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)
The budding Clemson-Florida State rivalry in the ACC has been a fun one to watch over the past few years as it seems either the Tigers or Seminoles win the conference crown each season.
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This season will be no different as the Tigers will finally win the title, in my opinion, for the first time since tying for it in 2012 and winning outright in 2011. Dabo Swinney has put together one heck of a program and it’s about to pay off as Clemson could make it two consecutive seasons for the ACC having a team in the College Football Playoff.
After Tajh Boyd departed two years ago, the future was looking a bit unsure at the quarterback position for the Tigers, but freshman quarterback Deshaun Watson changed that in 2014.
Watson, a superb dual-threat, tore his ACL during the course of his freshman year and was forced to sit out for most of 2014. However, in his short time as starter, he proved to be much more effective than his counterpart, Cole Stoudt.
Returning a boatload of offensive talent from last season, including Mike Williams, Artavis Scott and Wayne Gallman, the Tigers are poised for a breakout year.
Defensively, though, this team is returning just three starters and will need to rely on many first-year players to get them back to elite status — the Clemson defense ranked first in the nation in terms of yards allowed last season.
Clemson is my choice to win the ACC this year.
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