ACC 2016 football power rankings: Preseason edition

ACC Power Rankings 2016: Preseason edition

Nov 7, 2015; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) carries the ball while being defended by Florida State Seminoles linebacker Terrance Smith (24) during the first half at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 7, 2015; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Ryan Switzer (3) reacts in the end zone with wide receiver Mack Hollins (13) after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

It’s not like the men from Raleigh are a bad team or anything – they just have the misfortune of being in a division that includes two teams that could easily be playing for a national title when the season is over.

Last season, the men from the Commonwealth had the distinction of being the first team in a while to go winless in league play for both football and men’s basketball in the same year. In 2016, the football Eagles have a much better nucleus and head back to a bowl.

For the first time in three decades, Frank Beamer won’t be on the sidelines for the men in maroon this season. Head coach Justin Fuente was a solid hire, but it’s going to take time to build the team back up into ACC competitors.

Last season, the men in baby blue came within a few plays of pulling off a monumental upset over Clemson in the conference title game. While they still have Ryan Switzer on the roster, they will take a step back and not have a repeat run.

With a new coach, a new quarterback and a schedule that includes playing host to their toughest conference opponents, this is the year that the Wahoos move into the top half of the conference and possibly make some noise in the Coastal Division.

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