ACC Football Preview
The ACC, consistently one of the best conferences in the nation, looks to have another competitive year. Last year, surprise winner Wake Forest beat out preseason favorites like Clemson, Miami and Florida State. The competition seems to be just as open, with most of the teams having a chance to end up on top of their division.
Tech and Wake Forest met in the ACC championship game in Jacksonville, where the Jackets went on to lose 9-6. Wake Forest met Louisville in the Orange Bowl, losing to the Cardinals 24-13.
Most of the consistent winners that had an off year last season have reloaded for the upcoming year, with perennial contenders Florida State and Miami looking to get back into the mix of teams competing for the national title.
The two division winners will again meet in Jacksonville for the ACC championship game to decide who will earn the automatic bid to the Orange Bowl.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons
The defending ACC champions will try again to recreate the magic of last year's campaign. However, this year they will be trying to do so as the clear favorite.
The team has a tough start, with games against BC and Nebraska.
NC State Wolfpack
The biggest acquisition for N.C. State was new coach Tom O'Brien from Boston College.
He will try to turn around a program that has brought in talent over the last several years, but failed to translate these recruits into wins.
Maryland Terrapins
Last year, the Terps returned to the postseason with a 9-4 record, including a win in their bowl game.
Maryland has 12 starters back on offense and defense, but may struggle to find the same success that they did last season.
Boston College Eagles
Former Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski is the new coach, replacing Tim O'Brien.
Preseason ACC Player of the Year senior quarterback Matt Ryan will lead the team.
Clemson Tigers
The leaders of this team are the Tigers backfield. Both C.J. Spiller and James Davis return. The tandem combined for over 2,125 yards and 27 touchdowns last season.
The Tigers should contend in the Atlantic division again.
Florida State Seminoles
Improving upon last year's 7-6 mark won't be easy this season as the schedule is daunting.
FSU returns 14 starters, but still has no definite quarterback.
Last season, FSU was ranked No. 18 in total defense.
Duke Blue Devils
The Blue Devils really struggled last season to get much going, and things don't look to be changing much for head coach Ted Roof any time soon.
Duke has lost 20 straight games dating back to 2005.
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
The Jackets finished atop the Coastal division last year, and should contend again. The Jackets will be led by their blitz-happy defense.
A key showdown with Virginia Tech on could decide the Coastal division winner.
Miami Hurricanes
Former defensive coordinator Randy Shannon was promoted to head coach and former Tech offensive coordinator Patrick Nix will take over in the same position.
The defense will be their strength as the 'Canes return eight starters.
North Carolina Tar Heels
Tar Heel fans are excited about their football program again as the team went out and hired a winner in Butch Davis. The situation for this year still looks cloudy.
The Tar Heels will be near the bottom of the division this year.
Virginia Tech Hokies
The Hokies were arguably the best team in the ACC.
The problems that need to be addressed are the play of quarterback Sean Glennon as well as replacing both their kicker (Brandon Pace) and punter (Nik Schmidt).
Virginia Cavaliers
The Cavaliers were a young team last year that struggled against seasoned ACC opponents.
The Cavaliers will be a tougher opponent this year as the defense is strong, but Virginia will likely not contend this season.
