ACC Football 2023/24: Divisions, coaches, players to watch, schedule, odds

bet365 News Team Updated: Aug 25 2023 15:59

Outside of Clemson, no ACC team has reached the College Football Playoff since 2014.

That isn’t exactly the longest drought, but at the same time represents a bit of a rough stretch following years of perennial title contention by Clemson, and before that Florida State.

Could the ACC get back to the top this season? It’s not out of the question, as both Clemson and Florida State are among the top-eight favorites according to the oddsmakers.

As for the conference itself, a Clemson vs. Florida State showdown is obviously expected for the championship game in December. But could other teams like North Carolina, Louisville, or N.C. State throw a wrench into the equation?

Let’s break down the ACC heading into the 2023 campaign.

ACC Teams

Boston College
Clemson
Duke
Florida State
Georgia Tech
Louisville
Miami (FL)
N.C. State
North Carolina
Pittsburgh
Syracuse
Virginia
Virginia Tech
Wake Forest

ACC Head Coaches

Jeff Hafley, Boston College
Dabo Swinney, Clemson
Mike Elko, Duke
Mike Norvell, Florida State
Brent Key, Georgia Tech
Jeff Brohm, Louisville
Mario Cristobal, Miami (FL)
Dave Doeren, N.C. State
Mack Brown, North Carolina
Pat Narduzzi, Pittsburgh
Dino Babers, Syracuse
Tony Elliott, Virginia
Brent Pry, Virginia Tech
Dave Clawson, Wake Forest

ACC Outright Odds

Clemson: +140

Florida State: +162

North Carolina: +1000

Louisville: +1100

Miami: +2000

N.C. State: +2000

Pittsburgh: +2000

Duke: +4000

Wake Forest: +5000

Syracuse: +8000

Virginia Tech: +10000

Boston College: +12500

Georgia Tech: +20000

Virginia: +20000

ACC Players to Watch

Jordan Travis, QB, Florida State

The Seminoles took a big jump in year three under head coach Mike Norvell (5-7 to 10-3) and now it will be up to Travis – at least in part – if they are going to make the leap into National Championship contention.

The senior signal-caller passed for 3,214 yards with 25 touchdowns and five interceptions last season. A dual-threat QB, Travis has also rushed for more than 400 yards in three straight years.

Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

Maye was in the Heisman Trophy discussion for much of last season and he figures to compete for one of the most prestigious individual awards in sports once again this year (even though USC quarterback Caleb Williams is a considerable favorite).

The sophomore threw for 4,321 yards with 38 touchdowns and seven interceptions in his first season with the Tar Heels.

Will Shipley, RB, Clemson

Clemson has been defined over the past decade by star quarterbacks (Deshaun Watson, Trevor Lawrence), but it is a running back who leads the way now.

Shipley has scored 26 total touchdowns in two years with the Tigers and in 2022 he racked up more than 1,400 yards from scrimmage (1,182 rushing, 242 receiving).

Oronde Gadsden II, TE, Syracuse

Gadsden may follow in the footsteps of his father and take his talents to the NFL following the 2023 season, but if this is his final year in college it should be a good one.

The 6’5’’, 223-pound tight end (you could also call him a wide receiver) broke out as a sophomore with 969 yards and six touchdowns on 61 receptions for the Orange.

Jared Verse, DE, Florida State

Looking at the other side of the ball, Verse could be the best defensive lineman not only in the ACC but also in the entire nation.

He is a possible top-five pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. As a sophomore with the Seminoles, Verse recorded nine sacks and 17 tackles for loss.