The third season of Simplified Football opens with the ACC. Last year Florida State won its third straight ACC title (27-1 over two seasons) before losing to Oregon in the first Playoff; Georgia Tech won the Coastal. The ACC put 11 of 14 teams in bowls and placed four in the final top 25.
FSU and Clemson remain the overwhelming favorites, with Clemson favored in the Atlantic and the ACC overall. The Coastal is wide open with every team holding a legit chance. Key non-conference games include UNC v South Carolina, Louisville v Auburn, Ohio St @ Virginia Tech, Notre Dame @ Virginia, and ND @ Clemson.
Atlantic (rating · ACC Win Shares · Overall Win Shares · prediction)
| Team | Rating | ACC WS | Overall WS | Prediction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clemson | 4.4 | 5.32 | 8.36 | 9-3 (7-1) |
| Florida State | 4.6 | 6.33 | 9.88 | 10-2 (7-1) |
| NC State | 4.07 | 3.89 | 7.45 | 9-3 (5-3) |
| Louisville | 3.90 | 3.83 | 6.82 | 7-5 (4-4) |
| Boston College | 3.66 | 3.22 | 6.18 | 6-6 (3-5) |
| Syracuse | 3.64 | 3.01 | 5.47 | 4-8 (2-6) |
| Wake Forest | 3.20 | 2.01 | 4.2 | 3-9 (0-8) |
Coastal (rating · ACC Win Shares · Overall Win Shares · prediction)
| Team | Rating | ACC WS | Overall WS | Prediction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miami | 4.2 | 4.19 | 7.28 | 8-4 (5-3) |
| Georgia Tech | 4.2 | 3.77 | 6.44 | 7-5 (5-3) |
| North Carolina | 3.92 | 4.3 | 7.59 | 8-4 (4-4) |
| Duke | 3.89 | 3.79 | 6.79 | 8-4 (4-4) |
| Virginia Tech | 3.83 | 3.98 | 6.37 | 6-6 (4-4) |
| Pittsburgh | 3.89 | 4.19 | 6.76 | 6-6 (3-5) |
| Virginia | 4.02 | 4.17 | 6.37 | 6-6 (3-5) |
Clemson goes as far as a healthy Deshaun Watson takes them; FSU rebuilds around transfer QB Everett Golson. Miami breaks through to win a wide-open Coastal over Georgia Tech and North Carolina.