The 2023 College Football season is upon us and fans across the nation are eagerly anticipating the action-packed games that the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) has in store. With divisions disappearing, the ACC promises a level playing field for all teams, setting the stage for an intense battle to claim the conference crown. Let’s take a closer look at each team’s projected win totals, bowl projections, and where they stand in the rankings.
1. Clemson Tigers
Projected Win Total: 12
Bowl Projection: ACC Championship Game
Clemson kicks off the season as the undisputed favorite to clinch the ACC title. With an arsenal of talent at their disposal, led by quarterback Cade Klubnik and the dynamic running back duo of Will Shipley and power back Phil Mafah the Tigers look poised to extend their dominance in the conference. Not to be outdone, linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. spearheads an elite defense that aims to keep opponents at bay. Expect Clemson to set the bar high once again.
2. Miami Hurricanes
Projected Win Total: 10
Bowl Projection: New Year’s Six Bowl
I expect a huge season from the Canes and I have them winning 10 games.. The Canes will be 6-0 heading into the Clemson game, and I believe that Miami will play Clemson much closer this year than in previous years, losing by less than two touchdowns. I expect Miami to go into Florida State and get revenge for last year’s loss, with a much-improved offensive line and a system that maximizes Tyler Van Dyke’s talents.
Miami has talent and depth on the defensive line, with players like Leonard Taylor and Branson Deen. Harrison-Hunte is also a good depth piece on the defensive line. The linebacking corps is also expected to be much improved, with Francisco Mauigoa being a significant upgrade over Corey Flagg. On the offensive side of the ball, true freshman Mark Fletcher is already competing for first-team reps. Colbie Young and Jacolby George are expected to have big years, and Ray Ray Joseph is a talented player who is putting in extra work every practice. Additionally, Miami will show focus and be prepared for every team, and Tyler Van Dyke will play like he did two years ago, as one of the best quarterbacks in the ACC in a system that is suited to his strengths. Of course, all of this depends on the team’s health. If Miami can stay healthy, they can win 10 games I am officially drinking the Kool- Aid.
3. North Carolina Tar Heels
Projected Win Total: 9
Bowl Projection: Cotton Bowl
North Carolina enters the season with high hopes, boasting quarterback Drake Maye, a genuine Heisman Trophy contender. Supported by a steadfast defense led by linebacker Cedric Gray, the Tar Heels are going to win plenty of games in a weak ACC. The Tarheels do have weaknesses, their pass defense is atrocious and Maye does not have many weapons as in years past. The Tarheels will have a good season but they are a couple of injuries away from 6-6 type of season.
4. Florida State Seminoles
Projected Win Total: 8
Bowl Projection: Camping World Bowl
Florida State is eager to regain its former glory under the guidance of quarterback Jordan Travis and star wide receiver Johnny Wilson. While the defense may present some question marks, they have arguably the best defensive end in the conference in Jared Verse.The Seminoles’ offensive firepower should give them an edge in most matchups and with the addition of Keon Coleman through the transfer portal, the Noles have geared up to win the ACC. Despite their new additions, I expect the Noles to take a step back this year. Last year they snuck up on everyone and I expect that this year they will have a huge target on their back and get everyone’s best game.
5. Louisville Cardinals
Projected Win Total :8
Bowl Projection: Gator Bowl
Jeff Brohm is bringing an innovative offensive approach to the University of Louisville’s football team, accompanied by a roster of key players poised to excel within this system. Noteworthy individuals include quarterback Jack Plummer, who brings experience from transfers and 25 starts, showcasing his potential to elevate the team’s offensive performance. Running back Jawhar Jordan stands out as YPC monster and dual-threat capabilities. At the wide receiver position, Jamari Thrash’s achievements as a First-Team All-Sun Belt selection, with 1,122 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns, emphasize his ability to make significant contributions. With these standout players and Brohm’s tactical genius, Louisville holds promise for a successful season, contingent on factors like team health and competition strength, positioning them as strong contenders in the ACC and a possible dark horse team.
