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By BJ Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com

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Senior Editor B.J. Bennett shares his thoughts on the ACC conference meetings and spends some time with Tony Barnhart.

By B.J. Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com Senior Editor

Senior Editor B.J. Bennett shares his thoughts on the ACC conference meetings and spends some time with Tony Barnhart.

Wednesday morning Charlie K. and I were able to attend the ACC meetings at Amelia Island in northeast Florida.  In addition to meeting with ACC Commissioner John Swofford and hearing the latest league updates and news releases, we were able to spend some time with Atlanta Journal Constitution writer Tony Barnhart.  Generally regarded as the premier southern college football writer in the nation, Barnhart was engaging and welcoming.  He was also quick to the point.

“I don’t think there is any question that Georgia is good enough and talented enough to win the national championship,” Barnhart said. “The problem with Georgia is when you look at that schedule.  If Georgia stumbles against that tough schedule, you have to think that Florida has a chance.  I like those two in the east.” 

With numerous legitimate contenders in the mix, Barnhart had high praise for a number of SEC schools. http://www.columbusquarterbackclub.com/images/Tony%20Barnhart.JPG

“Over in the west, LSU lost Ryan Perrilloux at quarterback but they could have two of the best offensive and defensive lines they have ever had and they are going to be really good on defense again.  They can get by with whoever plays quarterback.  The other team I like in the league this year is Auburn.  Auburn is kind of my darkhorse team,” Barnhart added. 

With the pre-season polls continuing to be released, both Florida and Georgia have been virtual fixtures near, or at, the top of the national polls.  A few prominent media members have identified Georgia, who may be the AP pre-season number one, as their national favorite.  Along with schools like Ohio State, Oklahoma, LSU and Southern Cal, both Florida and Georgia have been singled out as legitimate national championship contenders.  Ironically enough, their pursuit of a title will likely go directly through each other.  This year’s BCS National Championship Game will be held on January 9th, 2009 in Miami, Florida.  Both figuratively and literally, the drive to South Beach goes right through Jacksonville.

In the shadows of John Swofford and other ACC brass, Barnhart had some interesting comments about Georgia Tech and first-year head coach Paul Johnson. 

“I think it all comes down to quarterback Josh Nesbitt, an incredibly talented athlete.  He’s got to learn the offense.  If you saw any of the spring game, he hadn’t learned it yet.  Once Paul has his offense in place and the quarterback to run it, I think it’s going to be extremely effective.  I think Georgia Tech is going to go through a bit of a transition this year.  I think by the end of the year they have a chance to be a pretty decent football team.  Early on it might be a little ugly.”

As for the two struggling traditional powers in the league, Florida State and Miami, Barnhart feels things are improving. 

“Florida State will be better this year.  They’ll be back, but not all of the way back,” Barnhart explained.  “Miami is sort of in the same boat, their recruiting has really picked up since Randy Shannon became head coach.  They are on the way back, but you’re not going to see a vast improvement this year.  All of the signs are pointing in the right direction for those two.” 

At the ACC meetings, the idea of a nine-game conference schedule for football was nixed, some future league bowl game plans were announced and many non-football issues were addressed.  Swofford spoke confidently about the ACC on all fronts, including the league benefiting from the BCS postseason system.  He made a point to speak highly of the conference’s affiliation with the FedEx Orange Bowl.  He has big expectations for the ACC Championship Game this season in Tampa and also in Charlotte in the future.  Future bowl game tie-ins that were discussed included the Congressional Bowl set for Washington D.C. and the GMAC Bowl in Mobile, Alabama.  It was also announced that the ACC will cut ties with the Humanitarian Bowl in Boise, Idaho. 

While Swofford and the other ACC brass provided the news and storylines, Barnhart provided great insight into both the ACC and the SEC.  As the patriarch of southern college football writers, his stances carry great weight. 

With that in mind, Georgia fans must be smiling. 

To listen to the complete audio interview, click here:

Play Barnhart Interview

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