Florida State won their first national championship since 1999 and now have a huge target on their head.  But before the best in the nation plot their chance for revenge,  who will rise out of the ACC and have their bite of the cherry?

Everybody knew the Seminoles’ roster was loaded with talent but nobody expected redshirt freshman quarterback Jameis Winston to pick right up were E.J. Manuel had left off.  In fact,  Winston has already surpassed Manuel who had a brilliant college career.

While the Miami Hurricanes are far from back to their best they,  took strides last season with a 9-4 record and they have the best chance at dethroning the ‘Noles in a single game.

Although Stephen Morris displayed a NFL-calibre arm at quarterback,  his carelessness and wasteful play was the ultimate reason the ‘Canes’ 7-0 start did not hold up.  The likely starter will be incoming recruit Brady Kaaya or sophomore Herb Waters – senior Ryan Williams was thrown off the deep end as a freshman and struggled.  With Duke Johnson at tailback and promising receivers Stacy Cole and Herb Waters – 13 touchdowns between them in 2013 - primed for breakouts after their freshman and sophomore seasons respectively,  Miami just need a signal caller who will take care of the football and manage each game.

Al Golden’s defense is better than it played last year.  Linebacker Denzel Perryman,  who tallied 108 tackles in 2013,  returns for his senior season and will spearhead a young unit with a lot of experience.  Defensive end Anthony Chickillo will be joined by highly-touted five-star recruit Chad Thomas.  The Hurricanes lost no starting defensive backs to the draft meaning Tracy Howard,  Ladarius Gunter and Rayshawn Jenkins bring back ten 2013 interceptions.

The Clemson Tigers are in a transition season after losing offensive weapons Tajh Boyd,  Sammy Watkins and Martavis Bryant to the NFL.  Virginia Tech always appear to be a good quarterback away from winning and if a quick replacement is found for Logan Thomas their defense will always give them a chance.

Florida State,  as of right now,  are on another level to the rest of the ACC and it will take a mammoth effort to bring them down.  The Hurricanes and Seminoles will meet in Miami on November 15th in what could be a teaser to the ACC Championship three weeks later.  Hopefully Al Golden learns a thing or two from the first encounter.