The ACC Conference is split into two divisions of seven teams: Atlantic and Coastal. The best record in each division meets in the ACC Championship for a chance at the College Football Playoffs if their national ranking is among the top four of all the conference champions.
The first division we're previewing is the Atlantic, which has been controlled by the Clemson Tigers since 2016, who've two National Championships in that span (2016, 2018). Even after losing their stars to the NFL, Clemson found a way to stay relevant each year by fashioning an elite offense.
The rest of the ACC Atlantic isn't full of slouches though, with 24 ACC Championships between them, outside of Clemson's 20. (Florida State also has three National Championships). Of the current ACC Atlantic teams, three have never won an ACC Championship: Boston College, Syracuse, and Louisville.
ACC Atlantic Division
The ACC Atlantic division consists of seven teams:
- Boston College Eagles
- Clemson Tigers
- Florida State Seminoles
- Louisville Cardinals
- NC State Wolfpack
- Syracuse Orange
- Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Even without QB Trevor Lawrence and RB Travis Etienne, Clemson is still a clear favorite to win the ACC again. NC State appears to be a possible nuisance to Clemson. Florida State has the second-most ACC titles (15) but has tumbled down to the middle of the pack.
Boston College could make a run for third place in the ACC Atlantic division. Wake Forest hasn't won an ACC Championship since 2006 while Louisville and Syracuse are floundering at the bottom of the barrel.
COVID-19 is subsiding, allowing colleges to have full crowds once more. Clemson vs Boston College should be an intense battle for the O'Rourke-McFadden Trophy and they have another heated match against NC State in the Textile Bowl.
Here's our ACC conference preview, starting with the Atlantic division.
Boston College: ACC Atlantic preview
Boston College has never won an ACC Championship, but that could change in the near future. BC has been on the cusp of a breakout season that could possibly reshape the ACC Atlantic.
This team has become the country's favorite somehow, which is quite a bit of support. Head coach Jeff Hafley is entering his second year and will look to use his NFL coaching experience to liven up the defense. He finished with a 6-5 record in his first year.
Here's a look at the Boston College Eagles' strengths and weaknesses heading into the 2021-2022 season.
2021-2022 ACC Atlantic preview: Boston College Eagles
Boston College's strengths: Their new-look pass-heavy offense should help the team score more points. BC ran the ball nearly twice as much in 2019 as they did last year. QB Phil Jurkovec hit on 61% of his passes in the new fast-paced scheme. Zay Flowers blossomed into a potential top-15 WR prospect. Jaelen Gill and CJ Lewis are large and productive targets as well.
Boston College's weakness: RB depth is a low point on the roster. David Bailey is a 240-pound brute who had potential but transferred. Fifth-year Travis Levi is more of an elusive back but WV transfer Alec Sinkfield can provide backup with Pat Garwo bringing some power running. The depth is ultimately inexperienced and the OL lacks skill in opening up the run game.
Boston College Key Players: Offense
WR: Zay Flower - He had a good freshman season and an impressive sophomore year in 2020: 56 catches, 892 yards and 9 TDs. With a more pass-focused offense, Flower should have an even better 2021 with QB Jurkovec and HC Hafley, likely going for 1,000+ yards.
C: Alec Lindstrom - Lindstrom is the best center in the ACC in pass protection but needs to be a better example to open up the ground game. As the leader of the OL, Lindstrom needs to help direct the others.
Boston College Key Players: Defense
CB: Josh DeBerry - He's one of the best tacklers on the roster and could be an All-ACC defender this year. Despite his smaller size, he is excellent in pass coverage and flying all over the field to make a tackle.
S: Jaiden Lars-Woodley - The Temple transfer comes to Boston College as a hybrid safety/linebacker. He will come in to help a weak LB group and the ideal role for him is to be allowed to roam the field and make plays everywhere.
2021-2022 Boston College Eagles ACC schedule
Week 1: Saturday, September 4, vs Colgate
Week 2: Saturday, September 11, at UMass
Week 3: Saturday, September 18, at Temple
Week 4: Saturday, September 25, vs Missouri
Week 5: Saturday, October 2, at Clemson
Week 6: Saturday, October 16, vs NC State
Week 7: Saturday, October 23, at Louisville
Week 8: Saturday, October 30, at Syracuse
Week 9: Friday, November 5, vs Virginia Tech
Week 10: Saturday, November 13, at Georgia Tech
Week 11: Saturday, November 20, vs Florida State
Week 12: Saturday, November 27, vs Wake Forest
2021-2022 Boston College Eagles ACC prediction (8-4, 4-4 ACC)
BC will make it to the next level in the ACC in Jeff Hafley's second year. The offense needs to keep up the pace and the defense needs to click early on. They'll win the early give-me games and take a victory in the ACC games they are favored in.
