Ranking the ACC: Atlantic Division

The ACC's Atlantic division will feature new faces this season as Clemson and Boston College will feature new coaches.
Both programs decided to hire from within the previous coaching staff. Dabo Swinney takes over at Clemson and Frank Spaziani will lead Boston College.

Will these coaching decisions pay off? Only time will tell, but of course, we have our own opinions on the matter.

Also in the Atlantic are old-school coaches Bobby Bowden, Jim Grobe, Tom O'Brien, and Ralph Freidgen.

Who will take the title this year in this parity-filled division? Will it be Boston College?
Is Bowden in perhaps his last go 'round?
Or, will a darkhorse claw its way to the top?

6. Maryland

Maryland loses a lot from last year's team.
The Terrapins return their starting running back and quarterback for what should be a decent backfield. But, the loss of a veteran offensive line and play -maker Darius Hayward-Bay will prove to be too much.

On defense, LB Alex Wujciak will have to lead the Terps defense, one that returns only three starters. They will have an all-senior defensive backfield, but inexperience on the D-Line could prove costly.

Maryland will lose a lot of battles in the trenches this year and will have to rely heavily on running the ball.
But, will they have the horses on defense to stop the run? We think not.

Final Prediction: 2-6

The Fridge may be getting a little too warm for comfort after this disappointing season.

5. Boston College

Montel Harris and fellow sophomore running mate Josh Haden will look to carry BC to its third straight ACC Championship Game appearance.

The quarterback position appears shaky, so BC and first-time head coach Frank Spaziani will rely heavily on the run.
BC returns seven starters on offense, but the loss of quarterback Dominique Davis will be crucial.

On defense, Mark Herzlich was recently diagnosed with cancer. He will most likely miss this season (we wish him the best of luck).
This means that BC has five defensive starters returning from last year's team.

Look for BC and Spaziai to have some bumps in the road this year as they try to find their way.

Final Prediction: 2-6

* They will hold the tiebreaker over Maryland due to a head-to-head victory on Nov. 28.

4. Wake Forest

Riley Skinner and head coach Jim Grobe have seen it all the past few years.
They have been to the Orange Bowl and won the ACC before and are looking to do it again.

This is Skinner's last year of eligibility as well as seven other projected offense starters.
This mature offense will have to carry the Deacs because the NFL draft depleted Wake's defense.

Skinner and his veteran O-Line will be working with a new set of wideouts, but he will have a reliable backfield tandem in Josh Adams and Kevin Harris.

The defense lost playmakers Aaron Curry and Alphonzo Smith to the draft and only returns four starters.
Wake only has one starter returning in its back seven.

They could make a run, but, their passing defense will be a major question mark.

Final Prediction: 4-4

Decent season and a return trip to a bowl game and a chance for another eight-win season.

3. Florida State

Florida State and Bobby Bowden may only have one more season together.
This year could end in disappointment without an Atlantic division title. They are just one more year away from contending for the top spot.

FSU played 22 true freshman last season and returns quarterback Christian Ponder.
FSU will use explosive running back Jermaine Thomas and returns all of its line but will be losing its top WRs.

On defense Florida State returns stud linebacker Dekoda Watson and four other starters. They are young, but are also very talented.

Overall, FSU has the best talent in this division. Unfortunately, their damn-near impossible schedule may just get the best of them.

They have tough road games against Boston College, North Carolina, Clemson, and Wake Forest. They also got shafted when they were scheduled to play Miami, UNC, and Ga. Tech from the Coastal division.

Final Prediction: 5-3

With tough OOC games @ BYU, against South Florida, and @ UF, look for FSU to have a respectable season and possibly go 8-4 with a Gator Bowl berth.

2. Clemson

C.J. Spiller has high hopes to lead Clemson back to relevancy and with new head coach Dabo Swinney, the Tigers are raring to attack their competition.

Clemson returns three offensive lineman to go along with an arsenal of speedy skill position players like Spiller, Jamie Harper, and Jacoby Ford.

Competition to replace quarterback Cullen Harper includes likely starter Kyle Parker, Willy Korn, and true freshman Tajh Boyd.

Clemson's defense will be its bread and butter. They return eight starters from last year's top-20 defense and add a top defensive end recruit to their already loaded front seven. Ball-hawking safety Chris Chancellor will give opposing offensive coordinators headaches all year long.

Final Prediction: 5-3

Dabo gets it done in his first full year on the job and Clemson's defense and rushing attack leads them to a rare season where they actually exceed expectations.

1. North Carolina State

Russell Wilson and third-year coach Tom O'Brien have high hopes for this campaign.
They return 14 starters from last year's 6-7 team.
N.C. State struggled when Wilson was injured, but Mike Glennon is still a solid backup.

On offense, the Wolfpack return stud Wilson who had a remarkable freshman season, with an amazing 17 TDs to one INT.
Wilson will have his favorite receiver Owen Spencer and two senior running backs Jamelle Eugene and Toney Baker to assist him in achieving their goals.

On defense, the Wolfpack will be foaming at the mouth to get back to how they played at the end of the season.
LB Nate Irving returns to add toughness to the heart of their defense.
Defensive Coordinator Mike Archer has to revamp the Wolfpack defense and the squad returns seven starters and adds two JUCO D-Linemen.

Final Prediction: 5-3

The Wolfpack finish 5-3 and win the Atlantic division and its 3-way tie breaker. Their schedule sets up very well for them. They have the majority of their tough ACC games down the home stretch (games 7-12) and what is not to like about the heady play of dual-threat quarterback Wilson? Not Much.