CBSSports’s Brad Crawford has made his predictions for ACC football. Did anything really stand out?
Clemson – Projected record: 8-4, 6-2
Ouch. Not since the early 2010s has Clemson been predicted to have a record like this. 8-4 is fine if you’re Boston College, but Clemson? It happens to every dynasty – the decline. The question is, can they get it back before the program goes into total freefall?
Florida State – Projected record: 6-6, 4-4
6-6 for FSU? There are no words for where this program is at this point. They are the Nebraska of the ACC.
Miami – Projected record: 12-0, 9-0
The new kings of the ACC. 12-0 though? I’m not sure I’m ready to go there yet.
SMU – Projected record: 11-1, 9-0
This is Crawford’s boldest picks. I like SMU and their QB Kevin Jennings. I think they have one of the best coaches in the ACC with Rhett Lashlee, but 11-1? That seems like a bit of a stretch, but if Indiana can do it, then SMU may be able to as well. A lot of the same ingredients are there.
Virginia Tech – Projected record: 8-4, 5-4
That’s where 8-4 records are built differently. For Clemson, it is a sign of decline; for Virginia Tech, it screams optimism and the difference a coach like James Franklin can potentially make. Seriously, if Franklin pulls this off, he should be ACC COY.