Clemson Tigers: ACC Atlantic preview
Clemson lost generational QB Trevor Lawrence and all-time ACC rusher RB Travis Etienne, but they should remain the best in the ACC. The Tigers have a way of replacing their stars with the next man up.
They can still make the CFP but might be another season away from being a serious contender to go all the way. Head coach Dabo Swinney is one of the best in the NCAA and can mold a roster into a championship team. The Tigers were ranked #3 last year and could be a Top 5 team again with an easy schedule.
2021-2022 ACC Atlantic preview: Clemson Tigers
Clemson's strength: Their next big-time QB DJ Uiagalelei might not be as talented as Lawrence was, but he proved himself in 2020 when Lawrence was dealing with a bout of COVID-19. He threw 429 yards and two TDs in a game against Notre Dame and won a hard-fought match with Boston College. If he continues to improve, DJ could be a top pick in 2023.
Clemson's weakness: Clemson has an untested group of RBs. Lyn-J Dixon will get his shot but has a young rotation behind him: sophomore Kobe Pace and new recruits Will Shipley and Phil Mafah. Clemson only hit 200+ rushing yards in three games. Someone from the committee needs to stand out.
Boston College Eagles Key Players: Offense
RB: Lyn-J Dixon - The run game needs to improve to help DJ at QB. Dixon had just 190 yards and two TDs in 2020 behind Etienne. He had 1,200 yards and 11 TDs over his first two seasons, so there is potential to lead the backfield. The Tigers just needs him to become the leader of the committee.
WR: Justyn Ross - Ross was a surefire top 10 draft pick before he missed the entire 2020 season with a career-threatening spinal injury. He's working to get back on the field and be the top WR again.
If Ross comes back and doesn't lose a step, the Tigers will be just fine. There is a deep but young group behind him that can hopefully rise up to alleviate some pressure off Ross.
Boston College Eagles Key Players: Defense
DT: Bryan Bresse - The 6'5'', 300-pound tackle only had 23 tackles, four sacks and 6.5 TFL, but is one of the toughest, fastest DTs and a future All-ACC star. He's just a sophomore and has a lot of time to mature into a well-rounded player.
S: Barrett Carter - The freshman safety is often compared to a smaller Isaiah Simmons but needs to prove it in live practices. He should find plenty of playing time as a hybrid DB/LB with grit, speed and athleticism.
2021-2022 Clemson Tigers ACC schedule
Week 1: Saturday, September 4, vs Georgia
Week 2: Saturday, September 11, vs SC State
Week 3: Saturday, September 18, vs Georgia Tech
Week 4: Saturday, September 25, at NC State
Week 5: Saturday, October 2, vs Boston College
Week 6: Friday, October 15, at Syracuse
Week 7: Saturday, October 23, at Pittsburgh
Week 8: Saturday, October 30, vs Florida State
Week 9: Saturday, November 6, at Louisville
Week 10: Saturday, November 13, vs UConn
Week 11: Saturday, November 20, vs Wake Forest
Week 12: Saturday, November 27, at South Carolina
2021-2022 Clemson Tigers ACC prediction (10-2, 7-2 ACC)
The Tigers open the season with a possible CFP match-up against Georgia. Clemson starts the year off with a rough loss. NC State takes advantage and snags a win in their ACC season opener. Clemson then goes on an eight-game winning streak after their second loss. They should work their way into the CFP as #4.
Florida State Seminoles: ACC Atlantic preview
The Florida State Seminoles have been going downhill since 2016 when they finished #8 and 10-3 under Jimbo Fisher and RB Dalvin Cook. The offensive line has been a major issue for years now. Head coach Mike Norvell hopes to flip the script in Year 2 but it could be a long process.
2021-2022 ACC Atlantic preview: Florida State Seminoles
Florida State's strength: Florida State gets back three of their top tackling LB, but Emmett Rice has a leg injury. LB Stephen Dix is an up-and-comer playing in the middle and a strong tackler. Amari Gainer led the team with 65 tackles last season.
Florida State's weakness: In general, everything else is a weak point on the roster. The passing attack was one of the worst, partly due to the OL. OB McKenzie Milton is rehabbing a leg injury and Jordan Travis is more of a runner than a successful passer. The defense was last in the ACC in sacks and allowed 36 points per game. They also lost several key secondary players.
