For my fourth installment of my annual college football rankings I travel to the Atlantic Coast Conference. The ACC comes in a tie with the Big 12 for my annual conference rankings. The ACC has one team that can legitimately make it to the College Football Playoff, and I’m sure everyone knows who that is. There are not many surprises in my ACC rankings, but watch out for Virginia and Louisville to make a splash. Stay posted for my Big-Ten predictions and National Predictions!
ACC Predicted Final Standings
Atlantic Coastal
1. Florida State 1.Duke
2. Clemson 2.Miami
3. Louisville 3.Virginia
4. Syracuse 4. UNC
5 .N.C. State 5. VA Tech
6. Boston College 6. GA Tech
7. Wake Forest 7. Pittsburg
Quarterback
No surprises here as the Florida State Seminoles have the best QB unit in the ACC. Jameis Winston returns for his third year in the program and should be just as stellar. I don’t expect his numbers to dip in any way, and in fact I have the Noles offense being better than last year. Virginia was a very distant second in this category.
Running-Back
The Virginia Cavaliers have the best RB unit in the ACC this season. Kevin Parks will return to the Virginia offense and he’ll have his FB, Vincent Croce, back to block with him. The talent at this position doesn’t immediately jump out at you, but the production coming back is ridiculous. The Cavs return over 1,800 yards on the ground and 18 TDs, that’s the most returning production in the conference. Kevin park had nearly 1,100 yards last season and should improve. UNC came in a close second in this category.
Offensive-Line
The best offensive line in the ACC belongs to FSU by a long shot. The Noles return all but one starter from a team that brought Tallahassee its first Natty since 1999. FSU has 8 offensive linemen on the roster that were recruited as 4 star recruits or higher. This offensive line will protect Winston all year long and that isn’t good news for opposing defenses! No other team came close to the Noles in this category.
Wide Receiver
Jamison Crowder and the Duke Blue Devils have the best receiving core in the ACC this season. Crowder returns an astonishing 1,360 yards and 8 TDs! Opposite of Crowder the Blue Devils return another starter in Max McCaffery. With Anthony Boone returning as the starting QB this receiving unit will be hard to contain. FSU came in a distant second in this category.
Tight-End
Surprise, Surprise….the Florida State Seminoles have the best tight-end unit in the ACC to go along with their #1 OL and their #1 QB. Nick O’Leary, the former five star stud out of Florida, returns and brings nearly 600 yards and 7 TDs with him. He’s also the grandson of Jack Nicklaus so that automatically qualifies him to shoot under par! If he doesn’t run his motorcycle into any more school buses this offseason he should be one of the best in the country.
Defensive-Line
The best defensive line in the ACC belongs to the Clemson Tigers. The Tigers return all 4 starters including All-American Preseason DE Vic Beasley. The unit returns an incredible 302 tackles from last season and should keep opposing QBs on their backs all season long. To go along with the 300+ tackles returning this unit returns 27 sacks and boasts 7 players on the roster that were recruited four star or higher! A close second in this category belongs to FSU.
Linebackers
The Duke Blue Devils have the best linebacker core in the conference this season. The Blue Devils return All-Conference linebacker Kelby Brown as well as the two other starters. This unit returns 368 tackles and an incredible 6 INTs. Clemson came in a close second in this category.
Cornerbacks
The Miami Hurricanes have the best DBs in the conference. Miami returns both starters from a year ago including five-star phenom, Tracy Howard. This unit returns a ridiculous 12 INTs, 159 tackles, and will make it extremely difficult for opposing receivers to create space. Virginia Tech came in a distant second in this category.
Safeties
Clemson will have the best safeties in the ACC this season. The Tigers return both starters from a year ago including SS Robert Smith and his 79 tackles. The unit returns 7 INTs and should be better with the defensive line that they’re backing up. I expect more INTs! Virginia came in a distant second in this category.
