FAVORITE TEAMS

The ACC is up there with the Big Ten and SEC in terms of strong competition. Everyone knows that Clemson takes this conference without hesitation, but just for fun, let’s focus on the defensive line’s development with all new guys led by Xavier Thomas and hope the rest of the defense without LB Shaq Smith (transferred) can still perform well.

The rest of the Atlantic division is on the “R.O.Y.” (Rest Of Y’all) bus and has some questions in spots that could keep them below Clemson. Syracuse returns plenty of players, but the passing game could turn into a weak spot unless new starting quarterback Tommy DeVito plays half as good as Eric Dungey. Florida State should bounce back with a talented group, but its up to Willie Taggart to lead his team in a positive direction in Year 2 with new offensive coordinator Kendal Briles on his staff. NC State is 50/50 in the division. Their passing defense continues to suffer while the offense hopes new quarterback Matt McKay can lead this offense. Wake Forest has an impressive offense, but this defense must improve. There’s nothing positive or negative about Boston College. They are who we know they are, but their backend schedule determines if they’re still a 7- to 8-win team. Louisville has enough talent to win more than two games, but they’re still recovering from the mess Bobby Petrino left behind.

The Coastal is hefty with competition, but I see four teams competing for the division title. Miami is the likely favorite and quarterback Jarren Williams could be their future. Virginia Tech is behind them but players’ transferring away continues to hurt their roster. Virginia may have the balance under Bronco Mendenhall to finally challenge for the division and conference title. Pitt may have won the division, but does it define them as contenders or pretenders? (Check my underrated ACC review for more info about Pitt). Duke could sneak up on some foes with a returning front on both sides and compete for a bowl berth, but the loss of Daniel Jones and a hefty schedule puts things into perspective. The Tarheels are my biggest question of the season. They competed all season as a two-win team, had only two blowout losses throughout, and only suffered because of injuries and early suspensions. Can they turnaround with new coach Mack Brown along with a difficult schedule? Georgia Tech’s complete transition from the triple-option is a sign of a complete rebuilding season.

WAKE FOREST DEMON DEACONS

This was a challenge on who my underrated team would be in the Atlantic division. Syracuse, NC State, and Wake Forest had some questionable pieces. I went with the latter and chose Wake. They have an impressive offense and no matter who starts at quarterback, they’ll be fine. They have a capable run game and receivers, including Sage Surratt and Scotty Washington, who returns from injury. Left tackle Justin Herron’s return from injury helps this line improve. My issue is their defense. Last season was their worst performance since coach Dave Clawson took over. However, they do return defensive end Carlos Basham Jr., linebacker Justin Strnad, and defensive back Essang Bassey. Their upperclassmen status and leadership must be the example for this group overall to improve in this tough division. After their bowl win over Memphis, I see optimism in this group, but the last six games are what concern me. If they win at least two of those six games, they will go bowling for the fourth straight season.

VIRGINIA CAVALIERS

In Bronco Mendenhall’s first season with Virginia, they won two games. In his second season, they won six games and went bowling for the first time since 2011. Last season, they won eight games, upset Miami (FL), and shut out South Carolina in the Belk Bowl. 2019 could be Virginia’s chance to win the division if Miami and Virginia Tech can’t solve their own issues on their roster. However, their first game at Pitt could be decide their fate of the division before they move on to the next game. After that, they have Florida State and a road game against Notre Dame before pushing further into the ACC. Virginia’s only issue is finding a rusher that’s not quarterback Bryce Perkins and a new go-to receiver. With a good defensive roster and the return of Bryce Perkins, this could be a big year for Virginia.