The ACC football season is quickly approaching and predictions are beginning to be made for the upcoming year with over a month to go until kickoff.
In 2017, ACC football will have a few serious contenders. The usual suspects, some trying to get back, and one trying to do it for the first time in school history. Here are my predictions for the upcoming season in the ACC.
As always this will be the key match-up to most likely determine the winner of the Atlantic division. I don’t think Louisville will have enough to be a legitimate challenger this season. Clemson will host FSU on November 11th in what will more than likely be prime time football. The Tigers will be breaking in a new quarterback due to Deshaun Watson leaving for the NFL after this past season.
Atlantic:
- Florida State 12-1 (8-0)
- Clemson 10-2 (6-2)
- Louisville 9-3 (5-3)
- NC State 7-5 (4-4)
- Wake Forest 6-6 (3-5)
- Syracuse 5-7 (2-6)
- Boston College 5-8 (1-7)
Key Matchup:
- Clemson vs Florida State
I’m picking Florida State to win this game by at least two scores. I believe FSU is overall more talented than Clemson this season. Both will have a strong defense but the ‘Noles will have the edge on offense and as a result securing them a victory.
Coastal:
- Virginia Tech 9-3 (5-3)
- Miami 9-3 (5-3)
- Pittsburgh 7-5 (4-4)
- North Carolina 7-5 (4-4)
- Georgia Tech 6-6 (3-5)
- Duke 4-8 (2-6)
- Virginia 3-9 (1-7)
Key Matchup:
- Virgina Tech vs Miami
This game in my mind will determine the winner of the Coastal division. Miami will host the Hokies on November 4th. Unlike my pick for the Atlantic, this game was a lot tougher to determine the outcome. Both are similar as far as strengths and weaknesses. Both will rank near the top in the conference as far as defense goes.
While I believe Miami has the slight edge over VT in terms of skill players I do think VT will have better quarterback play this year. Ultimately I think Josh Jackson wins the starting job and his play is very similar to that of Jerod Evans.
This will definitely be a defensive battle and I’m picking Virginia Tech to win. I see more of a one score game rather than last seasons 37-16 blowout win by VT in Blacksburg. Therefore Miami will go yet another season without a division title.
ACC Championship Game:
- Florida State vs Virginia Tech
Finally, the ACC Championship. I’m taking Florida State to run away with this one in Charlotte and reclaim the ACC. Although I do anticipate a slow start for FSU, the ‘Noles will ultimately get the win and earn a spot in the 2017 CFB playoff.