In 2013 Florida State and the Atlantic Coast Conference returned to the BCS National Championship game for the first time since 2000 as the ACC rose back to prominence. Clemson defeated Ohio State in the Orange Bowl while Duke snuck into the rankings at no. 25. But who will be the most improved side from the conference in the upcoming campaign?
Along with the success of the aforementioned sides, eight of the remaining 11 teams had winning records which went a long way towards the success of others by keeping on the pressure throughout the season. Virginia Tech reached a top-15 ranking midway through the year as did Miami before falling away against bigger sides. That, however, was not the case for Pittsburgh who had an up and down 13 games that included a win against Notre Dame but a disappointing loss to Navy.
My choice for most improved goes to the Miami Hurricanes. Just three ‘Canes were chosen in the 2014 NFL Draft but that does not tell the whole story. Leading wide receiver Allen Hurns also left as did quarterback Stephen Morris. However, the Florida side have recruited very well and their last three classes are all top-20 nationally with two inside the top-12. Players from the 2012 and ’13 classes are now starting to come through in the shape of junior running back Duke Johnson who averaged 6.3 yards per carry before breaking his leg last season, sophomore wide receiver Stacy Coley who caught 33 passes and seven touchdowns, junior defensive backs Tracy Howard and Rayshawn Jenkins who combined for seven interceptions as well as junior linebacker Tyriq McCord who recorded four sacks.
Furthermore, a number of experienced core players return such as leading tackler Denzel Perryman and tight end Clive Walford.
A new starting quarterback usually brings with it a learning curve for both the coaching staff and the players. Nevertheless, I was not Morris’ bigger fan and believe Ryan Williams, Gray Crow or freshman four-star recruit Brad Kaaya can sufficiently fill the position if not improve it.
Miami once again have the core structure to make a return to the rankings and push for a serious Bowl game. They do have a tough schedule with Louisville joining the fold but surely the years of hurt are now firmly in the rear view mirror?
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