Aug 13 min read

ACC Preseason Poll: Who Seizes the Opportunity?

Last week, while members of the media were in attendance at the Atlantic Coast Conference Media Days in Charlotte, N.C., they were asked to vote on the expected order of finish of the ACC teams for the 2024 football season. This year, the 2024 ACC Preseason Poll was done by surveying 170 media members who were in attendance at the ACC Kickoff.

Familiar Faces Reign Atop the Poll

Points were awarded based on the order of finish from first to 17th. Conference heavyweights Florida State (2,708) and Clemson (2,657) led all teams and finished first and second, respectively, in the ACC Preseason Poll. The Miami Hurricanes, North Carolina State Wolfpack and Louisville Cardinals rounded out the top 5 in the poll. Meanwhile, conference newcomers SMU finished highest among the new arrivals with media predicting a seventh-place finish inside the conference. The Seminoles earned 81 first-place votes and the Tigers earned 55 to lead the conference.

Will the Seminoles repeat?

While the Seminoles will look to defend their ACC title, they will face a tough schedule beginning on Aug. 24 as they travel to Ireland to play the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, who are predicted to finish ninth in the media poll. Also, the Seminoles face a road test when they head to Dallas to play SMU—a team that many feel will surprise in the ACC. After the clash with SMU, the Seminoles face their long-time rival the Tigers on Oct. 5. The clash against the Hurricanes ends the month of October for head coach Mike Norvell and the Seminoles. The month of November is highlighted by a trip to South Bend, Ind., to face the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Seminoles' annual clash against the Florida Gators.

Poised for a Rebound

After finishing 9-4 last season, the Tigers missed out on the ACC title as well as a chance to compete in the College Football Playoff. This year, one of the team's biggest battles will be on Aug. 31 when the Tigers take on the top "Dawgs" of the Southeastern Conference as they battle Georgia in Atlanta. A home date against NC State highlights the month of September before the Tigers clash with the Seminoles to begin October. The month of November brings a contest with Louisville and the annual clash against the South Carolina Gamecocks.

Will a Revamped Hurricanes Team Breakthrough?

Seemingly stuck in neutral, the Hurricanes made some of the biggest splashes in the Transfer Portal, and have caught the attention of the media. Is 2024 the year that head coach Mario Christobal and the Hurricanes weather the storm and win their first ACC title? Miami's opening week is highlighted by a clash with in-state rival Florida. A pivotal game for both teams. The month of October sees the Hurricanes travel cross country to ACC newcomer, Cal, to battle the Golden Bears. A trip to Louisville before hosting the arch-rival Seminoles will be the test for the Hurricanes.

Best of The Rest

While most agree the top 3 in the poll are the strongest candidates to compete for the conference title and earn a spot(s) in the new 12-team CFP, the Mustangs of SMU are poised to play spoiler and contend for the ACC title. With a clash against the Seminoles to end September and a road trip to Louisville to begin October, the Mustangs could see themselves in a favorable position in the conference as the season plays out.

Preseason poll — © Dominic Ambrose Dawgs Media

Who Will Raise the Trophy?

The ACC Championship game will be played on Dec. 7 in Charlotte. There is a lot to get through before the top two conference teams do battle in Bank of America Stadium. The season is shaping up to be an exciting one both for the fans and as the conference welcomes three new members.

Prediction: Florida State

The Florida State Seminoles successfully defend their title by beating Clemson in a rematch, 35-30. Both teams earn spots in the CFP.