The college football season is still months away, but that doesn't mean the excitement around the season isn't there. The goal for the top ACC teams is once again to win a conference title and hopefully make it to the College Football Playoff. And Vegas has now revealed which ACC teams it thinks are in the best position to capture a conference crown.
The teams are based on the over/under win totals for several college football teams in 2017 as compiled by CG Technology, a Vegas Sportsbook. The cut-off for the top teams was five, as there was a bit of a drop-off to the next group (N.C. State and Pitt). Just for fun, I've also included a brief write-up. The teams are based on reverse alphabetical order if they are tied. With that in mind, here are the five teams Vegas thinks are the best in the ACC.
5. Miami Hurricanes (8.5 wins)
The Canes get Notre Dame and a visit to Arkansas State out of conference. The ACC play isn't too difficult, although they'll be underdogs when they visit FSU. They get Virginia Tech at home, but visit Pitt to end the year. Playing a relatively easy road schedule benefits Miami, but they'll need to figure out their QB situation to get to nine wins.
4. Virginia Tech Hokies (9 wins)
Here's your Coastal division favorite. The Hokies open the season against West Virginia, who may or may not have Florida QB transfer Will Grier. A win in that game sets the Hokies up well for 10 wins, as they get only Clemson (at home) among the top three Atlantic teams. A tricky end of season schedule - at Miami (FL), at Georgia Tech, vs. Pitt and at Virginia will determine if the Hokies are playing in the ACC title game.
3. Louisville Cardinals (9 wins)
Taking the over or the under with Louisville really depends on which Cardinals team you think will show. The one that started the year 9-1 with only a close loss to Clemson or the one that ended the year with three straight losses, including one to Kentucky. A road trip to North Carolina in Week 2 followed by a home game against Clemson should set the tone for the Cardinals. The other tricky games are at Florida State and at UK. Start the year at least and 2-1 and Louisville will be in position to reach that 10 win mark.
2. Clemson Tigers (9 wins)
It appears the defending national champs are in for a bit of a step back. Given the talent losses, it's understandable Vegas isn't quite as confident in Clemson as last year. Unfortunately for Clemson, the first five weeks aren't easy. There's a home game against Auburn, followed up by a road trip to Louisville and then another road game two weeks later against Virginia Tech. Florida State is at home, but South Carolina is a road game. Clemson will be good again, but it's natural to expect some regression since.
1. Florida State Seminoles (9.5 wins)
The best non-conference game of the year is FSU vs. Alabama to open the season. The Noles also visit Florida to end the year and have to travel to Clemson. Those are three tricky games, although FSU should be one of the best teams in the country this year. Home games against Louisville and Miami (FL) also won't be easy. Still, if FSU can keep QB Deondre Francois off his back, they'll be tough to beat. FSU is tied for third among all teams in over/under wins.