By Southern Pigskin Staff
SouthernPigskin.com

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After winning the Orange Bowl at the end of last season, Georgia Tech opens up as the preseason favorite in the ACC Coastal Division.

1. Georgia Tech — Relatively quietly, the Yellow Jackets were just a handful of plays away from potentially making the College Football Playoff. Georgia Tech beat Clemson, Georgia and previously top-ranked Mississippi State down the season’s home stretch. Back is quarterback Justin Thomas, the ideal fit for Paul Johnson’s triple-option attack. Four front line returnees should make the Yellow Jackets strong in the trenches. Eight defensive starters return, most notably tackle Adam Gotsis, end Keshun Freeman, linebacker Paul Davis and safety Jamal Golden. The schedule is very tough, featuring Georgia and Notre Dame in non-conference and Clemson and Florida State in crossover pairings.

2. Virginia Tech — Bud Foster’s defense, featuring All-American cornerback Kendall Fuller and a number of proven stars, should be one of the nation’s best. That unit will make Virginia Tech a contender and will keep the Hokies in every game. A number of young playmakers – see receiver Isaiah Ford and tight end Bucky Hodges – will be even better this fall. Senior quarterback Michael Brewer will need to cut down on his interception total. All-in-all, this is will be a much more experienced team than last season.

3. North Carolina — The Tar Heels return 17 offensive and defensive starters, including multiple all-conference candidates. That said, North Carolina is a difficult team to project. Last year, for example, included a four-game losing streak, wins over nationally-ranked Georgia Tech and Duke, a postseason disappointment, an offense that averaged over 33 points per game and a defense that gave up 39. For the Tar Heels to realize their potential, consistency will be key and considerable defensive improvement must be made.

4. Miami — Quarterback Brad Kaaya had an impressive freshman debut, leading the ACC in touchdown passes with 26. He is one of college football’s top young signal callers. Kaaya is the team’s centerpiece; he will need the talent around him to continue to develop. The secondary will have to lead the way for a defense that will be retooling some. Following four straight losses to end this past year, the Hurricanes will have to regain their confidence in order to contend.

5. Pittsburgh — There aren’t many better players in the country than Panther running back James Conner. A 250-pound monster, Conner leads all of college football’s returnees with 26 rushing touchdowns. He ran for 1,765 yards at nearly six yards per carry and topped the 200-yard mark against Boston College, Duke and North Carolina. The expectation is that junior quarterback Chad Voytik will take a step forward. Pittsburgh needs to find more playmakers on defense.

6. Duke — Gone are quarterback Anthony Boone, receiver Jamison Crowder, guard Laken Tomlinson and linebacker David Helton, among others, a big part of the Blue Devils’ leadership core from the last few seasons. This will be an offense in transition. Safety Jeremy Cash and cornerback DeVon Edwards give Duke one of the ACC’s top defensive backfields. Special teams is also a big strength.

7. Virginia — In what could be a big season for Mike London, defense should again pace the Cavaliers. Safety Quin Blanding was second in the league in tackles per game as a freshman and will contend for national honors. Virginia is looking for more consistency and big plays on offense. The Cavaliers lost five of six games down the home stretch after a 4-2 start a year ago.