Florida State is, well, Florida State. And N.C. State developed an attitude last year under first-year coach Chuck Amato that seemed remarkably similar to Florida State's, where Amato was an assistant for 18 years. Veteran leadership can make a difference for those teams in transition. Even at North Carolina where quarterback Ronald Curry will be working with his third offensive coordinator in as many seasons, he still has played enough football to know how to get his job done on the field. But one thing is certain.
Coaches wish they had more time in the spring.
But that is all we are allowed and all anybody else is allowed. The Tigers was one of the most effective running teams in the ACC last season despite having one of the lightest offensive lines. Clemson coach Tommy Bowden said one of the priorities was bulking up the line a little bit, but not to the point that quickness is sacrificed. The Tigers will use an innovative defensive scheme in 2001 with four down linemen, two linebackers, two cornerbacks and three safeties. The secondary should be one of the Tigers' strengths in 2001 with Brian Mance and Kevin Johnson.