By Southern Pigskin Staff
SouthernPigskin.com

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Predicting the order of finish in the ACC Coastal.

2014 Spring ACC Coastal Predictions

1. Duke After making a surprise run to the ACC Championship Game in 2013, the Blue Devils certainly have plenty of confidence and momentum heading into the heart of the offseason. Returning 14 starters, and with the luxury of a favorable schedule, the Blue Devils are the early favorites in a Coastal Division laden with parity.

2. Miami The loss of starting quarterback Ryan Williams will be made less severe by the presence of star running back Duke Johnson and a veteran offensive line. Set to return seven starters from a unit which finished 13th in the ACC in total defense, the Miami defense should be significantly improved this fall.

3. North Carolina The Tar Heels 15 returning starters ties for the most of any team in the conference. Marquise Williams is a budding star at the quarterback position, while the running game improved tremendously over the second half of 2013. T.J. Logan and incoming freshman Elijah Hood will be a dynamic force in the backfield.

4. Virginia Tech There are still plenty of concerns with Scot Loeffler and the offense, but the Hokies will once again boast one of the top defenses in the conference in 2014. Brandon Facyson, Kendall Fuller and Detrick Bonner combine to give the Hokies what is likely the top collection of defensive backs in the nation.

5. Georgia Tech Returning the fewest starters of any team in the Coastal Division, the Yellow Jackets are hoping that Paul Johnsons patented option attack can propel the team to victories. Georgia Tech was better defensively under Ted Roof, but now must replace three starters, including Jeremiah Attaochu, on the defensive line.

6. Pittsburgh Sophomores James Conner and Tyler Boyd headline an offense that will put pressure on opposing defenses this fall. The biggest offseason task for the Panthers will be attempting to replace the production of defensive tackle Aaron Donald, the best defensive player in all of college football a year ago.

7. Virginia The Cavaliers are set to return 15 starters, but a lack of consistent quarterback play will likely come back to bite the team once again this fall. Virginia should take significant strides forward defensively, as the Cavaliers will only lose two starters. This could be the end of the road for head coach Mike London.