Atlantic
Florida State
The Florida State Seminoles will once again win the ACC and they are the only team I have going undefeated in the regular season. The Noles aren’t as good as they were last year mainly because the losses on the defensive side of the ball, as well as a new Defensive Coordinator. The defensive line returns 3 out of 4 starters but the lone loss, Timmy Jernigan, is a big one. However, Chris Casher is a former 5 star recruit and he’ll slide in at Jernnigan’s spot fairly well. The linebacker unit is depleted after losing 2 out of 3 starters and the leading tackler from a year ago, Telvin Smith. The Noles do return a lot of talent at the LB position but the loss of Smith cannot be overstated. The cornerback unit will be down after the departure of All-American Lamarcus Joyner. FSU does return one corner in P.J. Williams. The safety unit loses one starter in Terrance Brooks but should be better than last year with Jalen Ramsey filling the void. This defense will not be as good as it was last season but will still be one of the top 2 defenses in the ACC.
Florida State’s offense will be better than they were last year and this unit is the main reason I have the Noles winning the conference. It starts up front where the Noles return 4 out of 5 offensive lineman from last year’s team. This offensive line will make it easy for Winston to find receivers and for running-backs to find holes. The receiving unit takes a hit after losing Kelvin Benjamin to the NFL along with his 1,000 yards receiving and 15 TDs. However, Rashad Greene returns over 1,100 yards himself and 9 TDs, I don’t expect any dip in production, and Winston has the best tight end in the conference to bail him out anytime he gets in trouble. The RB unit loses some production and talent after the departure of Donta Freeman to the Falcons. However, Karlos Williams is a former 5 star recruit and will fill the void really well behind this outstanding offensive line, hell, Terrance Cody could run the ball behind this O-line!
I expect the Noles to run the table once again, but I won’t call them National Champs (We’ll get to that in my National Predicitons). This team isn’t as good as last year’s team, but they’ll look like it playing in the ACC. Prediction: 14-0 Regular Season. ACC Champs. Playoff Berth.
Clemson
The Clemson Tigers will once again come in second in the Atlantic Division this season. However, the second place finish will not be due to the defense. This is the best defense in the conference and it starts up front. The defensive line is the best in the conference and they have the best DE in the country in Vic Beasly. All 4 starters return to the defensive line and Beasly should set the Clemson single season sack record this season, which currently stands at 16! The linebacking core will be down after losing 2 out of 3 starters, but the MLB position will be solid as last year’s leading tackler, Stephone Anthony, returns. The cornerback position is the biggest question mark on this defense as they lose both starters from a year ago. However, both starters have experience and were both recruited as four star recruits. If the corners let the receiver go they’ll be just fine as the Tigers boast the best safeties in the ACC. Clemson returns both safeties from a year ago, 169 tackles, and 7 INTs, this secondary will be good. This defense will be one of the best in the ACC and the entire country. The Defenseive Coordinater, Brent Venables, will have this defense ready to go come August 30th. For all those that doubt Venables coaching ability you should watch his Oklahoma Sooners hold Urban Cryer’s Gators to 24 total points in the 2008 National Championship.
The Clemson offense will struggle, especially in the early going. This offensive unit only returns 5 starters from a year ago and they lost their leading passer, rusher, and receiver. The departure of Tajh Boyd will hurt this team tremendously this year, his leadership and production will be greatly missed. Cole Stoudt will start but fans can expect the highly touted freshman, Deshaun Watson to see the field a lot. D.J. Howard will start at the RB position after the departure of Roderick McDowell. McDowell leaves behind over 1,000 yards rushing and the leading returner from a year ago only brings back 246, this unit will be down. The receiving unit will be way down after losing both starters and leading receiver Sammy Watkins. The returning receivers are talented, but not Sammy Watkins talented. The offensive line only returns 2 starters and this team only boasts 2 offensive linemen that were recruited at a four star level or higher. The one bright spot on this unit is the return of tight-end Stanton Seckinger and he should build upon his 4 TDs from a year ago. This unit will be way, way, way down this year!
If it weren’t for all the losses on the offensive side of the ball I would have picked Clemson to compete at a very high level with FSU. However, they’ll lose to the Noles again this year as they travel to Tallahassee. Prediction: 9-3 Regular Season.
