NC State Wolfpack

By Tony Haynes

A couple of months ago, I expressed a dislike for the predictions we see in preseason football publications. I've gone most of my life trying to figure out why people forecast things they have no control over. But that was before I was struck with an epiphany: my attitude changed when the head honcho at Wolfpack Sports Marketing, holding a Louisville Slugger (he was using the Vardon grip), instructed me to make my own preseason football predictions on GOPACK.com. I now have a new lease on life.

With that in mind, GOPACK.com brings you the first annual Haynes' World Preseason Football Awards.

ACC Champions: After going through pages of scouting reports, player bios and marriage records, I've decided to go with Florida State-or let's just say I'm leaning towards the Seminoles at this moment. FSU has the best players, one of the best coaching staffs, legions of fans and a fabulous band. Tallahassee isn't exactly what you'd describe as a vacation destination, but that hasn't proven to be a detriment.

2nd Place, ACC: Clemson, Virginia, Georgia Tech, Maryland, North Carolina or/and NC State. I'm going to go out on a limb and say that one of those teams will finish behind the Seminoles.

ACC Player of the Year: Florida State quarterback Chris Weinke. Not only do you have to be good to win player of the year honors, you also have be in a system that allows you to be successful. Weinke has both working in his favor. The senior signal caller has come a long way since that six-interception disaster at Carter-Finley two years ago.

ACC Rookie of the Year: Make it three in a row for the Wolfpack. I have a hunch that NC State quarterback Philip Rivers will follow in the footsteps of running back Ray Robinson and receiver Koren Robinson. Like Weinke, Rivers is good and has been fitted with an offense that is tailored to his strengths.

ACC Coach of the Year: Bowden. By using just the last name, it gives me two chances out of nine to get it right.

Surprise Team, ACC: North Carolina or NC State. Virginia and Clemson could only be surprise teams if somehow, they won or tied for the ACC title, which is an unlikely scenario. Though they were picked as lower division teams, the Heels and Pack are capable of finishing higher if everything goes right. Therefore, they have the best chance to pull a surprise.

The Best Player Some People Have Never Heard Of: The co-winners are Florida State receiver Anquan Boldin and NC State tight end Willie Wright. Rumor has it that Boldin, a 6'2, 205 pound sophomore, will make people forget about Peter Warrick. The 6'4, 226 pound Wright is part tight end, part wide receiver. In other words, he's unique. Pack coach Chuck Amato puts it this way: "Willie Wright is going to create some problems for people in the passing game. He's big and he's got excellent hands. He might have the best pair of hands on the team."

Facility Arms Race Award: Virginia. Seven of the nine ACC schools have been immersed in a facilities arms race over the last ten years. UVA will be the big winner this season. From all indications, Scott Stadium in Charlottesville has been transformed into a real showplace following an $86 million renovation project.

Disclaimer: The author of this column reserves the right to change his predictions at any point during the 2000 football season. Forecasts proven to be incorrect will be changed for the expressed purpose of salvaging the reputation of said author.