2021 ACC Football Preview
Our 2021 ACC football preview sees the Clemson Tigers as the top team in the Atlantic Division and the North Carolina Tar Heels as number one in the Coastal. We’re favoring Clemson to win the 2021 ACC Championship and to play Alabama for the national crown. The ACC is a Power Five Conference and ranked third with the SEC and Big Ten number one and two respectively. Thus, it’s highly competitive and will be in the mix at the highest levels when bowl season comes along.
ACC Football Preview – Atlantic Division
Boston College Eagles – BC has a solid O-line and good pass attack. Their defense needs underpinning, especially at linebacker. Coach Jeff Hafley knows how to recruit. Watch out for the Eagles in 2022.
Clemson Tigers – In the ACC, Clemson is tops in every category except one, quarterback. North Carolina has that honor. Still, D.J. Uiagalelei is projected to be an immediate Heisman candidate. There’s a whole lot of depth on this team.
Florida State Seminoles – Our ACC football preview finds that this team has a lot of question marks. The offensive line is one of the conference’s weaker, while UFC star QB McKenzie Milton could give the offense some pizazz. That is if he wins the starting spot from sophomore Jordan Travis. We’re expecting FSU to be inconsistent.
Louisville Cardinals – No doubt about it, 2020 was a horrific season for this team. Coach Scott Satterfield really has to make something happen, and we think that he will. Unlike last year, in 2021, the Cardinals will be bowl bound once again.
NC State Wolfpack – Expectations are high for this team, as well they should be. The Wolfpack looks solid and deep on defense, and the offense is sound at running back and receiver. Plus, the O-line is better than average. QB Devin Leary has little experience but has shown solid promise. Watch out for this team.
Syracuse Orange – The Orange have a lot of deficits, including on both frontlines. Their two premium players are LB Mikel Jones and PK Andre Szmyt. There’s competition at quarterback as transfer Garrett Schrader battles junior Tommy DeVito for the job.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons – We expect WF’s passing game to be sound. But our ACC football preview has determined that the ground game looks weak, and the defense is lacking. The Demon Deacons will score some points, but they will also give up quite a few.
ACC Football Preview – Coastal Division
Duke Blue Devils – Coach David Cutcliffe must recreate the winning culture he instilled from 2012-2018. Duke has a massive talent at running back with Mataeo Bryant, but quarterback is a major issue, as are both lines and the entire defense.
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets – This team has too many missing pieces. Plus, coach Geoff Collins is weak at game management. The Yellow Jackets are deep when it comes to the ground game. But a weak offensive line will hamper production.
Miami Hurricanes – The Canes are good; there’s no doubt about it. QB D’Erig King’s decision to return for one more season was a major boost for the offense. He’s got fine receivers and lots of protection from a sound O-line. But, according to our ACC football preview research, the defense has suffered some major losses. That could be this team’s sticking point.
North Carolina Tar Heels – Although dual-threat Javonte Williams is gone, the Tar Heel offense is still mighty awesome. QB Sam Howell is the best in the ACC. The frontline is the most experienced and one of the finest in the conference. The D is sound.
Pittsburgh Panthers – The Pitt defense is strong at linebacker and the corners. The ground game is good, but there are some gaps in the line. If QB Kenny Pickett can find his receivers rather than his opponents, this team will have a decent season.
Virginia Cavaliers – The Cav defensive line and linebacking unit are average, while the deep backs are worrisome. On offense, the running backs and wideouts are less than impressive. QB Brennan Armstrong can score and, with the help of his frontline, will keep this team in the game.
Virginia Tech Hokies – VT is better on defense than offense. However, the offensive line is experienced. The receiving corps returns four starters, while the rushing unit is thin. Despite losses on D, there’s still enough talent and skill to keep this team in the hunt.
ACC Atlantic – Projected Order of Finish
Clemson Tigers
NC State Wolfpack
Boston College Eagles
Louisville Cardinals
Florida State Seminoles
Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Syracuse Orange
ACC Coastal – Projected Order of Finish
North Carolina Tar Heels
Miami Hurricanes
Pittsburgh Panthers
Virginia Tech Hokies
Virginia Cavaliers
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Duke Blue Devils
ACC Preview - Final Word
As noted, our ACC football preview likes the Clemson Tigers in the Atlantic Division and the North Carolina Tar Heels in the Coastal. That doesn’t mean that the NC State Wolfpack or Boston College Eagles can’t pull off a conference upset. In the Coastal Division, we find that the Miami Hurricanes, Pittsburgh Panthers, and Virginia Tech Hokies are all potentially dangerous. The ACC is a very fine conference with some top-notch talent and skilled players. Expect a surprise or two this season.