Louisville
Coming in third in my Atlantic Division ranking are the Louisville Cardinals. The loss of Charlie Strong and so many departures on the defensive side of the ball will hurt this team. Todd Grantham comes over from Georgia after the Bulldogs gave up a season record in points last season. The defense only returns 5 starters from last year. The defensive line is depleted after losing 2 out of 3 starters are gone including All-Conference DE Marcus Smith. The linebacker unit only loses one starter in Preston Brown, but he was the Cardinals leading tackler last season. Expect the LB unit to have a little bit better production this season even with the loss of Brown. The cornerback unit is solid as both starters return and bring 9 INTs with them. The safety position will be down extremely as both starters are gone as well as 120 tackles and 6 INTs. The addition of Grantham as DC is a step back from Charlie Strong, expect this defense to be looking at the sideline while the opposing offense is running touchdowns!
If there’s one thing Bobby Petrino can do (besides bang sorority girls on the back of motorcycles), its coach offense, and he’s got weapons to start with. The Cardinals lose Teddy Bridgewater at the QB positon but Petrino should be able to find the right man for the job. The starting RB, Dominique Brown, returns and brings 825 yards with him. The receiving pool is deep and talented as they return 1 out of 2 starters and over 2,000 yards receiving. The offensive line only loses one starter from a year ago and should be one of the best offensive lines in the ACC. The tight end position is solid with the return of starter Gerald Christian, 426 yards, and 4 TDS. This offense will put up similar number to last season.
Louisville will start out on the right foot in Bobby Petrino’s redoux (Just keep the Harley’s and strippers in the garage). The defense will struggle and the QB position will be a question, but expect the Cardinals to have a decent season. Prediction: 7-5 Regular Season.
Syracuse
The Syracuse Orange come in 4th in my annual rankings. The defense will be good as they only lose 3 starters from a year ago. The defensive line returns 3 out of 4 starters, 60 tackles, and 13 sacks. The linebacker unit loses one starter but returns the leading tackler from a year ago in Cameron Lynch. The cornerback unit returns 1 out of 2 and should be down slightly. The safety unit returns both starters and this is one of the best safety units in the conference as they return 169 tackles and 4 INTs. This unit will be good.
The Syracuse Orange offense will be a middle of the pack performer this season, they won’t be extraordinary but they shouldn’t be awful either. The starting QB from last year, Terrel Hunt, returns, and although he didn’t put up crazy numbers last year his second year in the system should help. The offensive line should be solid as they only lose one starter from a year ago. The lone departed, is center Macky MacPhereson, and replacing him will be a challenge. The receiving group loses 1 out of 2 starters from a year ago but shouldn’t see that much drop in production as the lost starter only takes away 365 yards from the unit. The Orange use a running-back by committee approach and the committee returns over 1,500 yards, even with the loss of last year’s leading rusher this unit will be better. This offensive unit will be solid.
The Orange should take a step in the right direction in their second year in the ACC. The defensive and offensive units will be solid and I’m calling for this team to gain a bowl berth. Prediction: 6-6 Regular Season.
N.C State
The N.C. State Wolfpack has secured 5th in my ACC Atlantic divisional rankings. The Wolfpack will have a much improved defense in 2014 and it starts up front. NC State returns all 4 defensive linemen from a year ago, and they bring 127 tackles and 10 sacks with them. This is one of the better defensive front fours in the conference. The linebacker unit returns 2 out of 3 starters but they lose the leading tackler from last season in R. Caldwell. Expect this unit to be slightly down after the loss of so much production. The cornerback unit returns 1 starter from a year ago but should be just as good as last year, if not better, as there isn’t a whole lot of production lost here. The safety unit is the same story as the cornerbacks. The unit returns 1 starter but doesn’t lose an extreme amount of production. Overall, this defensive unit will make the Pack’s chances of reaching a bowl game achievable.
The Wolfpack offense is a question mark after losing starting QB Pete Thomas. However, Florida transfer, Jacoby Brissett, brings a lot of talent to the fold and could wind up being one of the better QBs in this conference. The leading rusher from a season ago returns and should build upon his nearly 800 yards of rushing. NC State has a bevy of receivers to choose from and although they lose a starter from last year they should be better. The offensive line isn’t in bad shape as they return 3 out of 5, but the left side is depleted as they lose last year’s starting LG and LT. The starting TE from last year returns but he didn’t add much production last year. If Brissett takes control of this offense and finally grows into the highly touted recruit he once was, this offense could flourish.
There are too many questions on the offensive side of the football for me to rank this team any higher. However, like I’ve said before, if Brissett lives up to his hype this team could be dangerous. Prediction: 6-6 Regular Season.
