The ACC has long been dominated by the Florida State Seminoles. Since entering the ACC in 1992, the Seminoles have won the conference 15 times. Out of 22 seasons, 15 times is an incredible accomplishment. That means FSU has won the ACC 68% of the time since it has been in the conference. It has to be some kind of record. Florida State has won the conference the last 3 years and has not lost a conference games since 2012. So the obvious question is, can any team that can challenge FSU for the ACC crown in 2015?
The Seminoles have their own issues in replacing a record 29 drafted NFL prospects in a 3 year period. They also have to replace one of the most productive quarterbacks in NFL history in Jameis Winston. That guy never lost a regular season game and was 26-1 as a starter. However, when considering this fact, remember that FSU is recruiting at a national championship level. Also consider that the last time FSU had to replace 10+ draft picks and a 1st round QB, they had one of the greatest teams ever and set the NCAA scoring record. That can't be expected this time, but can't be discounted either. Jimbo will have the boys ready to go, but they will have plenty of competition from the other schools in conference play.
ACC Darkhorse
The team that can and will surprise everyone by being a conference threat is Boston College. There actually is a way that this could break and make the Eagles a national contender. This team is incredibly well coached and has been overachieving for years. It could all be put together now that they have some athletes. All this talk seems crazy as BC lost the most players and is picked in the lower half by most analysts. However, Addazio has been terrific for BC and this team had some terrific wins against Southern Cal (a national contender) and others. They also have given Florida State fits since joining the conference and get to play them on a Friday Night this year early. Just getting FSU early in the season and being able to have the opportunity to possibly knock them off is enough to list them as a darkhorse team.
Biggest Threats To FSU
The top threat to FSU is Georgia Tech based on scheme alone. They also host the Seminoles in 2015. Based on a weak Coastal Division, they likely will ease into the conference championship game again against the Seminoles. If GT can beat FSU or Clemson 2x, this team could be headed to the college football playoff. They are quite capable of pulling this thing off.
Another top threat to FSU is obviously Clemson, who will be the trendy pick to win the conference. Clemson has incredible talent and it starts with super QB Deshaun Watson. The most dynamic playmaker in the league is Watson and he will look to lead the Tigers behind an all new offensive line. The Tigers have the talent to pull a conference championship off, but they are replacing nearly all their starters on both lines. Clemson also lost a starting tackle recently as they are entering the supplemental draft.
Louisville lost more NFL talent than every team in conference other than Florida State, but with one of the best coaching staffs in the country, will likely be a force as well.
Finally, Virginia Tech with a young improving offense and an always impressive defense will also be a bit of a threat to win the conference.
Who Wins The Conference
Despite losing all the talent they have lost, you have to believe that the Florida State Seminoles will repeat as ACC Champions. They have owned this conference and the rest of the conference has questions just like the Seminoles do. I do not expect Florida State to have another undefeated season or roll through the competition like they have been doing, but these guys are my pick to win it. They will be my pick to win it until somebody shows me otherwise.
5 Questions and Answers
1) What will happen to the Seminoles running game with Dalvin Cook's legal issues?
If Dalvin Cook is guilty then he will be kicked off of Florida State's team and they will have to turn to Mario Pender and Jacques Patrick to carry the load. Both are very capable backs and will have fine seasons, but there is no doubt the loss of Cook will hurt. Assuming Cook is innocent, he will be on the field next season and he will be more dominant than ever. If Cook is able to play, then Florida State has arguably the best running game in the country.
2) How many regular season games will Florida State lose?
Florida State has not lost a regular season game since losing to the Florida Gators at home in 2012. That is one incredible stretch of excellence that likely comes to an end this year. My guess is that they will lose one or two games this season and if I had to pick which opponent will beat them, I'd probably go with Boston College.
3) Is Everett Golson now the best quarterback in the conference?
No, at best Golson is third best in the conference behind Watson and Brissett. There is also no guarantee that Golson will even start at FSU at this point. He is a Heisman candidate and will likely be a force with Jimbo Fisher, but not the best QB in conference.
4) Who is the most talented player in the conference?
Jalen Ramsey is the most talented player in the conference and maybe in the entire country. He is an All-American track athlete and will be All-American in football this year. Ramsey will be a Top 5 pick in next April's draft. He is a rare talent.
5) How will the new coaches fare in 2015?
Pat Narduzzi was a fantastic hire for Pitt and will improve the team each year. He doesn't have too much talent though and it is hard to see him winning much more than 8 games this season. Narduzzi is the only new head coach in the ACC this season.
Offense All Conference Picks
QB Jacoby Brissett NC State
RB James Connor Pittsburgh
RB Jon Hillman Boston College
WR Artavis Scott Clemson
WR George Campbell Florida State
TE Bucky Hodges Virginia Tech
C Matt Skura Duke
G Landon Turner North Carolina
G Dorian Johnson Pittsburgh
T Roderick Johnson Florida State
T Bryan Chamberlain Georgia Tech
Defense All Conference Picks
DE Demarcus Walker Florida State
DE Sheldon Rankins Louisville
DT Adam Gotsis Georgia Tech
DT Nile Lawrence-Stample Florida State
LB Steven Daniels Boston College
LB Terrance Smith Florida State
LB Reggie Northrup Florida State
CB Kendall Fuller Virginia Tech
CB Jalen Ramsey Florida State
S Quin Blanding Virginia
S Derwin James Florida State
All Conference Specialists
K Roberto Aguayo Florida State
P Justin Vogel Miami
KR/PR Tyler Boyd Pittsburgh
Players of the Year
Offense Jacoby Brissett NC State
Defense Jalen Ramsey Florida State
Coach of the Year
JIMBO FISHER!!!!!!!!
Fisher actually probably won't win because he never does, but he should. He has Florida State playing at an absolutely incredible level and doesn't show any sign of slowing down anytime soon. I think it will actually be Steve Addazio who deserves the award as well.
-Noland
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