Everybody know that Florida State had a talented roster, but when they did not win anything with E.J. Manuel everybody had presumed the window had gone to win a national championship. Little did they know of Jameis Winston.
The Seminoles look like a play-off banker at this stage with nobody in the ACC even close to them.
Elsewhere, there are a lot of maybe teams this year and it will be exciting to see who emerges from the pack and pushes for an AP ranking.
Atlantic
1. Florida State Seminoles
The reigning national champions are poised to make a strong defense of their title with a deep and talented roster returning.
Heisman Trophy winner and quarterback Jameis Winston will be even better in his sophomore year as he looks to link up with Rashad Greene. Despite losing two of their leading running backs to the draft, Karlos Williams has star potential and he will lead the way on the ground.
Anything less than an appearance in the championship game will be deemed a failure, as many have already put the Seminoles down for one of the four play-off spots.
2. Clemson Tigers
The Tigers suffered big losses on the offense with star receiver Sammy Watkins followed to the NFL by fellow wide-out Martavis Bryant, quarterback Tajh Boyd and offensive lineman Brandon Thomas.
Fifth-year senior Cole Stoudt will be under center and his experience should limit the transition period to incoming freshman and five-star recruit Deshaun Watson.
Vic Beasley returns on the defensive side of the ball to give the unit a big boost which must improve as the offense will not be able to carry them this time around.
With the coaching staff in place Clemson have enough quality to hang onto second in the Atlantic, although it will be a struggle.
3. Louisville Cardinals
The Cardinals will push the Tigers all the way and their match-up on October 11th could decide second place in the division.
6’5” quarterback Will Gardner takes over from Teddy Bridgewater and, although he is a tough name to replace, head coach Bobby Petrino is just the offensive mind he needs to help him progress. Furthermore, wide receivers DeVante Parker and Eli Rogers are still around to bail him out.
It is the Cardinals’ first season in the ACC and they should make an impact right away. Losing Bridgewater and a number of defensive bodies including linebacker Preston Brown and safety Calvin Pryor just gives them too much work to do.
4. North Carolina State Wolfpack
The Wolfpack are having a torrid time of late and their 2013 campaign was just the tip of the ice berg. They are struggling to win on the field because they cannot win off it. Most of North Carolina’s top recruits are heading out of state or to rivals North Carolina.
Jacoby Brissett transferred from Florida to give the side a good, solid quarterback with physical tools to help win games. There is not much talent around him and three incoming freshman all have a chance to see the field in their first year.
It could be another ugly season but an easy schedule rises them above other strugglers in the division.
5. Syracuse Orange
Again, schedule will play a big part here and, despite Syracuse showing signs of strength in 2013, their opponents in ’14 are as tough as they come.
Firstly, there is Florida State and Clemson, then there is Louisville with their impressive passing attack and Notre Dame on the road who have already chalked this win up. And if that was not enough, Duke and Maryland are also thrown in for good measure.
Scott Shafer improved the Orange during his first year in charge and his goal will be to sneak into a third Bowl game in as many seasons.
6. Boston College Eagles
The Eagles enter the new year on the back of a memorable season when Andre Williams rushed for over 2,000 yards.
However, much has changed since then with Williams, leading receiver Alex Amidon and quarterback Chase Rettig all moving on.
It will be impossible to repeat such a memorable season and the Eagles have it all to do again in 2014.
7. Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Jim Grobe retied as the head coach of the Demon Deacons in the off-season after 12 years at the helm. Former Bowling Green head coach Dave Clawson will take his place.
It was a forgettable year for Wake Forest who lost five games in a row to end a miserable season. They could not run or pass nor stop the run or pass.
Star receiver Michael Campanaro is now with the Baltimore Ravens so the outlook is bleak and that is why they are rock bottom of the ACC.
Coastal
1. Virginia Tech Hokies
The frustrating Logan Thomas moved on to the NFL leaving a three-way tussle for the starting job. Texas Tech transfer Michael Brewer is likely to win that job and move the side forward.
Running back Trey Edmunds was tremendous as a freshman, in particular against the start-studded defense of Alabama. What is more, the leading three receivers from a year ago also return.
The Hokies regularly have one of the best defenses in the nation and I do not expect that to change.
With a bit of luck, they will top the Coastal and pit their defense against Florida State’s offense.
2. Miami Hurricanes
With starter Ryan Williams out indefinitely with a torn ACL and his replacement Kevin Olsen reportedly suspended, the door is open for another quarterback to seize the opportunity. Jake Heaps is a fifth-year transfer who is likely to have the inside track for the job while incoming freshman Brad Kaaya has also impressed.
Duke Johnson is back at running back and expected to be better than ever while leading linebacker Denzel Perryman is in place to lead the defense.
The quarterback situation is the only real worry for the ‘Canes who could go far if they make the right decision.
3. Duke Blue Devils
David Cutcliffe worked miracles with the Blue Devils last year as they finished the season ranked for the first time since the 60’s.
A mix of strong players have left while quarterback Anthony Boone, running back Josh Snead, receiver Jamison Crowder and safety Jeremy Cash come back with plenty of experience.
We know they can play offense but can a defense who conceded 418 yards per-game last season improve enough to give their fans a repeat? Unfortunately, I think it is too tall of an order, especially with North Carolina and Miami expected to regain some form.
4. North Carolina Tar Heels
Quarterback Marquise Williams will start what is expected to be his first full season under center after showing flashes of quality when he replaced Bryn Renner mid-way through the last campaign.
Five-star running back Elijah Wood could team up with TJ Logan at running back while Quinshad Davis will head the wide receiver corps.
Finally, my favorite Tar Heel is wide receiver Ryan Switzer who returned five punts for touchdowns in 2013. Just like the Hurricanes, if North Carolina can find a bit of luck and things swing their way, they could top this division come November.
5. Pittsburgh Panthers
Tom Savage led the Panthers to a Little Caesars Bowl win over Bowling Green before the hype train began and he bolted to the NFL. Pass catcher Devin Street had a lot to do with that but so did now sophomore Tyler Boyd who caught 85 catches for over 1,000 yards.
Running back James Conner is one of the brightest ball carriers in college football and he is complemented well by Isaac Bennett.
The loss of defensive tackle Aaron Donald will be impossible to cover up but a committee approach can soften the blow.
The Panthers will not challenge the upper-class of the ACC but nor will they be down with the Cavaliers.
6. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Georgia Tech have come to a standstill in recent season and have not looked terrible but neither have they challenged the sides around them.
Expectations are at their lowest since Paul Johnson took over in 2008 but the Coastal division is wide open and, if others sides beat each other and they pinch a couple of wins, the Yellow Jackets could be in a good position after an easy opening three games.
7. Virginia Cavaliers
The Cavaliers could get nothing going in 2013 and the upcoming season does not look too appetising either with UCLA coming to town for the first game.
Mike London is one of the hottest seats in college football and his six wins over the last two seasons means he is on the shortest of leashes.
The Cavs have had successful recruitment classes over the last four years and with 17 returning starters there is some hope of an improvement. Nevertheless, hope is not tangible and the must do something on the field first.