Boston College
Boston College will come in 6th place in the Atlantic division in 2014. The defensive unit will be decent, mainly because their whole secondary will be back. However, this defense loses a lot of production from the front end. The defensive line returns 2 out of 4 starters but they do lose 95 tackles and 14.5 sacks. This unit will be down with the loss of so much production. The linebacker unit will be significantly down after losing last year’s two leading tacklers and an astonishing 220 tackles. Both starting cornerbacks and both safeties return from last season and they bring a boat load of production with them. While the front end of this defense will struggle, opposing QBs will find it very hard to pass against this secondary.
While Boston College’s defense will be average, the offense will be down significantly. The loss of RB Andre Williams and his 2,177 rushing yards and 20 TDs will be impossible to replace. The QB from a year ago is gone and will be replaced by Florida transfer, Tyler Murphy. Murphy has extraordinary talent and I expect BCs numbers to be better at this position. The offensive line returns 3 starters and they’re all on the interior so this unit should be similar to last year’s. Both receivers from last year are gone and there is really no significant production returning to this squad, this unit will be down. This offensive unit will struggle mightily this season.
BC will take a step back this year after the loss of so much production on the offensive side as well as the defensive side. Prediction: 5-7 Regular Season.
Wake Forest
The Wake Forest Demon Deacons will finish at the bottom of the ACC Atlantic division this season. The defense only returns 4 starters from a year ago and this unit will be significantly down. The defensive line loses all 4 starters from a year ago, nearly 150 tackles, and 16 sacks. This DL will struggle all season. The linebacker unit doesn’t fare much better as they only return one starter and last year’s leading tackler, Mike Olsen, will be gone. Expect this unit to be down. The one bright spot on this defense is the cornerback position where both starters return and bring 111 tackles and 6 INTs with them. The safety unit loses 1 starter but should be better than last year with the return of SS Ryan Janvion and his 95 tackles. This unit will struggle all season as the lost production will be too much to overcome.
The defensive unit only returns 4 starters and the offensive unit only returns 3. The starting QB from last year, T. Price, is gone as well as his 2200 yards and 13 TDs. The RB position is depleted as all 3 of last year’s leading rushers are gone and there is no significant production returning. The receiving unit returns a bevy of receivers but they lose last year’s leading receiver in M. Campanaro, and his loss is significant. The offensive line only returns 2 starters from last season and should find it hard to create space this year. This unit is significantly down and will struggle mightily all season long.
The Demon Deacons usher in a new coach and he doesn’t have a lot of talent to work with. This team will be the laughing stock of the ACC this year and opposing teams will look forward to this matchup. Prediction: 3-9 Regular Season.
Coastal
Duke
The Duke Blue Devils will once again be a stellar team. The defense will be similar to last year as they only lose 3 starters from a year ago. The defensive line loses 2 out of 4 starters and should be down slightly. Both defensive ends are gone from a season ago and the loss of production on the ends should bring this defensive front down slightly. The linebacker unit is the best in the conference and rivals any linebacker unit in the country. All three starters return and each starter bring over 100 tackles with them. The fact that each starting LB brings over 100 tackles each is astonishing. The cornerback unit will be similar to last year after returning 1 starter in Breon Borders. Borders is one of the best lockdown corners in the conference and should be better this year. The safety unit is great as they return both starters, over 170 tackles, and 4 INTS. This Defense will be GREAT!
This offensive unit will be even better than last year’s as they only lose 3 starters. The starting QB, Anthony Boone, will be back and should be better with a full year in Cutcliffe’s system under his belt. The leading rusher from last year, Josh Snead, is back as well as his blocking FB. The receiving unit is the best in the conference as they return both starters from a year ago including All-Conference, and leading receiver Jamison Crowder. The Blue Devils return 3 starters on the offensive line and this unit should be similar to last year’s. The loss of Braxton Deaver at TE, after tearing his ACL in pre-season camp, is a huge blow to this offense. Deaver was returning over 600 yards and 5 TDs at the position. However, this unit should still be better than last season’s.
The Blue Devils will once again return to the ACC Championship, and this will be the best season in Duke Football history! I expect this to be Cutcliff’s last year in Durham as more prolific programs will come calling! The offensive and defensive units return intact and should be better than last season. Prediction: 11-1 Regular Season, ACC Coastal Division Champs.
