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The Atlantic Coast Conference presents some of the most recognizable brands in College Football and it is primed for yet another exciting season. Clemson and Miami are poised to meet again in the ACC Championship Game with both teams dominating their respected divisions. However, the question that lingers on is will there be a team that makes a huge jump and surprises the rest of College Football? Well, we will find out once the season begins. Now without further hesitation, let’s take a look at the ACC Preseason Power Rankings.
14. Virginia Cavaliers
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Bronco Mendenhall definitely has his work cut out for him. Virginia did make it to a bowl game last season but it was not pretty at all. Inexperience on both sides of the ball and a JUCO transfer at quarterback doesn’t make life any easier in Charlottesville. This team will struggle in 2018 and it’s going to take time until the Cavaliers find their way again in regards to being competitive.
13. North Carolina Tar Heels
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Larry Fedora just seems to be in an absolute mess at the moment. The Tar Heels have a number of holes that need to be filled on both sides of the ball and the situation isn’t very pretty. Quarterback, wide receiver, and the defensive line positions are wide open and it is extremely hard to tell what this team is going to do in 2018. If the young players step up, this could be a surprise team. However, if the production isn’t there, it could be another disastrous season in Chapel Hill.
12. Syracuse Orange
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Syracuse has not been to a bowl game since 2013 and it’s time for Dino Babers’s team to step up. After beating No. 2 Clemson last season, the Orange lost five straight and it just got really ugly at the end of the season. The Orange finished 4-8 and gave up 162 in those final five losses. Consistency is the biggest issue for this team, especially on defense. If Eric Dungey can produce at quarterback and the defense finds their way, this team will go to a bowl game.
11. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
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The buzz around this team is what kind of offensive and defensive production will they get? Georgia Tech is one of those teams that you need to keep an eye on every weekend because you have absolutely no idea which team will show up. The triple option offense is so difficult to stop when it’s run right. Georgia Tech can put up points. The Yellow Jacket defense will be much better in 2018 but a difficult schedule is the only barrier between them and a bowl game.
10. Pittsburgh Panthers
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Aside from their attendance, which we know is a complete disaster, this team has to address the offense. The defense will be the strength of this team and it may be the best defense Pat Narduzzi will have in his time at Pitt. Kenny Pickett did upset No. 2 Miami last season. However, he still has quite a bit of inexperience. The Panthers lost Quadree Henderson and Jester Weah at receiver and that position is the biggest area of concern on this team. If their receivers do not establish themselves, this offense will lack production and get smothered.
9. Duke Blue Devils
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Daniel Jones is returning at quarterback, the linebackers are one of the best units in the ACC, and the secondary is getting a whole lot better. Duke has the potential to turn some heads this season after a 7-6 2018 campaign. This team has the potential to reach eight wins and even beyond that. The lingering concern that still persists is whether the offensive line has found some stabilization. If Duke’s offensive line becomes just slightly better, watch out.
8. Louisville Cardinals
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Let’s begin the life after Lamar Jackson era. Jawon Pass will be the man under center for the Cardinals in 2018 and he has big shoes to fill. The offense is expected to remain explosive but the defense has been absolutely gashed over the past few years. If the defense can find success under yet another defensive coordinator, the some of the weight will be taken off of Pass’s shoulders and he can focus on not being Lamar Jackson 2.0.
7. Wake Forest Demon Deacons
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Dave Clawson has been doing an absolutely remarkable job with a team that is usually in the bottom of the ACC every single year. Although this team lost a whole lot from last year’s Belk Bowl Championship team like John Wolford, Jessie Bates, and a large part of the defensive line, there is also a lot of optimism. The offensive line is one of the better and more experienced lines in the ACC and it will give new quarterback Kendall Hinton something to work with.
6. NC State Wolfpack
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First things first, look at how sharp these black uniforms are. If you’re an NC State fan, you have to be happy knowing that you have one of the best quarterbacks in the country in Ryan Finley on your team. The Wolfpack are now turning from a defensive heavy team to an offensive heavy team. Bradley Chubb and plenty of other defensive studs have been drafted and the receivers are some of the best in the ACC. This team can be extremely dangerous if they click right from the get-go.
5. Virginia Tech Hokies
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The biggest concern for this team is completely rebuilding the defense. Bud Foster will have his work cut out for him and it’s going to be tough replacing the Edmunds brothers alongside a number of others. Justin Fuente is a coach that really knows how to work with his players and get the best out of them. The Hokies will take a bit of step back but the fire and intensity we see from this team every year will carry on. There will be hiccups along the way but this Tech team will definitely make the postseason.
4. Boston College Eagles
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We may have ourselves a big time shakeup in the ACC this year. After going 7-6 last season, Boston College is loaded and ready to make a statement. The offensive line is one of the best units in the country, the secondary is legit, the receivers have been making huge strides, and AJ Dillon is a Heisman candidate at running back. The Eagles are also one of the smartest teams in the country. Anthony Brown is projected to be the starting quarterback and if he can stay healthy, this BC team will be competitive in every game they play in.
3. Florida State Seminoles
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Florida State is true wild-card this year. Willie Taggart has stepped in to replace Jimbo Fisher and there is excitement building in Tallahassee. The Noles won’t go undefeated this year but the future is very bright. Getting DeAndre Francois back from a knee injury helps but there is still a quarterback competition between him and James Blackman. FSU has a lot of talent on their roster and the biggest question is how long will it take for the team to adjust to Taggart’s system. We will find out very soon.
2. Miami Hurricanes
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Turnover chain season! This isn’t your Dad’s 1980’s renegade Hurricanes. Miami is one step closer to reaching the promised land after a huge 2017 season. Although it ended in three straight losses, they had a major breakthrough and the Canes are once again in the national title conversation. This team is loaded once again but has Malik Rosier improved? Will the offensive line give enough time to protect the quarterback? If both answers are yes, then this team will do some serious damage and give Clemson a run for their money.
1. Clemson Tigers
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The defensive line is back and loaded, the offense is talented, and a quarterback battle is between the best quarterback recruit in the country and the guy who led them to the College Football Playoff. Keep an eye on the battle between Kelly Bryant and Trevor Lawrence at quarterback. Regardless of who the winner is, this team will make the Playoff again and they have the potential to win it all this year.
