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Phil Steele writer of the College Football Preview Magazine joined the Mac & Bone show to preview the seasons of the local colleges. Here is what he thinks each team will bring to the table this upcoming season.
Clemson: He is very bullish on the Tigers, having them favored in all 12 games they play. He believes their defensive line is the best in the country, and has them ranked #2 in the country and making the CFB Playoffs.
NC State: With the 14th-ranked D-line, 27th-ranked linebackers, and 18th-ranked DBs he expects this defense to be very good. If the QBs can stay healthy he believes they have a strong chance to repeat last year’s 8-win total.
UNC: After a disappointing end to last season he expects UNC to back bounce with an explosive offensive led by Heisman Trophy Candidate, Drake Maye. He believes Maye’s supporting cast is strong with a great backfield, solid WR core, and an upgraded O-line. The defense will have improved over the offseason as well. He believes if anyone can compete with Clemson and Florida State, it’s UNC.
Duke: He expects the Blue Devils led by Mike Elko to be an improved squad from last year, but with a far tougher schedule, which he ranked #22 in the country, doesn’t see them reaching 9 wins again this season. He still expects them to get over 6 wins on the season.
Wake Forest: With Dave Clawson at the helm for the Demon Deacons, he expects them to outperform his expectations, but those expectations aren’t very high this season. With only 11 players returning from last season and not many moves made in the transfer portal, he expects them to finish 8th in the ACC.
South Carolina: With Spencer Rattler under center the Gamecocks will always be in a solid position, the offensive line is a question mark for this team, but the defense and special teams look to be just as good as they were last year. He has them ranked #3 in the East this year.
Charlotte: Biff Poggi wants to win NOW, with the moves made in the transfer portal and with the tenacity of the coach he expects them to be able to compete in the new conference. The over/under win total is 3.5 for Charlotte this season and he expects them to cover the over.
App State: Expect a return to form with App State this year. After their worst season since 2013, he expects them to return to classic Mountaineer football with a lot of QB runs. He predicts them to win the SBC East and go to a Sun Belt Title Game.
ECU: With only 4 starters back on offense and 6 on defense this year feels like a rebuilding year, he is doubtful that they reach 8 wins like last season, but he does believe they still can make it to a bowl game.
Coastal Carolina: He expects a slight dropoff for this team, but he has them tied for 3rd in their conference this upcoming season.
LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW WITH PHIL STEELE HERE:
