Florida State quarterback EJ Manuel (3) hands off in the first half ... more >Last season: 4-8, 3-5 ACC
Last bowl appearance: 2010 (Fight Hunger Bowl)
Coach: Frank Spaziani (20-19, fourth season)
Player to watch: LB Kevin Pierre-Lewis. It’s not easy finding stars in Chestnut Hill these days, but the Eagles always have at least one superb linebacker. In recent years, there was Mark Herzlich and then Luke Kuechly. Now it’s Pierre-Lewis‘ time for a star turn. The junior is the ACC’s fourth-leading returning tackler on a per-game basis (8.2).
Outlook: Spaziani is optimistic after the Eagles won three of their last five, and the hire of offensive coordinator Doug Martin should help Boston College improve on its inept attacks of the last two years. Still, the Eagles’ victory total has dropped for four years running, and there just isn’t as much talent in the program as there was when BC won consecutive Atlantic Division titles in 2007-08. Reaching a bowl would mark a successful season.
Prediction: 4-8, 2-6 ACC
• MARYLAND
Last season: 2-10, 1-7 ACC
Last bowl appearance: 2010 (Military Bowl)
Coach: Randy Edsall (2-10, second season)
Player to watch: DE Joe Vellano. The relentless fifth-year senior has worked his way into becoming one of the nation’s elite defensive linemen. His play was one of the few highlights of a lost 2011, and he’ll move out to end as Maryland adopts a 3-4 scheme under new defensive coordinator Brian Stewart.
Outlook: After a horrible debut, things simply can’t be more miserable the second time around for Edsall. At least it seemed that way before junior quarterback C.J. Brown suffered a season-ending knee injury during camp. Maryland will go with true freshman Perry Hills at quarterback, with fellow true freshman Caleb Rowe waiting in the wings. Their ability to adapt quickly will determine whether the Terps chase bowl eligibility or flirt with 10 losses for the third time in four years.
Prediction: 3-9, 1-7 ACC
COASTAL DIVISION
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Patrick Stevens has covered Maryland and other Mid-Atlantic college sports for more than a decade. You can reach him at 64plus4@gmail.com.
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