Miami
Finishing second in the coastal division this year will be the Miami Hurricanes. The Hurricanes success this season will be because of their defense. The defensive line returns 2 out of 4 starters but I expect similar production to last year as this unit returns a ton of talent ant production. The linebacker unit returns 2 out of 3 starters including the leading tackler from last year, Denzel Perryman. Perryman is one of the best LB in the entire country and will be the leader of this defense. The cornerback unit is the best in the ACC as they return both starters, 119 tackles, and an astonishing 12 INTs! This unit will lock down opposing receivers all season. The safety unit loses 1 starter from a year ago but should be similar in production. This defense will be one of the better units in the ACC conference.
As good as the Canes’ defense is- the offense will have some growing pains. The starting QB, Stephen Morris, is gone, and he’ll be replaced by the former 4 star recruit out of California, Brad Kayaa. Kayaa has extreme amounts of talent but zero experience. Duke Johnson returns as the starting RB and if he can stay healthy he should be the ACC’s leading rusher this season. The offensive line only returns 2 starters from a year ago and should be down this season. The starting TE from last season, Clive Walford, is back and should build upon his 454 yards receiving and 3 TDS. The loss of leading WR Allen Hurns hurts this unit, but the Canes have plenty of options at the receiving position as they return over 1,400 yards and 15 TDs as a unit. This unit will be down from last year but they won’t be terrible with Johnson toting the rock.
The Canes will take a step in the right direction and could challenge for an ACC Coastal Division Title. The defense will be solid enough to overshadow the growing pains that the offense will experience, and if Brad Kayaa can live up to his hype this team will be dangerous. Prediction: 9-3 Regular Season.
Virginia
The Virginia Cavaliers are my surprise team in the ACC and I have them finishing third in the Coastal division. It all starts on the defensive side of the football where the Cavs finished 2nd in my overall defensive unit rankings this season. Virginia only loses 3 starters from a year ago on this side of the football. The defensive line returns 2 out of 4 starters and should be similar to last year as the loss of production is not overwhelming. The linebacker unit returns 2 out of 3 starters including the leading tackler from a season ago, Henry Coley. This unit should be up slightly from last year. Both starters at cornerback as well as both safeties return to this defense. This defensive secondary should be one of the best in the conference. This defense will shock a lot of people this season as they return a ton of production and have had good recruiting classes the past couple years. In fact, 8 starters on this defense were recruited as 4 star recruits or higher. This is a very talented group and should be good!
The offensive side of the football doesn’t boast half the talent that the defensive side, but what they lack in talent they bring back in production. The starting QB from last year, David Watford, is back and should build upon his 2,500 yards from a year ago. The RB unit is the best in the conference. The RB unit uses a running-back by committee but the committee returns over 1800 yards, and Kevin Parks brings back over 1,000 yards himself. Virginia does lose a starter at receiver but this unit should be stronger as they have a ton of production returning. The offensive line is a question mark as they only return two starters. This unit should be better than last year providing they can get som continuity on the offensive line.
A lot of analysts have North Carolina in this position, but I’m going with Virginia as my dark horse in the ACC Coastal division. The schedule isn’t easy as they open up against UCLA, but they get UNC and Miami at home. Prediction: 8-4 Regular Season.
North Carolina
The UNC Tar Heels will finish 4th in the Coastal Division in 2014. UNC has a chance to do better but the defensive unit will be down. The defensive line loses all 3 starters from a year ago and will struggle all season as they lose 138 tackles and 12 sacks. The linebacker unit is the one bright spot on this defensive unit as the Heels return all 4 starters and should be solid! The cornerback position is depleted as they lose both starters and 137 tackles. The safety unit will be down as well after the departure of FS Tre Boston to the NFL. This unit will take a step back and should be significantly down from last year.
The offensive is a totally different story than the defensive unit as the Heels return a lot of production and talent from last season. Marquise Williams returns as the starting QB after taking over for an injured Brynn Renner last season. Williams should be significantly better as he will have the offense to himself the entire season. The RB unit returns a group of RBs that return over 1,600 yards on the ground and T.J. Logan should lead the charge. Both leading receivers are back from last season and this unit brings over 1,700 yards receiving back. The offensive line returns 3 starters and should be similar to last season’s unit. The only black eye on this offensive unit is the loss of TE Eric Ebron who departs for the NFL and takes 973 receiving yards and 3 TDs with him. This unit should be better than last year.
UNCs defense scares me and that’s the only reason I don’t have this team higher. The Heels have a load of talent and production on the offensive side of the ball but the defense is another story. Prediction: 7-5 Regular season.
Virginia Tech
The Hokies come in 5th in my Coastal Division rankings. The Hokies have been trending down the past two seasons and this year will be much of the same. The defensive unit losses a ton of production and talent on the front-end. The defensive line loses 3 out of 4 starters, 149 tackles, and 17 sacks. This unit will be down. The linebacker unit doesn’t fare much better as they lost 2 out of 3 starters, including the leading tackler from last season, Jack Tyler. As bad as the front end of the defense will be, the back end will be superb. Both cornerbacks return, including lock down corner Kendal Fuller. Both safeties also return and this secondary should be one the best in the ACC. The front-end losses will make it hard on this defense but they will still be decent.
The offensive unit only loses 3 starters from last year but the production from those losses is significant. Logan Thomas is out as the starting QB and he takes nearly 3,000 yards with him. The leading rusher from last year, Trey Edmunds, returns and brings 675 yards back. Both leading receivers are back and this is one of the better receiving units in the ACC as they bring back an astonishing 2,417 yards. The offensive line returns 3 starters but loses both starting guards from a year ago. If this unit is able to get stellar play out of the QB they may become a challenger in the Coastal, but the loss of so much production from the position will be hard to overcome.
Virginia Tech has lost their MoJo and the grumbling for Frank Beamer to step down will get even louder after this season. Expect much of the same from the Hokies, middle of the pack. Prediction: 7-5 Regular Season.
Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech finishes 6th in my Coastal division rankings and will be down this year. The defensive unit will be down after losing 6 starters from last year. The defensive line will be down significantly after losing 3 out of 4 starters including DE Jermiah Attachou and his 12.5 sacks. The linebacker unit will be slightly better as the Jackets return 2 out of 3 starters, including leading tackler Quayshon Nealy. The cornerback unit returns 1 starter but loses the other starter, Louis Yong. Expect this unit to be down slightly. The safety unit returns 1 starter as well but will be significantly down after losing FS Jemea Thomas and 88 tackles. This defensive unit will be down from a year ago as nearly every position loses a significant starter.
The offense loses their starting QB, Vad Lee, and will replace him with Justin Thomas. To make matter worse the Jackets lose their starting RB and FB from last year. The good news about this offensive unit is the do return 3 starters on the offensive line and this should be one of the better offensive lines in the ACC. Both leading receivers return, but as we are well aware, Paul Johnson doesn’t pass the football very often. Expect this offensive unit to be slightly down but not terrible.
The Yellow Jackets won’t make a bowl game this year and Paul Johnson’s hot seat will catch on fire. I expect Georgia Tech to be interviewing head coaches come January. Prediction: 5-7 Regular Season.
Pittsburgh
Rounding out my Coastal Division ranking are the Pitt Panthers. The Panthers only return 5 starters on the defensive side of the ball and this unit will be one of the worst in the ACC. The defensive line loses 3 starters and 17 sacks from a year ago, they will be down. The linebacker unit will be slightly better than last year as they return 2 out of 3 starters. Pitt returns 1 starting cornerback but this unit should be similar to last year as there is not a ton of production lost. The safety unit will be down after losing FS Jason Hendricks and his 85 tackles. This defense will struggle all season.
Pitt’s offensive unit will also be down as they lose starting QB, Tom Savage, and his nearly 3,000 yards passing. The RB unit will be stellar as they return over 1,800 yards rushing and last year’s leader in James Conner. The receiving unit will be decent but the loss of leading receiver, Devin Street, will hurt. The offensive line returns 3 starters and should be similar to last year if they can find a starting center. Overall, this offensive unit should be slightly down after losing Savage and Street.
Pitt will finish in the cellar of the coastal division after losing so much production on both sides of the football. Prediction: 3-9 Regular Season.
TheSlopChute 
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