Florida State Seminoles Key Players: Offense
RB: Jashaun Corbin - The 6-foot, 215 pound WR transfered from Texas A&M. He's a decent receiver out of the backfield with 19 catches for 115 last year. He led Florida State with 401 rushing yards and five TDs. It wasn't a stellar season but it's the best they got and they need to see him improve even more to have a fighting shot at having a better season.
QB: McKenzie Milton - The former UCF star suffered a horrific leg injury and might not be the same mobile QB when (or if) he returns. If he can lean more on his passing ability, the Seminoles could have a decent season.
Florida State Seminoles Key Players: Defense
LB: Amari Gainer - He could become an All-ACC talent as a very versatile star. He's been able to move all around the field to maximize his production. Gainer will be one of the leaders of the defense.
DE: Jermaine Johnson - The team's pressure off the edge is non-existent and the Seminoles need to have someone get to the QB. He had 7.5 sacks with Georgia and should be Florida State's sack leader.
2021-2022 Florida State Seminoles ACC schedule
Week 1: Sunday, September 5, vs Notre Dame
Week 2: Saturday, September 11, vs Jacksonville State
Week 3: Saturday, September 18, at Wake Forest
Week 4: Saturday, September 25, vs Louisville
Week 5: Saturday, October 2, vs Syracuse
Week 6: Saturday, October 9, at North Carolina
Week 7: Saturday, October 23, vs UMass
Week 8: Saturday, October 30, at Clemson
Week 9: Saturday, November 6, vs NC State
Week 10: Saturday, November 13, vs Miami
Week 11: Saturday, November 20, at Boston College
Week 12: Saturday, November 27, at Florida
2021-2022 Florida State Seminoles ACC prediction ( 5-7, 2-6 ACC)
Florida State loses right off the bat to Notre Dame and then gets a win against Jacksonville State. They then go on a four-game losing streak and finish the season with a win over Florida. Five wins is generous considering the roster and all the question marks.
Louisville Cardinals: ACC Atlantic preview
The Louisville Cardinals could have had a winning season last year if not for a slew of TOs. The offense was in the top five in the ACC and has eight returning starters.
The OL allowed a ton of pressure through, allowing too many TFLs and sacks that resulted in losses. The defense finished in the top three in the ACC as well. Head coach Scott Satterfield needs to work on ball security with his team and could have at least six wins in 2021.
2021-2022 ACC Atlantic preview: Louisville Cardinals
Louisville's strength: Sure, the OL was a hit-or-miss unit that allowed too many defenders into the backfield. However, there is a ton of experience here and it's deep with good talent. Louisville can shift around players to find the ideal line-up.
Louisville's weakness: We already mentioned the turnover issue from 2020. How bad was it, though? QB Malik Cunningham had 15 himself. Cut those in half and they could have had two or three additional wins on their record.
Louisville Cardinals Key Players: Offense
QB: Malik Cunningham - If he cuts down on the TOs, Cunningham can be a real playmaker. He's completed 63% of his passes for just under 5,200 yards, 43 TDs and 18 INTs in his career (12 INTs last year alone).
QB/WR: Shai Werts - He's a versatile player for the offense who was a run-option QB at Georgia Southern. Werts ran for 3,100 yards and 34 TDs and threw for 3,800 yards and 34 TDs. He's a receiver but will be used more as a runner than going downfield for a pass.
Louisville Cardinals Key Players: Defense
CB: Kei'Trel Clark - He's a very active DB on the field and was a star in 2020 with 36 tackles, one INT and 10 passes defended. Clark isn't an elite shutdown corner but QBs do think twice before throwing in his direction.
LB: CJ Avery - Avery is the starting LB on the weakside who will have to become a superstar without Rodjay Burns and Dorian Etheridge on the roster. There needs to be a leader in the middle of the defense.
2021-2022 Louisville Cardinals ACC schedule
Week 1: Monday, September 6, vs Ole Miss
Week 2: Saturday, September 11, vs EKU
Week 3: Friday, September 17, vs UCF
Week 4: Saturday, September 25, at Florida State
Week 5: Saturday, October 2, at Wake Forest
Week 6: Saturday, October 9, vs Virginia
Week 7: Saturday, October 23, vs Boston College
Week 8: Saturday, October 30, at NC State
Week 9: Saturday, November 6, vs Clemson
Week 10: Saturday, November 13, vs Syracuse
Week 11: Thursday, November 18, at Duke
Week 12: Saturday, November 27, vs Kentucky
2021-2022 Louisville Cardinals ACC prediction (7-5, 4-4 ACC)
Louisville will suffer its first loss to UCF and have a four-game skid midway through the season against ACC teams including Virginia, Boston College, NC State and Clemson. They'll finish the year with three straight wins though.
