Early Predictions: ACC Atlantic

So it may only be June 1, but the first game of the college football season is only 80 days away. Today, I take a look at the ACC's Atlantic division, in five quick predictions.

1. The winner of the Wake Forest-Clemson game on October 9 will win the division. Neither team should have more than one loss entering the game (Clemson's may come against Alabama, and the Deacs could lose to FSU, its gonna be tough to beat the Noles three years in a row). On a Thursday night at home, in front of a national TV audience, I'm giving the Deacs the slight edge. (Quick side note to Clemson here, how about schedule some real non-conference games? The Citadel and South Carolina State are absolute jokes.)

2. Boston College will be lucky to win 6 games. Matt Ryan is gone, Andre Callender is gone, and Kevin Challenger is gone among others. The Eagles just don't have enough offensive firepower; there is no more Ryan to make up for offensive shortcomings. And the defense is depleted too. BC will only win 2 conference games.

3. Florida State and Clemson will continue to disappoint the "experts." Bobby Bowden's time as a elite coach has come and gone. His players will continue to fail living up to the hype their 4 and 5 star rankings garnered out of high school. Look for another 6-6 regular season finish for the Noles. Clemson is being hyped as a top ten team going into the fall. They won't live up to the hype. The Tigers should start the season 4-2 with losses to Alabama and Wake Forest. The second half of the season will be interesting, but don't expect Clemson to finish with more than 8 wins. Home vs. South Carolina and at FSU will be tough games.

4. NC State will start the season 1-4. The only lock win in the first four games is William and Mary. South Carolina, Clemson, and East Carolina are likely losses. The second half looks better for the Wolfpack, they should finish 5-7.

5. Ranking the division
1. Wake Forest
2. Clemson
3. Florida State
4. Maryland
5. Boston College
6. NC State