|
Clemson might be the preseason media choice to win the ACC, but Florida State continues to lead the league -- at least in the preseason Amway Coaches poll. In the poll released Wednesday, Florida State is featured at No. 8, while Clemson opens at No. 12 and Georgia Tech at No. 17. Virginia Tech, Louisville, Miami, Duke, NC State and North Carolina each received votes. It is important to keep in mind that the coaches poll -- and the AP poll, set for Aug. 23 release -- have little bearing on the College Football Playoff selection committee. Still, the rankings are a good barometer for where coaches believe the top programs in the country stand. Though the media selected Clemson to win the league, it's not a huge surprise to see the Seminoles ranked ahead to open the year. Though there are questions about who will start at quarterback, the addition of Everett Golson is a huge boost. And while there are unproven players, there isn't a lack of talent. The early season schedule also sets up nicely for Florida State to start to integrate all their new starters and gain cohesion headed into the toughest part of their slate. But just remember this about Clemson: The Tigers are the only team in the country to finish higher in the final poll than where they started in the preseason in each of the last four years. So, at least recently, there has been a significant underselling of the program from the outset. One more interesting note: Georgia Tech is ranked in the preseason Top 25 for the first time since 2010. And by the way -- all three teams play each other in the regular season.
|
