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Has the gap between FSU, Clemson and the rest of the ACC closed?
With Florida State losing 12 players from last year's team that each have a legitimate shot to play in the NFL, along with Clemson having to deal with the departure of Vic Beasley and several other playmakers on defense, the battle for an ACC championship appears to be a bit more open than in the past.
There's no doubt that Clemson (10-3, 6-2) and FSU (13-1, 8-0) are the front runners for the conference championship, but should one them struggle there are several teams that could make up the gap.
Raleigh News & Observer writer Joe Giglio points to Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech as the top second-tier teams, noting that Georgia Tech, which returns QB Justin Thomas, beat Clemson last season and came within three points of topping FSU, while the Hokies where the only team to beat national champions Ohio State.
In the Atlantic Division, N.C. State, with the return of QB Jacoby Brissett could also be a sneaky pick to win the division. The Wolfpack has veterans in key places and is sturdy on the defensive side of the ball.
Click here to read what else Giglio had to say about the race to win the ACC.
