The Florida State Seminoles found their replacement for former Heisman trophy-winning quarterback Jameis Winston in former Notre Dame quarterback Everett Golson, so it only makes sense that they are considered the favorites to win an ACC championship this season. Clemson, Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech each have the potential to make some noise in the ACC after reloading in the offseason but it’s clear that the Seminoles once again have everything it takes to take care of business in their conference again in 2015.
Best Coach: Jimbo Fisher, Florida State
Nobody could have predicted such a quick and complete turnaround when Fisher was tasked with rebuilding the football program at Florida State. He has exceeded all expectations by leading the Seminoles to at least 10 wins in four of five seasons –including their national title run two years ago. Fisher is an outstanding football mind that – just as importantly – understands his players and how to maximize their potential in order to stay on top. A lot of people weren’t sure what they’d get when Bobby Bowden retired but Fisher has actually taken the program to the next level.
Clemson’s Dabo Sweeney and Virginia Tech’s Frank Beamer deserve honorable mention here as well but their teams have fallen back to the pack slightly. The ‘it’ team and ‘it’ coach right now is Florida State and Fisher.
Eventual Champions: Florida State
The Seminoles aren’t expected to miss a beat after reloading in the offseason and filling the few important holes. Life was supposed to be somewhat challenging after Winston moved up to the NFL but the Seminoles got a gift when Golson transferred. Golson has already proven he can play at a high level and his game is similar to Winston’s. He can throw from the pocket or make plays with his legs when necessary. A major question mark hovers over sophomore tailback Dalvin Cook, who could be facing legal punishment following an alleged altercation with a woman outside a bar. Cook’s case goes to trial soon and if he’s cleared before the season, Fisher and company can breath a sigh of relief knowing their top playmaker is back.
On defense, the Seminoles still have considerable talent despite losing two junior starters to the NFL. They are expecting the back seven – and the secondary in particular – to improve after they were exposed at times last season. The Seminoles had won 29 straight games before finally losing to Oregon in last year’s Rose Bowl and that disappointment will only provide more fuel as they blaze their path through the ACC this season.
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The other main factor to point out here is that Florida State probably has the least competition in the conference in comparison to all of the other conference champs who are looking to repeat. Yes, maybe Clemson gives them a challenge but it’s not expected to be anything they can’t overcome. The Miami Hurricanes are off the map and Virginia Tech hasn’t been able to get back into contention for the last handful of years. Florida State is a confident program that’s on a roll. Unless they fall asleep in the ACC Championship Game, this should be another easy season for them in conference play.
Sleeper Pick: Virginia Tech
Clemson and Georgia Tech will be in the mix for the ACC championship again this season but at least on paper, Virginia Tech appears to be the best bet as a sleeper pick to challenge for a conference title this season. The Hokies went to the ACC championship game six times in their first eight seasons in the league and they are poised to bounce back this year after injuries and bouts of inconsistency really hurt them last season. Virginia Tech returns 16 starters, including four defensive linemen that have earned All-ACC recognition and will be the strength of one of the ACC’s best defenses. If they can find a way to move the ball on offense to support the stellar defense, there is potential for the Hokies to return to prominence and surprise as a sleeper choice to win an ACC title this season.
