The ACC Pre-Season Kickoff is going on down in Ponte Vedra, Fla, which is outside of Jacksonville. Those members of the media, after talking to coaches and players from all 12 ACC schools, voted on what they think the standings will look like when the season is all said and done.
The Atlantic Division went like this:
1. Florida State
2. Clemson
3. Boston College
4. Maryland
5. N.C. State
6. Wake Forest.
The Coastal Division:
1. Miami
2. Virginia Tech
3. Georgia Tech
4. Virginia
5. UNC
6. Duke
I think they have the Coastal Division about right. Although I think Carolina has the chance to move ahead of Virginia, it’s hard to go against Miami. The Hurricanes, in their two years in the ACC, have yet to blow the league away as was predicted when they joined. Also, Virginia Tech has the reputation, but they don’t have a lot of returning starters.
The Atlantic Division is by far the more competitive. I think I would put Clemson ahead of Florida State. The 'Noles, despite winning the title game last season, seem to keep living on what they’ve done in the past. They always have talent and they're good -- but not 1990s-good. Maybe it's time the younger Bowden will get the old man. Clemson has a lot of players back from last year's team, which played so well down the stretch. The key for Clemson is to get off to a good start, which they seem to have trouble doing.
I also think I would move N.C. State ahead of Maryland and possibly Boston College. I think the Pack will be better than most think. State’s usually overrated. This year, being underrated might be a good thing for them. They've got a solid offensive line, and they can run the football. And the Pack always has quickness on defense.
Wake Forest, with 19 starters back, was picked for last, and Wake will always play hard. So, you bet that’s a competitive division and a competitive ACC.
By the way, the media covering the kickoff predicted Miami beating Florida State 31-23 to win the ACC title game.
Oh yeah, none of these teams have a great quarterback -- at least that we know of right now. About the only certainty is that Duke will finish last. The rest of the predictions? Who knows? But it will be fun to find out, and it will all be here in a matter of weeks.
Can’t wait, that’s for sure!
