ACC Power Rankings 2014: Coastal Division

Nov 2, 2013; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes running back Duke Johnson (8) carries against the Florida State Seminoles during the first quarter at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

No. 2 Miami Hurricanes

The Miami Hurricanes are one of the more popular picks for winning the ACC Coastal, for a few reasons. The most important reason is probably branding. The Hurricanes continue to have more football credibility than some of the alternatives, despite the fact that they have never actually won the Coastal.

The Canes do have plenty of talent, though the quarterback battle looks like a mess from the outside looking in. Kevin Olsen looked like the inevitable starter after Ryan Williams was injured. Then they accepted the transfer of Kansas QB Jake Heaps (who was mostly awful with the Jayhawks). Now the battle seems to be between Heaps and freshman Brad Kaaya.

Unfortunately for Miami, they also have one of the tougher schedules in the Coastal, thanks in part to cross-division games with Florida State and Louisville.