Just a few weeks into this season, the ACC’s football prospects were looking mighty bleak. Georgia Tech expected to be one of the ACC’s best team’s was dominated by Notre Dame for 3 1/2 quarters, and went into a complete free fall. Louisville couldn’t beat Houston at home, and still hasn’t quite recovered. Virginia Tech and Miami may be looking for new coaches next year. UVA is still a complete mess.
We didn’t know if any team would step out of what was becoming a trash heap in the middle of the conference, and Clemson and Florida State looked too far back and too incomplete to make a run at the College Football playoffs.
As we get to the mid-point of the college football year, the ACC football season has taken a turn for the better.
We aren’t ESPN ACC writers here, we look at the positive side of ACC football when it presents itself rather than the negative.
After Clemson’s 24-22 win against Notre Dame, the Tigers have looked every bit the part of the College Football Playoff contender.
Florida State has been more under the radar, but their recent game against Louisville proves the Noles might be able make a playoff run of their own. Nole RB Dalvin Cook is on the short list of Heisman candidates, and looks like the best RB this side of Leonard Fournette.
From the much maligned ACC Coastal Division, has emerged 3 pretty good teams. Duke and Pittsburgh give the ACC 3 and 4 ranked teams in the AP Poll. They both sit 5-1. UNC is at the fringe of the top 25 is also 5-1. The three are a combined 7-0 in the ACC. Fears of the 7-5 or 6-6 Coastal Division Champ can be put to rest as the Clemson or Florida State will face a 9 or 10 win if not more Coastal Division Champion.
UNC, Duke, and Pittsburgh each have to play each creating a intriguing 2nd half of football in the Coastal Division for all the right reasons. 3-4 weeks ago the ACC looked ready to turn the page to college basketball, but there’s quite a bit to look forward to in the 2nd half.
