FAVORITE TEAMS

Clemson’s a safe bet for the ACC title, but others lurk in the conference. The margin of competition between them and the “ROY (Rest Of Y’all) Bus” went from astronomical to potentially minimal. Defense will be elite again, but the offense (except the running backs position) have a lot to answer for. Not to mention that Dabo Swinney has new coordinators after seven seasons.

Who could cage the Tigers:

NC State is primed for a division title if Clemson’s offense goes unresolved. NC State has balance on offense and defense with loads of experience back led by Devin Leary, the receiving core, and linebacker group if they stay healthy.

Louisville could challenge Clemson, and quarterback Malik Cunningham can take them over the top. However, their defense is porous and must improve overall after acquiring a couple of good transfers in Momo Sanogo (Ole Miss) and MJ Griffin (Temple).

Miami has a shot at not only winning the division but also claiming their first conference title since joining the ACC. Can Mario Cristobal continue the offense’s improvement with future NFL quarterback Tyler Van Dyke?

Pitt should fine. Even after losing quarterback Kenny Pickett to the Steelers and Jordan Addison to F-USC, they have a stable roster to compete for another division title. Hopefully, USC transfer quarterback Kedon Slovis keeps the Panthers going in 2022.

Wake Forest could have a special year since 2006, but Sam Hartman is out for a good bit. They announced backup quarterback Mitch Griffis as the starter moving forward. It’s unclear how long Sam is out and it may not bode well for Wake if he doesn’t return in time for the Clemson matchup.

Virginia Tech’s defense should be good again, but the offense probably needs a season. If Marshall transfer quarterback Grant Wells plays like his 2020 freshmen days before the dip against Rice, there’s a promising season for the Hokies.

How about the real R.O.Y’s???

Florida State could be the dark horse/spoilers in the division, but it all starts with the offensive line ending their long running struggles.

Boston College could spoil someone’s season but injuries and new replacements on the offensive line could hamper any opportunity.

Syracuse has underrated skill players, one of the best running backs in the country in Sean Tucker, and a good group of linebackers and defensive backs. However, it’s a mystery how the offensive line and defensive line will fair this season. That could factor into their season.

Virginia has new coach Tony Elliott running the show with quarterback Brennan Armstrong. If the offense gets stifled, their defense could be in serious trouble again.

UNC succeeded at recruiting but it must translate to the field, especially without Sam Howell, who literally carried the team last season. They have a shot at the Coastal since everyone else in the division are transitioning with new coaches and replacements.

Georgia Tech had potential, but players transferred out and may delay their progress until next season.

Duke football returns to the bottom like the old days after three poor seasons. It’s possible they tally their win total to five in 2022, but average quarterback play and improvement on defense must come through.

Could there be another non-Clemson ACC Championship?

That will depend on Clemson. Either DJ Uiagalelei comes out of his sophomore slump and plays like a 5-star player, or Cade Klubnik runs the show. Otherwise, Miami, NC State, and Wake Forest (maybe) are the safest for December. Louisville, Pitt, and Virginia Tech will lurk and try to steal the show.