The ACC is not commonly known as one of the power conferences in college football. They long struggled to be mentioned in the same breathe as the Big Ten or the SEC when it comes to the great conferences in football. It might be one of the worst major conferences in the NCAA with the exception of the Big East. The ACC includes teams all over the east coast. Some teams have enjoyed national success in this conference in recent years like Florida State, Virginia Tech and Miami but the conference is not as good top to bottom as some of the other conferences. This is unlike basketball where the ACC is maybe the best conference in the nation.
Florida State looks to be the favorite to win the conference championship this year. They have a second year coach in Jimbo Fisher and a new quarter back this year after Christian Ponder left in the NFL draft but they have enough talent around them to help give their team a shot at a BCS game at the end of the season. E.J. Manuel, the new quarterback, really holds the keys to this season in their hand.
Virginia Tech also has a shot at the ACC championship this year. They also have new players at quarterback and running back this season. They also return a veteran line with some serious talent. This line should help the new players adapt quite nicely to their new roles in the Virginia Tech offense. They are also returning a lot of really talented starters on defense like junior corner Jayon Hosley. Hosley led the nation in interceptions last year.
The ACC should be a much better conference this year than in recent years. Classic powerhouses like Florida State and Virginia Tech should have the best shot to win the conference while former champions like Miami continue their rebuilding process.