Outlook:

When the ACC first expanded a few years ago to 12 teams, the additional schools were suppose to push the conference to the top of the college football world. Although still firmly belonging in the BCS, the ACC's aggressive plans may have water down its competition more than expected. The recent demise of the league's Floridian schools' competiveness also has had an effect in weakening the ACC.

Atlantic Division:

1. Clemson - A legitimate national title contender, the Tigers have one of the most dynamic backfields in the entire country and return a fairly stout defense.

2. Boston College - It will be very tough for the Golden Eagles to repeat last year's success since they will be losing a ton of offensive talent, most notably quarterback Matt Ryan. However, the defensive unit should be strong, especially with the return of linebacker Brian Toal.

3. Florida State - The Seminoles are still far from their old, dominate ways, but should still have no problem posting a winning season. Keep an eye on running back Antone Smith. He may be in for a very big year.

4. Maryland - Head coach Ralph Friedgen will need to find a new running back this year, or possibly even more important, solid quarterback play. The signal calling could end being handled by Florida transfer Josh Portis.

5. Wake Forest - You have to like the job head coach Jim Grobe has done with the Demon Deacons over the last two seasons. But the team could be hard-pressed to repeat the success if they can't find a receiving threat to replace Kenny Moore to take some pressure off the running game.

6. N.C. State - Head coach Tom O'Brien still has some work to do in cleaning up Chuck Amato's mess and also needs to fill some holes on defense. Look for Lackawanna High School graduate Curtis Underwood to be more involved with the offense at fullback.

Coastal Division:

1. Virginia Tech - The Hokies should have a great shot at matching last year's 11 wins, if not more seeing how there only real out of conference challenge is a regrouping Nebraska team. Although Sean Glennon has shown to be efficient at quarterback, but will eventually give away more time to Tyrod Taylor. VA Tech always finds new running backs to plug in and shouldn't be an issue. Although they lose some players on defense and special teams, the unit should still be formidable.

2. North Carolina - A ton of last year's team on both sides of the ball returns under master recruiter Butch Davis. This team may come close to doubling last year's four wins.

3. Virginia - The Cavaliers overachieved last year with nine wins and are now missing their top quarterback and sack-master Chris Long. Bowl eligibility is optimistic for Virginia.

4. Miami (Fla.) - Head coach Randy Shannon is bringing some pretty good recruiting classes to Coral Gables. It's just a matter of time when the Hurricanes will rise again, just not sure exactly when that will be.

5. Georgia Tech - The Yellow Jackets must replace the productive Tashard Choice at tailback. This coupled with the team having to get adjusted to new head coach Paul Johnson's option offense equates to a rough season in Atlanta.

6. Duke - This program has proven to be a deathtrap for college football coaches. The latest coach to take a shot at turning around the Blue Devils is former Ole Miss head coach David Cutcliffe. Good luck!

Players to Watch:

Cullen Harper QB Clemson - Harper had an impressive 9:2 touchdown to interception ratio last year. If he can build off last year's season, he will be a Davey O'Brien candidate.

James Davis RB Clemson - He almost declared for the NFL Draft after last year, but decided to stick around for a shot at a national title. He ran for over 1,000 yards and 10 scores last season while splitting time.

C.J. Spiller RB/KR Clemson - Spiller split time with Davis last season in the backfield and proved to be a receiving threat out of the backfield as well. With his great returning abilities, he is very reminiscent of Reggie Bush, while Davis looks like a trimmer LenDale White.

Aaron Kelly WR Clemson - This Tigers' offense is stacked. Serving as Harper's favorite weapon, Kelly should victimize defenses that will be stacking the line against the Clemson ground game. He shouldn't have too much trouble eclipsing last season's 1,000 yards receiving and 11 touchdowns.

Preston Parker WR/PR Florida State - Although he wasn't much of a threat in the return game, Parker proved to be a reliable receiver for quarterback Drew Weatherford along with big play wide out Greg Carr.

Willie Young DE N.C. State - Young pulled down the quarterback six times last year and made 10 tackles for loss in 2007. His play will be important for a defensive unit that lacks a lot of experience.

Dave Philistin LB Maryland - Surprisingly, Philistin's 124 tackles last year ranked him only second on the Terrps. He should be the leader of the linebacker core this season.

Clint Sintim LB Virginia - With Long now playing on Sundays, Sintim will be looked at by the Cavs to be the one breathing down passers throats every play.

Mark Buchholz K Clemson - Buchholz could have a very productive season for what looks to be a high scoring offense. However, he has been sporadic at times with his strong leg.

Brent Bowden P Virginia Tech - There is always an extra emphasis on special teams in Blacksburg. Bowden posted a good 42.5 yards per punt last season with 28 landing inside the 20.