Notre Dame Football: How Notre Dame Stacks Up Against Every ACC Team

Although it's highly unlikely that the Notre Dame football program will give up their independence, there are reports that the ACC is holding a spot for them. Even with this news, many believe that the Irish will remain independent and make things work that way.

But let's assume that Notre Dame gets with the program and actually becomes a member of the much improved ACC. Will they be able to compete with some of the top programs in the conference? Will they continue to struggle and be forced to settle for sub-par seasons? Could this move possibly set them up for a trip to a BCS bowl or possibly national championship?

Let's find out as we answer all of those questions and more.

15. Duke

Why this team is here: Does this really need an explanation? The basketball school has won a total of 11 games combined the last three seasons. The Blue Devils haven't reached a bowl game since 1994, and there isn't much talent to believe that streak will end anytime soon.

14. Syracuse

Why this team is here: Syracuse is another basketball school that won't do much in this conference. In the last 10 years, they only reached two bowl games, and that was in the Big East. They do have more talent than Duke does, but I think we'd all agree that we would much prefer their basketball program over their football.

13. North Carolina State

Why this team is here: The Wolfpack has had success the last two years, reaching bowl games in consecutive years for the first time since 2002-2003. I would just like to see a little bit more consistency before I begin to start believing in this program.

With North Carolina State returning a total of 14 starters, this may be the year they take that next step and make an impact in this conference.

12. Wake Forest

Why this team is here: Wake Forest is that school that plays absolutely terribly, but is good for one or two upsets a season. Last year, they finished the year with a 6-7 record, but they upset Florida State and only lost to Clemson by three points. Despite their bipolar ways, this isn't a good team and they will once again be at the bottom of the conference. 

11. Boston College

Why this team is here: They've reached a bowl game in 12 of the last 13 seasons, but never really get over that hump. They've lost their last three bowl games, and I'm not quite sure what to think of head coach Frank Spaziani, who led the Eagles to a brutal 4-8 record last season. Boston College is a solid program, I just don't consider them to be a great team in this conference.

10. Maryland

Why this team is here: After the lousy 2-10 season last year, you're probably wondering why the Terrapins aren't lower than this spot. But Randy Edsall is a great head coach, and you know this if you saw him work in Connecticut. With a year under his belt and more talented players like wide receiver Stefon Diggs, you can expect Maryland to slowly become one of the better teams in this conference.

9. Pittsburgh

Why this team is here: Pittsburgh was one of the better teams in the Big East, but that's not really saying much. Now that they finally have a head coach in place (and hopefully he stays for a while), it's going to be interesting to see how the Panthers stack up in a much more difficult conference. It's difficult to put them any higher than this before we see them play in the ACC.

8. North Carolina

Why this team is here: Always a very talented team in this conference, but they can never seem to quite make it over the hump. Although, they have made four straight bowl games and put together solid recruiting classes. I'd like to see the Tar Heels actually play a full season to their potential and stop underachieving every year.

7. Virginia

Why this team is here: Have you seen what Mike London has been doing with this program? The Cavaliers were ranked and reached a bowl game for the first time in four years. He knows exactly how to motivate his players and get the most out of them, even if they aren't the most gifted athletes on the field.

As long as London remains the head coach, I see this program moving up this list.

6. Georgia Tech

Why this team is here: The Yellow Jackets are a team that appears to be just one or two players away from being a serious contender in college football. They have a fantastic running game and play well against top competition. Maybe if they had a solid quarterback who could actually throw the ball, they'd be fine.

Regardless, this is a team that is no pushover and will spend a good part of the season as a ranked team.

5. Miami

Why this team is here: Haven't won a bowl game since 2006, ongoing scandal that leaves this programs status up in the air and the fact that I don't see the ridiculously talented players going to Miami that we're used to seeing.

Miami has lost a lot of that edge that made them so great back in the days, but with head coach Al Golden running the show, they appear to slowly be gaining that "it" factor back.

4. Notre Dame

Why this team is here: Despite how Notre Dame has played the last few years, they're still a team to be reckoned with. They have more talent than a lot of teams in the country, and they will continue to recruit well and land top players. As long as a team has top athletes in the field, you should expect them to play well and win quite a few games.

The Irish can go into any conference (except the SEC) and instantly become a top-five team in that conference.

3. Florida State

Why this team is here: Florida State has the potential to be the best team in this conference, but I have to see the potential produce results first. Regardless, this is a team that is clearly on the rise and will make some noise very quickly.

Can Notre Dame compete: They can compete, but as you saw in last year's bowl game, they have to limit the turnovers if they expect to win ball games.

2. Virginia Tech

Why this team is here: When you think of this conference, there are only a couple of teams that come to mind right away. Virginia Tech should be one of them.

Head coach Frank Beamer always has a team that can play with anyone, and they're always a defensive-minded team. That alone makes the Hokies competitive against anyone in the country.

Can Notre Dame compete: Sure they can, but Virginia Tech is a team that has been able to play with anyone in the country. The Irish better bring it if they expect to hang with the Hokies.

1. Clemson

Why this team is here: There is not another ACC team that I'm comfortable putting at the No. 1 spot. This is a Clemson team that's on the rise and is returning the majority of their players from a team that could score at will on the offensive side of the ball. Call me crazy, but they're a dark horse national championship contender this season.

Can Notre Dame compete: Yes, Notre Dame can compete. I just hope they have speed on the defensive side of the ball if they're going to slow this team down.

Randy Chambers is a B/R featured columnist that covers college football and the NFL. You can contact him @Randy_Chambers or [e-mail].