ACC college football preview: Can Florida State knock off Clemson?

Clemson, barring a hiccup in 2021, has been the dominant team in the ACC dating back to 2015. It's possible things might be changing with the potential threat of Florida State coming this season. The Seminoles, long dormant after Jimbo Fisher's departure, won 10 games last season and appear poised to be both a contender for the conference title and possibly the College Football Playoff.

But the duo isn't the only potential winner of a league that is big on parity after the two front-runners. North Carolina has big hopes with Drake Maye's return at quarterback. Pittsburgh won the league in 2021 and is always solid under Pat Narduzzi. Other contenders include the likes of Miami, North Carolina State and Wake Forest.

It makes for an intriguing race from top to bottom.

A breakdown of all the teams entering the season:

1. Clemson

Double-digit wins, a conference title and a major bowl appearance add up to a hugely successful season at most schools. But the bar is set higher at Clemson thanks to two recent national championships. Getting back to the playoff is the goal, and it’s achievable if the offense can regain its flashiness under new coordinator Garrett Riley and with Cade Klubnik at the controls. There aren’t nearly as many concerns on the defensive side, though playmakers in the secondary must step up to support another outstanding front four.

2. Florida State

Last year’s strong finish has fans in Tallahassee thinking ACC championship once again. The pieces certainly appear to be in place, starting with veteran signal caller Jordan Travis starting the season a Heisman contender. The offensive line, a glaring weakness during the Seminoles’ down years, should now be a strength built around all-star candidates like tackle Robert Scott and center Maurice Smith. The defensive line, featuring Jared Verse and Fabien Lovett, could challenge Clemson as the league’s top unit.

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3. North Carolina

Say this much for the Tar Heels – their games should be appointment television this season. They figure to be high-scoring affairs in which no lead is safe, no matter who has the lead. UNC put up 34.4 points a game in 2022 while surrendering 30.8, and fans could be in for more wild rides this fall. Standout quarterback Drake Maye has good mobility and numerous weapons, though he’d appreciate an upgrade in protection. The secondary has talent despite allowing lots of yards last year.

4. Pittsburgh

The Panthers have quietly been one of the ACC’s most consistent programs under Pat Narduzzi, entering his 10th season at the helm. We say quietly because they haven’t played for national championships like Clemson, but they do own a league crown from two seasons ago. Phil Jurkovec comes to Pittsburgh to take the reins at quarterback after a productive but injury-plagued career at Boston College. He should benefit from better protection with his new team, though there will also be a lot of new faces in the receiver room.

5. Miami (Fla.)

It goes without saying that sub-.500 seasons are not acceptable at a program like the Hurricanes with their history and – uh – high-profile booster support. Things should improve in year two for coach Mario Cristobal, whose first order of business in the offseason was to bolster the offensive line. QB Tyler Van Dyke should have more time to find work with his talented receivers. A reliable defense might take longer to restore to a championship level, but there’s next-level talent on the line and in the secondary atop the depth chart.

6. North Carolina State

N.C. State is the program that always appears on the verge of a major breakthrough that never quite materializes. Last year’s promising start was undone late due to a spate of injuries, and now quarterback Devin Leary is off to Kentucky. Enter Brennan Armstrong, who put up huge numbers two seasons ago at Virginia and follows coordinator Robert Anae to Raleigh. The defense should be outstanding with linebacker Payton Wilson anchoring a stingy back seven.

7. Wake Forest

Perhaps the strongest indicator of what Dave Clawson has built at Wake is that last year’s finish was something of a disappointment, as the Demon Deacons dropped four games late after briefly cracking the Top 10. Though record-setting quarterback Sam Hartman moved on to Notre Dame, Mitch Griffis has game experience and, despite losing Donovan Green to injury in camp, a deep group of receivers to keep the points coming.

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8. Syracuse

To the Orange’s credit, they won the games they were supposed to in 2022, though the second half of the season provided a bit of a reality check when the schedule got tougher. QB Garrett Shrader has big-play targets if he has time to work, and the arrival of veteran defensive coordinator Rocky Long should help shore things up on the other side of the ball.

9. Duke

After far exceeding expectations in Mike Elko’s first year in the big office in Durham, the Blue Devils now strive for the annual consistency that has proven difficult to maintain. There’s no time to rest on last year’s laurels, as a date with Clemson kicks off the campaign. Having breakout star Riley Leonard back at quarterback certainly helps, though the offensive staff would like someone else in the backfield to be the team’s rushing leader.

10. Boston College

After a couple of promising seasons under coach Jeff Hafley, not much went right for his Eagles in year three. Things could improve quickly if a retooled offensive line built around NFL prospect Christian Mahogany at guard can find some continuity. QB Emmett Morehead, who led the team to an upset win at North Carolina State last year, has impressed camp observers with his big arm.

11. Louisville

Favorite son Jeff Brohm has come home to Louisville, and Cardinals’ faithful are expecting even bigger things after the good-but-not-great tenure of Scott Satterfield. As with any coaching change in the portal era there’s a lot of roster turnover, but Jack Plummer, who quarterbacked for Brohm at Purdue before a season at California, should help facilitate the transition.

12. Virginia Tech

Brent Pry was going to need some time, but losing seasons are not the norm in Blacksburg. The Hokies now look to avoid their fourth sub-.500 finish in a row. Pry’s expertise is on defense, but it’s the other side of the ball in most urgent need of improvement. QB Grant Wells has plenty of game experience. He gave the ball away far too often last year as he faced constant duress.

13. Georgia Tech

After a midseason coaching change, Brent Key did enough to keep the gig. Getting the Yellow Jackets to a bowl game in his first full season at the helm is a tall order, but the roster does have some talent. Texas A&M transfer Haynes King won the quarterback job, so expect to see much more of an air game from Georgia Tech.

14. Virginia

Given the tragic events in Charlottesville that brought last season to a premature end, just getting on the field and focusing on football will be cathartic for the Cavaliers. There might not be many actual wins on the slate, but the primary goal is getting back to normal in 2023.