otherwise a very one sided affair. Brown’s biggest year to date was his rookie season in which he ran for 667 yards and 6 touchdowns and while only one game is in the books for the 2008 season, Brown has already managed almost 1/6th of that total. Brown looks to have a standout year and would be well worth keeping an eye on.

Another running back who had an excellent 2008 debut was Georgia Tech running back Jonathan Dwyer. Dwyer has taken the Yellow Jackets’ feature rusher role as last year’s back, Tashard Choice, graduated and was drafted to the Dallas Cowboys. Dwyer had huge success in GT’s routing of Jacksonville State contributing 2 of the Jackets rushing touchdowns while piling on 112 yards with just 11 rushes. Last year we saw glimpses of the runner that Dwyer might be when injured forced Choice to watch from the sidelines on more than one occasion and in Thursday’s performance Dwyer seemed to be making the statement “Tashard who?” Look for Dwyer to pile on big yardage week in and week out and do not be surprised when you find him to be the leading ACC rusher come the season’s end.

Wake Forrest’s prized quarterback Riley Skinner continued to impress Thursday night. For those that are unfamiliar with Skinner’s story he started his career with the Demon Deacons in 2006 when their then starter, Ben Mauk, suffered an injury in the first game of the season. Skinner went on to lead the team to a 10-2 record. Last season Skinner shined again while setting an ACC record for single season completion percentage. Skinner’s biggest set back is perhaps his interception risk having thrown 13 last season while only throwing 12 touchdowns but he did get off to a strong start this season. Against Baylor, Skinner went 27 for 36, threw for 220 yards, 3 touchdowns, and, most importantly, no picks. Wake Forrest’s success, currently ranked 23rd, rest squarely on the shoulders of Riley Skinner, and many, including himself, believe they’re big enough to hold the weight (just ask him, he’ll gladly show you a picture though you may get a little more than you bargained for).

Not since Ken Dorsey has the University of Miami had a quarterback worth mentioning. Now they do. However that quarterback will not start for the ‘Canes, nor will he see much playing time. Yet, Thursday night, while Robert Marve served a one game suspension, freshman Jacory Harris stepped in in a rather emphatic way. Harris went 16 for 26 with 190 yards and a touchdown, and if that wasn’t enough, he ran one in also. What does this mean for the ‘Canes starting QB? It means Marve better come legit every game because when an athlete like Harris is waiting on the bench, one bad game could spell the end of his season.

In the upcoming weeks I will be spotlighting more and more great ACC players along with keeping you updated on the aforementioned ones. Additionally, I will inform you of can’t miss match ups and will help you to keep an eye on the ACC teams as they move in and out of the top 25.

I think, I know what you're trying to say.

Ok...it is fixed...enjoy

Yay. No worries Danny.