There's no way this team has a major issue with TOs for two straight seasons. If they do, Satterfield will be in trouble. They should get seven wins despite a rough patch.
NC State Wolfpack: ACC Atlantic preview
The Wolfpack started a roster overhaul in 2019 that set them back a bit. QB Devin Leary is returning from a broken leg and has his top three targets back. There's a decent 1-2-3 combo in the backfield as well.
The defense wasn't great but made enough big plays. Nine starters will be back and, hopefully, they can find a ball-hawk. Ten wins shouldn't be out of reach and they could give Clemson a run for their money.
2021-2022 ACC Atlantic preview: NC State Wolfpack
NC State's strength: The defensive line lost its anchor with Alim McNeill, but Daniel Joseph, Savion Jackson and Corey Durden will hold the line against the run. There's also enough depth to rotate fresh bodies.
NC State's weakness: NC State has no ball-hawk in their secondary. It is a productive unit but there's no real INT threat. TOs win games and having someone like Tyler Baker-Williams or Cyrus Fagan break out would be beneficial.
NC State Wolfpack Key Players: Offense
RB: Zonovan Knight - He averaged over five yards per carry in a solid rotation. In 2019, Zonovan had 745 yards and five TDs. Last season, he had just one 100-yard game but led the team with 788 and ten TDs. Having a committee will ensure he's fatigue-free and it'll also help keep his legs fresh.
WR: Emeka Emezie - At 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, Emzeie is a mismatch problem. He had 47 catches for 738 yards and five TDs in 2020. He's a redzone threat who QB Devin Leary can lean on without TE Cary Angeline.
NC State Wolfpack Key Players: Defense
LB: Payton Wilson - Wilson was one of the top LBs in the ACC. He has good range on the field, can be an edge rusher and also fall back into coverage.
DT: Corey Durden - Durden is a Florida State transfer who will fill into Alim McNeill's role as a solid anchor on the DL. In the 3-4 scheme, he can do damage even if he can't replace McNeill's athleticism.
2021-2022 NC State Wolfpack ACC schedule
Week 1: Thursday, September 2, vs USF
Week 2: Saturday, September 11, at Miss State
Week 3: Saturday, September 18, vs Furman
Week 4: Saturday, September 25, vs Clemson
Week 5: Saturday, October 2, vs Louisiana Tech
Week 6: Saturday, October 16, at Boston College
Week 7: Saturday, October 23, at Miami
Week 8: Saturday, October 30, vs Louisville
Week 9: Saturday, November 6, at Florida State
Week 10: Saturday, November 13, at Wake Forest
Week 11: Saturday, November 20, vs Syracuse
Week 12: Friday, November 26, vs North Carolina
2021-2022 NC State Wolfpack prediction (9-3, 6-3 ACC)
They get Clemson in their first ACC game, which is a real test early in the season. NC State will end the season with five straight wins. It won't be enough to unseat Clemson and they'll lose an early matchup to them. The Wolfpack could still end up in the top 25 and it's a step in the right direction for the program.
Syracuse Orange: ACC Atlantic preview
Everything went wrong for Syracuse last year: too many TOs, too few downfield plays, and just 265 yards and 18 points per game. The OL allowed 3.5 sacks and 7.5 TLFs per game, among the most in all of college football. Their defense was poor against the run and they lost too many pieces of their secondary.
2021-2022 ACC Atlantic preview: Syracuse Orange
Syracuse's strength: The run game's lead rusher, Sean Tucker, had 626 rushing yards and four TDs last year. They have a solid group returning from opt-outs: Abdul Adams and Jarveon Howard. The backfield was able to find success regardless of the mediocre OL.
Syracuse's weakness: The OL, of course. QB Tommy DeVito got thrown around from a lack of protection and it hurt the offense's stats in the process: 38 sacks in 11 games. He didn't have time to throw in the pocket and find his open targets. It'll be another tough year for Syracuse and a painful one for DeVito.
Syracuse Orange Key Players: Offense
WR Taj Harris - Harris is one of the few highlights on the offense. He averaged close to 14 yards per catch last year. Over the past three years, he has 135 catches for 1,857 yards and ten TDs.
