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Clemson Football: Who is the second best team in the ACC Atlantic?

By Andrew Boardwine

CLEMSON, SC - NOVEMBER 07: The mascot of the Clemson Tigers in action against the Florida State Seminoles during their game at Memorial Stadium on November 7, 2015 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CLEMSON, SC - NOVEMBER 07: The mascot of the Clemson Tigers in action against the Florida State Seminoles during their game at Memorial Stadium on November 7, 2015 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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Clemson football is the leader in the ACC Atlantic Division. But behind the Tigers, which respective team is the second-best in the division?

Clemson football is the clear leader to not only win the ACC Atlantic, but to win the ACC in general.

When the updated Vegas odds were released yesterday, the Tigers were 5/9 odds to win the league. In another book, Clemson was 1/2 favorites to win the conference.

That means you’d have to pay two dollars for every one dollar you win.

Pretty crazy, right?

I think it just has to do with the amount of talent Clemson brings back and what everyone expects the Tigers to be this season.

The question for most Clemson football fans has nothing to do with the conference, but rather if the Tigers can reach the College Football Playoff and win the National Championship.

With those thoughts in mind, who is the second-best team in the ACC Atlantic Division? Here’s our quick, way-too-early breakdown of a few teams that could vie for that second spot or, who knows, maybe challenge Clemson for the top spot.

ACC Atlantic Breakdown:

The easy answer for most people for who the second-best team will be is probably Florida State. The Seminoles have recruited at a high level for years and have plenty of talent. They will have a new coach in Willie Taggart running a brand-new offensive style.

While Florida State would probably be the safe option, I think there’s another team that could compete for that spot.

Most people have already written off Boston College, but I’m really high on the Eagles. Boston College returns one of the nation’s best running backs in A.J. Dillon and a very experienced offensive line. As long as Anthony Brown returns at quarterback, the Eagles could have one of the best offenses in the conference this season.

NC State loses its entire defensive line, but they do return quarterback Ryan Finley and a plethora of talented wide receivers. Louisville loses Lamar Jackson, but has Jawon Pass to take over in his place and some other talented options.

We all know that Wake Forest can also be a solid team and that Syracuse, behind QB Eric Dungey, could make things difficult for several teams on its schedule.

Next: Clemson ranked No. 3 in NCAA 19 Ratings

Bottom Line:

Right now, when I look at this division, I see so many questions. Every team has its strengths, but then it also has glaring weaknesses behind Clemson.

I’m not ready to make a prediction yet, but I think I’m leaning towards Boston College as the No. 2 team in the ACC Atlantic this year, although I will not sleep on Florida State.

What do you think, Clemson football fans? Comment below with your thoughts on the ACC Atlantic.

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