2014 ACC Power Rankings: Atlantic Division
By Dan Kelley
Oct 5, 2013; Syracuse, NY, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Cole Stoudt (left) drops back to pass during the fourth quarter against the Syracuse Orange at the Carrier Dome. Clemson defeated Syracuse 49-14. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
No. 2 Clemson Tigers
The Atlantic division is perceived to be the tougher division in the ACC, mostly based on its top two teams. Last year, Clemson and Florida State were the two best teams in the league and it wasn’t even close. That could change in 2014 but, it’s pretty unlikely. Clemson has some work to do but they have recruited well for years and could reload more effectively than most people think.
Tajh Boyd and Sammy Watkins may be gone, but the Tigers return what should be one of the best defenses in the country, a veteran quarterback in Cole Stoudt, and a deep group of receivers and running backs.
The Tigers may not be able to overtake the Seminoles in 2014, but they probably won’t drop in the ACC power rankings, either. For now, that may have to be good enough. The Tigers are relatively young on offense this year but, with Deshaun Watson waiting in the wings, Clemson could be heading for a special season in 2015.