Andrea Adelson published her way-too-early 2016 ACC football rankings on ESPN.com. To no surprise, Clemson and Florida State still top the list, with Louisville right behind them. The Cards return a lot of talent and should be good, but we can’t act like those two teams are suddenly going to fall off. 2016 should be a fun year for sure. Here is what she had to say about the top 3 teams.
1. Clemson Tigers. The Tigers are returning quarterback and Heisman finalist Deshaun Watson, along with key playmakers Artavis Scott, Mike Williams, Hunter Renfrow and three starters on the offensive line. Though they also lose several key contributors, getting Watson back once again makes the Tigers preseason favorites.
2. Florida State Seminoles. The Seminoles return a wealth of talent, starting with running back Dalvin Cook. Their defensive front is shaping up to be the best in the ACC. Once again, the league will come down to the Noles or Tigers.
3. Louisville Cardinals. With 18 starters returning, expectations will be high for the Cardinals to notch their first 10-win season in the ACC. Quarterback Lamar Jackson showed off his potential in the bowl win over Texas A&M, and the defense returns standouts Devonte Fields, Keith Kelsey and Josh Harvey-Clemons.
1. Clemson Tigers. The Tigers are returning quarterback and Heisman finalist Deshaun Watson, along with key playmakers Artavis Scott, Mike Williams, Hunter Renfrow and three starters on the offensive line. Though they also lose several key contributors, getting Watson back once again makes the Tigers preseason favorites.
2. Florida State Seminoles. The Seminoles return a wealth of talent, starting with running back Dalvin Cook. Their defensive front is shaping up to be the best in the ACC. Once again, the league will come down to the Noles or Tigers.
3. Louisville Cardinals. With 18 starters returning, expectations will be high for the Cardinals to notch their first 10-win season in the ACC. Quarterback Lamar Jackson showed off his potential in the bowl win over Texas A&M, and the defense returns standouts Devonte Fields, Keith Kelsey and Josh Harvey-Clemons.
