It was once thought that the Atlantic Coast Conference would be a football powerhouse with the additions of Virginia Tech, Miami. and Boston College.
Instead, it has been mediocre at best, with Miami and Florida State falling apart, among others who have struggled.
This year seems to be more of the same, with the lone national title contender being Clemson.
The good news is that the bottom of the conference might get better now that Duke has a successful coach in David Cutcliffe.
It will be a dogfight to stay out of the BCS cellar between the ACC and Big East, but I will give the ACC the advantage.
Atlantic Division
1. Clemson (10-2, 7-1)
The Tigers are the clear-cut favorite in the ACC this year as they return nearly all of their key offensive players.
Senior Cullen Harper had a strong season last year and is expected to be the top quarterback in the conference.
James Davis and C.J. Spiller are back to form the two-headed monster in the backfield. Top receivers Aaron Kelly, Tyler Grisham, and Jacoby Ford also return.
Even the defense returns several key returners, despite the loss of leading tackler Nick Watkins.
The problem under Tommy Bowden has been losing games they shouldn’t, and it is hard to imagine them not doing that at least once this year.
In fact, I have the Tigers losing their first game of the year in Atlanta to Alabama. Clemson finished last year with a loss to an SEC team (Auburn) in Atlanta, and I find the Tide this year comparable to Auburn last year.
Clemson should bounce back nicely with four home games and a bye before going to Wake Forest. The Tigers have had the Deacons' number, and I think that will continue.
The only tough tests the rest of the year should be at Florida State and hosting South Carolina.
I think the FSU game will be the only conference loss of the year because daddy is due to beat son.
Either way, it should be a big season in Death Valley. If not, it may be the end of both Bowdens.
2. Florida State (8-4, 5-3)
It has been a struggle the past few years for the Seminoles, and this year could be more of the same with plenty of suspensions over the first few games.
The good news is that those three games are at home, and two of those against I-AA teams.
The other should be a big game with Wake Forest that could go either way.
Drew Weatherford is finally a senior, and I think he will be improved again.
With Antone Smith and Preston Parker back in the backfield and Greg Carr at receiver, the lone question mark is the troubled offensive line.
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