ACC Football: Top 5 teams that can win the conference in 2015
![Sep 27, 2014; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) prior to the snap during the first quarter against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports Sep 27, 2014; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) prior to the snap during the first quarter against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/94fdfbbe08e8e8ddc9c4ea9a68cff3b5d6f1c9ea224a245ebafdb050112be05e.jpg)
One year ago, if I told you that N.C. State would be a serious contender for the Atlantic Division, you would have laughed in my face.
Live Feed
Old North Banter
Well, they didn’t do so well at the contending part as the Wolfpack finished just 3-5 in conference play, but they did start the year 4-0 and gave Florida State a serious scare in game five before falling apart at the seams for the final stretch of the campaign.
OK, so maybe you ended up laughing in my face anyways, but the truth is, this team is returning seven starters on each side of the ball, including talented dual-threat quarterback Jacoby Brissett who happens to be heading into his senior year.
Last year, Brissett was an early Heisman contender and finished the season valiantly, passing for 2,606 yards, 23 touchdowns and just five interceptions while rushing for another 529 yards and three scores.
Two of Brissett’s top targets, Bra’Lon Cherry and David J. Grinnage, will be returning as well while the 30th-best passing defense’s entire secondary returns — with only one senior.
This team is young and hungry and definitely the dark horse of the conference. I like underdogs, and I think that may be why they won me over — well, that and the fact that they have only one overly tough away game at Florida State.
Next: 3. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets