ACC spotlight: Farrell's title pick, bold predictions

Football season is finally upon us, and with that, it’s time to break down each Power Five conference in different categories as well as make some bold predictions. Today we continue with the ACC.

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ACC Atlantic Champ: Florida State. Clemson will make a push with all the talent it has, but without Deshaun Watson I don’t think they will have what it takes to beat out the ‘Noles. Quarterback Deondre Francois will take the next step, freshman running back Cam Akers will make a huge difference and the defense should be plain old nasty with Derwin James back.

ACC Coastal Champ: Miami. The defense should be stellar and the offense should take the next step despite the loss of quarterback Brad Kaaya. The division is there for the taking, and Mark Richt navigates his team through the conference schedule and heads to a rematch with FSU for the ACC title.

ACC Champion: Florida State. The Seminoles take the first game in a closer battle than some expect but win the ACC title going away.

Coach of the Year: Mark Richt, Miami. This isn’t the full return of The U, but it’s a really good start as Richt gets the ‘Canes to the title game and is rewarded with conference coach of the year honors. He’ll need to win the whole thing eventually to prove he’s a winner at the highest level, but he’s making strides.

Hot Seat City: Steve Addazio, Boston College. With a new athletic director and what is expected to be a subpar season, Addazio will sit on the hottest seat in the ACC, barring a big surprise.

Biggest Surprise: North Carolina. UNC is projected to finish fifth in the Coastal Division, but Larry Fedora is a heck of a coach and it can push as high as third or even second. There is a lot to replace, especially quarterback Mitch Trubisky, but it can be done, and the defense should be improved with a year of experience.

Biggest Disappointment: Georgia Tech. The Jackets are expected to finish third or so in the Coastal Division and are hard to game plan against with the triple option. But quarterback Justin Thomas and Dedrick Mills are gone, and there are question marks on offense with a new signal-caller. The defense should be experienced, but can the offense put up points? I could see Pitt and UNC pushing ahead of them. Non-conference games against Tennessee and Georgia, plus a cross-division game against Clemson doesn’t make things easy.

As Expected: Louisville. The Cardinals will power over a few teams and possibly pull a big upset, but they will also fall to a team or two they have no business losing to. The way they finished 2016 is concerning, and you have to wonder if quarterback Lamar Jackson can stay healthy all year running the ball so much. I see eight or nine wins but third place in their division again.

A Year Away: Clemson. Clemson will take a slight step back this season, but watch out next year. The depth of talent they are assembling through recruiting is amazing, they will have a quarterback battle schools would kill for with Hunter Johnson and Trevor Lawrence. The Tigers continue to add impact players at numerous positions. I expect them to be back in charge of the ACC in 2018.

Building for the Future: Miami. The recruiting is off the hook. If it continues, the Canes will not only break through and win the ACC over the next few years, but they could also play for the national title. Richt has them recruiting at a level not seen since Butch Davis, and depth is building each year.

Conference Offensive MVP: Lamar Jackson, Louisville. Jackson will have another great year if he stays healthy and will toy with certain teams. He may have a few clunkers like last year, but I expect pinball numbers again and another run at the Heisman.

Conference Defensive MVP: Derwin James, Florida State. This wasn’t an easy choice, as Harold Landry from Boston College and Christian Wilkins from Clemson are also candidates, not to mention Dexter Lawrence and possibly NC State's Bradley Chubb. But James is the best playmaker on the best team, so he’s the pick.

Best NFL Prospect: Christian Wilkins, Clemson. Why Wilkins over James or Landry, who are also considered potential top-10 picks? The NFL scouts I know love that Wilkins can play in a 4-3 or 3-4 defense, and his athleticism and versatility are off the charts for a big man. He could be the first non-quarterback taken if he has a great year.

Conference True Freshman of the Year: Cam Akers, Florida State. This one should be easy, as Akers is a special talent and will be given every chance to impact as a freshman. If he beats out Jacques Patrick, a 1,300-yard freshman season could happen – or more.

Conference Breakout Player: Tre Lamar, Clemson. The new man in the middle for Clemson is ready for a breakout season, as he’s added muscle while also adding speed. He should be a terror for the Clemson defense and emerge as one of the best defenders in the ACC.