Usual suspects headline ACC

Fierce critics of the Atlantic Coast Conference will point to the league’s lack of national titles over the years and somehow associate that with complete failure.

If, as an observer, your sole measuring stick of a conference’s strength is winning national titles, then sure the ACC deserves all the grief it can handle. But to those level-headed folks out there, the ACC is a very good league that simply hasn’t had much luck in the NCAA postseason.

Recently, North Carolina twice had opportunities to win national titles, only to fall short against a pair of magical Oregon State clubs. Last season, the ACC got two clubs to Omaha – North Carolina and Virginia.

The Tar Heels defeated Texas to begin the College World Series before dropping a pair of games to a very good Vanderbilt club. Meanwhile, Virginia reached the Bracket Two final, where it dropped a 13-inning heartbreaker to South Carolina to get eliminated.

Both of those trips to Omaha were nothing to be ashamed of if you’re the ACC.

Now, as the 2012 campaign approaches, the ACC will look to finally win another national title, while also realizing the league can have a great year without winning the grand prize.

Not surprisingly, the North Carolina Tar Heels lead the way into the spring with a team filled with key and experienced cogs. The Heels return one of the nation’s most talented young pitchers in ace sophomore Kent Emanuel. They also have one of the nation’s elite sluggers in hard-hitting third baseman Colin Moran.

While the Tar Heels expect to be a national title contender, programs such as Florida State, Georgia Tech and Miami could join the mix if a few things go their way.

FSU once again will have the offense to get to Omaha. But its concern again is on the mound, where the Seminoles have some very talented, yet untested young arms. More experienced pitchers such as Robert Benincasa, Brian Busch, Scott Sitz and Hunter Scantling must step up for the Seminoles to reach their biggest goals.

Georgia Tech has a solid weekend rotation with Buck Farmer, Dusty Isaacs and Matt Grimes leading the way, while closer Luke Bard is one of the nation’s best. The Yellow Jackets also will have a productive offense with outfielder Kyle Wren and first baseman Jake Davies as the headliners. However, the Jackets must get over a lingering mental block to take the next step.

Miami is another interesting team to watch. The Hurricanes received an early Christmas present when catcher Peter O’Brien, who transferred from Bethune-Cookman, was declared eligible to play this season by the NCAA. O’Brien will need to kick start the Hurricanes offensive lineup, while the pitching staff is in excellent shape with Bryan Radziewski, Eric Erickson, E.J. Encinosa and Eric Whaley leading the way.

In terms of potential surprises, keep close watch on Wake Forest and Maryland.

The Demon Deacons made a tremendous hire a couple of seasons ago with the addition of Tommy Walter. Now, finally with an experienced group, Walter’s addition likely will pay off. The Deacs have an excellent ace pitcher in left-hander Tim Cooney, while outfielders Kevin Jordan and Mac Williamson and infielder Carlos Lopez lead the offensive lineup.

For the Terrapins, getting talented pitcher Brett Harman back in the mix is an emotional and production boost. The Terps have recruited at a much higher level the past few seasons, and look for that to finally start paying off for coach Erik Bakich.

It’s time to go inside the ACC.



HOW THEY STACK UP
Overall/conference won-loss records from 2011 indicated; expectation level denoted -- College World Series= CWS, NCAA Super Regional= SR, NCAA Regional= R