6. North Carolina State Wolfpack
Projected Win Total: 7
Bowl Projection: Pinstripe Bowl
With a new quarterback in Brennan Armstrong, North Carolina State enters the season with promise and ambition. Armstrong’s ability to make crucial plays combined with a stout defense could lead the Wolfpack to exceed expectations Unfortunately their defense is not stout and will be a problem. The Wolfpack run the risk of running Armstrong into the ground as their defensive shortcomings will put pressure on the QB to play at near Heisman level every game.
7. Duke Blue Devils
Projected Win Total: 7
Bowl Projections: Military Bowl
The introduction of Mike Elko in Durham brought about a remarkable turnaround for Duke, propelling the team to become one of the most improved in the nation last season. With the return of 17 starters, the prospect of contending for the ACC Championship appears achievable. Nevertheless, the Blue Devils are confronted with a formidable conference schedule and a matchup against Notre Dame in non-conference play. Quarterback Riley Leonard resumes his role in leading an offense that was high octane and dynamic last year. Yet Duke will struggle against upper echelon teams and like FSU, they will not take anyone by surprise this year.
8. Syracuse Orange
Projected Win Total: 6
Bowl Projection: Las Vegas Bowl
Syracuse faces a rebuilding year, grappling with the challenge of filling the void left by standout running back Sean Tucker. Syracuse has lost plenty of firepower offensively and defensively in their secondary. Despite the hurdles, the Orange will be eager to develop new playmakers and compete fiercely. The path ahead may be tough, but Syracuse’s determination could still yield positive outcomes and I expect them to be a bowl eligible team.
9. Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Projected Win Total: 6
Bowl Projection: New Orleans Bowl
Wake Forest finds itself in a similar rebuilding phase as they work to replace key contributors from the previous season including star quarterback Sam Hartman. Navigating this transitional period won’t be easy, but with resilience and adaptability, the Demon Deacons will strive to carve out victories and lay the groundwork for future success.
10. Pittsburgh Panthers
Projected Win Total -6
Bowl Projection- Gasparilla Bowl
Narduzzi faces a tough season as he lost key pieces to his defense. I expect Pittsburgh to still have a decent defense, and I expect their new transfer quarterback to Phil Jurkovec to give them steady quarterback play providing better production than Kedon Slovis. Despite this, their dip in defensive production in a transition year will make them a middle of the pack team.
11. Boston College Eagles
Projected Win Total: 5
Bowl Projection: None
Boston College is not a good football team. Luckily for them they play Northern Illinois, Holy Cross and Army which should give them three easy wins. They will have a shot on September 30th to defeat Virginia and on October 28th Connecticut seems like a winnable game. With starter Phil Jurkovec transferring to Pittsburgh, a lack of talent on both sides of the ball and an unproven Emmett Moorehead leading the offense, expect the Eagles to fly low this year.
12. Virginia Tech Hokies
Projected Win Total: 5
Bowl Projection : None
Virginia Tech’s quarterback Grant Wells struggled last season throwing nine touchdowns and nine interceptions. I don’t expect Wells to change much, an erratic scrambler who is turnover prone, with an underwhelming defense is a recipe for disaster for the Hokies.
13. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Projected Win Total: 4
Bowl Projection: None
Georgia Tech embarks on a rebuilding phase with new head coach Brent Key. While the transition may be challenging, the Yellow Jackets have the opportunity to learn and grow under Key’s leadership. They also have a new transfer QB from Texas A&M, in Haynes King. Unfortunately for the Yellow Jackets, their team surrendered over 28 points per game last year and King is not talented enough to carry them offensively. Do not expect much from the Yellow Jackets this year.
14. Virginia Cavaliers
Projected Win Total: 3
Bowl Projection: none
Virginia, renowned for their tenacious defense, seeks to refine their offensive strategies to complement their solid performance on the other side of the ball. Sadly, the Cavaliers had one of the worst offenses in the country last year and not much has changed except they have lost plenty of starters on offense. While their defense is stout, this offense is like watching paint dry. Cavalier fans are in for a long season.
ACC Champion:
Clemson Tigers
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