By Southern Pigskin Staff
SouthernPigskin.com

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Projecting the order of finish in the ACC Atlantic.

2014 Spring ACC Atlantic Predictions

1. Florida State — Led by Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Jameis Winston, the defending national champions are far and away the most talented team in the ACC. Offensively, the Seminoles boast five pre-season All-American candidates: Winston, receiver Rashad Greene, tight end Nick O’Leary and linemen Cameron Erving and Tre’ Jackson. Florida State has won at 21 of its last 22 games.

2. Clemson — The expected progression of the Tiger defense will keep Clemson nationally-relevant while the new-look offense matures. Vic Beasley’s return at defensive end gives coordinator Brent Venables the best pass rusher in all of college football. The Tigers have turned to senior Cole Stoudt under center.

3. Louisville — Bobby Petrino takes over for Charlie Strong and may have already found Teddy Bridegwater’s replacement as young Will Gardner had a stellar spring game performance. Defense, led by end Lorenzo Mauldin and corner Charles Gaines, will be a strength for the Cardinals.

4. Syracuse — A solid core returns for second-year head coach Scot Shafer. The hope is that versatile quarterback Terrel Hunt, who took over early last fall, is ready for the next step in his progression. In all, the Orange bring back eight starters on offense and seven on defense.

5. North Carolina State — Year one of the Dave Doeren era was a disappointment as the Wolfpack went winless in league play. Looking ahead, reports on former Florida quarterback Jacoby Brissett have been very positive. State returns the most defensive starters, eight, of any team in the division.

6. Boston College — The Eagles are facing a dramatic overhaul, especially offensively. Head coach Steve Addazio has reunited with recent Florida graduate Tyler Murphy, who he recruited to Gainesville, at quarterback. Linebacker Steven Daniels is the next man up on defense.

7. Wake Forest — New head coach Dave Clawson comes to the ACC after five seasons at Bowling Green. The transition from Jim Grobe’s system may take some time. With just ten total starters back and a new coaching staff in place, the Demon Deacons are rebuilding from the ground up.