He's a talented WR1 who had 130+ yards against Duke and NC State. The offense needs to target him more as he has proven he can handle the workload.
QB Garrett Shrader - The former Miss State QB isn't predicted to win the starting job but is a dual-threat backup who can give DeVito breaks. He also has experience starting in the high-powered SEC.
Syracuse Orange Key Players: Defense
LB: Mikel Jones - Jones lost 12 pounds in the offseason to get down to 218. He led the lead with 68 tackles and four INTs. He'll see more time lining up as an edge rusher.
S: Ja'Had Carter - He was the second tackle leader on the team and takes over as a starter. Carter still has great upside as a young prospect.
2021-2022 Syracuse Orange ACC schedule
Week 1: Saturday, September 4, at Ohio
Week 2: Saturday, September 11, vs Rutgers
Week 3: Saturday, September 18, vs Albany
Week 4: Friday, September 24, vs Liberty
Week 5: Saturday, October 2, as Florida State
Week 6: Saturday, October 9, vs Wake Forest
Week 7: Friday, October 15, vs Clemson
Week 8: Saturday, October 23, at Virginia Tech
Week 9: Saturday, October 30, vs Boston College
Week 10: Saturday, November 13, at Louisville
Week 11: Saturday, November 20, at NC State
Week 12: Saturday, November 27, vs Pittsburgh
2021-2022 Syracuse Orange ACC prediction (5-7, 2-6 ACC)
They improved from at least one win last year. They'll start 2-0, fall to Albany, get back at Liberty, and then have a stretch of four losses. It's better than a single win in a season.
Wake Forest: ACC Atlantic preview
Wake Forest's offense didn't control games but they were fun to watch. They were second in the ACC in yards per completion. The offense was efficient in the red zone and number one in the ACC in giveaways.
There are 11 starters returning to the offense as well, including QB Sam Hartman. The defense had no control either in allowing 436 yards and 33 points per game. The Demon Deacons also lost playmakers like Carlos Basham and Ja'Lquez Williams.
2021-2022 ACC Atlantic preview: Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Wake Forest's strength - The WR group has a rising star in Jaquarri Roberson, who led the team with 62 catches and eight TDs. The 6-foot-2 Donovan Greene averaged over 20 yards per catch. Taylor Martin and AT Perry are solid backups.
Wake Forest's weakness - The pass defense was a whole new level of poor. They allowed far to many TFLs and don't have the largest guys up front. Christian Beal-Smith and company could struggle to gain momentum.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons Key Players: Offense
WR: Jaquarri Roberson - He had 13 catches in his first two years and went off as a junior in 2020 with 62 catches, 926 yards and eight TDs. Roberson put up 100+ yards in each of the final four games in 2020.
RB: Christian Beal-Smith - Beal-Smith led the team with 142 carries and 732 yards, but the team lost Kenneth Walker, who scored a whopping 13 TDs. As the sole lead guy, he'll have to find his own endzone success but it'll be tough with a shaky OL.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons Key Players: Defense
DT: Miles Fox - The Old Dominion All-Star had 140 tackles, 11.5 sacks and 27 TFLs. He then transferred to Wake Forest and immediately tore his Achilles. He bounced back with 24 tackles, three sacks and a team-high 11 tackles for loss. Fox is the main guy with Basham.
DT: Kevin Pointer - Pointer was a transfer from ULM who had 38 tackles and 7.5 tackles for loss. He will continue to develop but attack with power and speed, helping Fox in the process.
2021-2022 Wake Forest Demon Deacons ACC schedule
Week 1: Friday, September 3 vs ODU
Week 2: Saturday, September 11, vs Norfolk State
Week 3: Saturday, September 18, vs Florida State
Week 4: Friday, September, 24, at Virginia
Week 5: Saturday, October 2, vs Louisville
Week 6: Saturday, October 9, at Syracuse
Week 7: Saturday, October 23, at Army
Week 8: Saturday, October 30, vs Duke
Week 9: Saturday, November 6, at North Carolina
Week 10: Saturday, November 13, vs NC State
Week 11: Saturday, November 20, at Clemson
Week 12: Saturday, November 27, at Boston College
2021-2022 Wake Forest ACC prediction (7-5, 5-4 ACC)
Wake Forest starts off 3-0 including a win over Florida State. They lose to Army, Duke and NC State. Despite losing the last three games of the season to ACC teams, Wake Forest should still remain bowl eligible.
