Ranking The ACC Coastal Division Teams: Georgia Tech

Chan Gailey is gone and has been replaced with former Navy head coach Paul Johnson. Johnson brings with him the“flexbone spread" which was so successful at Navy. At Navy, Johnson’s teams led the nation in rushing in each of the past three seasons.

If you listen to some of the ACC coaches talk,. they believe that Johnson will be a force in the ACC Coastal Division and the ACC. Says Jim Grobe of Wake Forest, "I think Paul will drive people crazy." Even Tommy Bowden chimes in with "I wish he (Johnson) would have gone somewhere else."

The Yellow Jackets do have talent. Senior defensive tackle Vance Walker recorded 14 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks last season.Walker helped Tech lead the nation in sacks in 2007. Tech's defensive line is strong and the Jackets return three starters to their offensive line that allowed the fewest sacks in the ACC last season.

The big question is who will be the quarterback? Taylor Bennett's decision to transfer to Louisiana Tech leaves the Jackets without any experienced contenders. Tech also must replace two-time, 1,000-yard rusher Tashard Choice.

Couple these question marks with a schedule that has the Yellow Jackets playing Boston College, Virginia Tech, and Clemson away as well as having to play the Noles in Atlanta. This will be a daunting task for Paul Johnson in his first year.

FSU It's Time Ranking Prediction: Yellow Jacket fans will have to be patient this year as Paul Johnson implements his system. Johnson has dropped anchor in Atlanta and the fans will probably have to ride out some rough seas. I say that the Jackets finish # 4 in the Coastal Division in 2008.