ESPN College Football

As of today, there are 100 days until the start of the college football season.

You bet we’re counting.

If you’re Scot Loeffler, Virginia Tech's new offensive coordinator, 100 days must feel like a nanosecond. The Hokies aren’t the only ones, though, with plenty of work to do before the season begins. Here’s a checklist of five things the ACC and its teams must accomplish before the opening kickoff:

1. Name starting quarterbacks. Syracuse can’t even talk about Oklahoma transfer Drew Allen yet because he’s not on campus and won’t enroll until next month, but the Orange are just one of several teams in the ACC that still have an ongoing quarterback competition. Virginia’s quarterback controversy has seemingly gone on for years, and Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher has yet to officially anoint Jameis Winston as EJ Manuel’s successor. Pitt is also still searching for a dependable leader, along with NC State.

2. Find an offense in Blacksburg. Virginia Tech has become one of the ACC’s brand-name programs, a consistent winner and a representative in the Top 25 and BCS standings. That changed last season when the Hokies bumbled their way through their most disappointing season in 20 years. Coach Frank Beamer made sweeping changes to his offensive staff, but little improvement was seen in the spring game. Loeffler said it wasn’t a true indication of the progress that was made in the other 13 practices, but also conceded there is still a lot of work to be done. With Alabama looming in the season opener, all eyes will be on the ACC in Week 1. When the Hokies are good, the ACC is better.

3. Improve defensively. With the exception of Florida State, which finished the season ranked No. 6 in the country in scoring defense, 2012 wasn’t a banner year for ACC defenses. The conference usually has some of the nation’s best defenses -- including Boston College -- but there was no Luke Kuechly and no identity for the Eagles last fall. Miami beat Duke 52-45. Georgia Tech beat North Carolina 68-50. Clemson beat NC State 62-48. Clemson took a major step forward defensively with its bowl win against LSU, but the defense must become elite in its second season under coordinator Brent Venables if Clemson is going to be a national-title contender.

4. Minimize the turnovers. Virginia Tech was No. 86 in turnover margin last year, and quarterback Logan Thomas threw three picks in the spring game. Boston College was No. 88 in the country in turnover margin, FSU No. 93, NC State No. 99, Maryland No. 104, Virginia No. 110. That’s almost half the league ranked among the worst in the country in turnover margin. The Hokies play Alabama. Virginia plays Oregon. BC plays at USC. FSU is at Florida, and the Seminoles turned it over five times versus the Gators in FSU's 37-26 loss last year. The Gators scored 10 points off turnovers in that game. If the ACC is going to stand a chance, it can’t give away freebies.

5. Stay out of the trainer’s room. Virginia Tech standout corner Antone Exum is still rehabbing from the torn ACL he suffered in a pickup basketball game. The bulk of Wake Forest’s offensive line was walking wounded all spring, and that group will make or break the Deacons' season. Clemson backup quarterback Chad Kelly and starting tight end Sam Cooper both tore their ACLs this spring. If the ACC is going to beat the best this fall, it needs its best players on the field. For some programs, like Boston College, the depth isn’t there to afford injuries.

One of the topics discussed at last week’s ACC spring meetings in Amelia Island, Fla., was the idea of reserving the final week of the regular season for built-in rivalry games.

There’s only one problem: Pitt-West Virginia doesn’t exist anymore.

For half the ACC, this is a no-brainer. It’s already become an expected date on the schedule for many schools, like Virginia Tech-Virginia, Wake Forest-Vanderbilt, Clemson-South Carolina, Florida State-Florida and Georgia Tech-Georgia. NC State-North Carolina is another logical option. With the addition of Pittsburgh and Syracuse to league this July, though, the idea of a rivalry week becomes a little more complicated.

Virginia Tech should be Pitt’s top ACC rival -- and that doesn’t have to diminish or replace what the Hokies already have going with (or, more accurately, against) Virginia.

Virginia Tech fans will gladly tell you the Hokies have owned UVa for nine straight seasons and 13 of the past 14. It is a rivalry in proximity and between the fan bases, but it has lost much of its luster on the field because of the lopsided results in the series. That doesn’t diminish the importance of the game. Last year, bowl eligibility was on the line for Virginia Tech. In 2011, the Hokies clinched the Coastal Division title against a surging Virginia team that had won four straight and finally appeared ready to make a serious run at the Commonwealth Cup. It was a similar situation to 2007, and again the Hokies came out on top.

In order for a rivalry to truly exist, there must be geographical and recruiting relevance, familiarity, meaningful games and history between the programs. Pitt and Virginia Tech have all of the above as former members of the Big East. In 2000, Virginia Tech beat Pitt on a last-second field goal. In 2002, Larry Fitzgerald had his breakout season, and Pitt rallied from a 21-7 deficit to beat Virginia Tech 28-21. In 2003, Pitt scored a touchdown with 47 seconds remaining to beat No. 5-ranked Virginia Tech in what would become one of the best games played at Heinz Field, college or pro. And last year? Ugh. If Virginia Tech isn't ready to pounce on Oct. 12 in Blacksburg and redeem itself, somebody should make sure the Lunch Pail hasn't been painted pink.

Virginia Tech-Pitt is a rivalry that can continue to grow, even if it’s not played on the final week of the regular season.

Two other top rivalry options for Pitt would be Boston College and Miami -- because of their obvious history in the Big East -- but with BC in the Atlantic Division, those games could have less relevance to the division standings and their meetings would be less frequent. BC and Pitt haven’t played since 2004, but their history dates back to 1959. If you’re looking for the regular-season finale, though, Miami seems like the most logical option. The two have history in the Big East, the Canes aren’t tied up with an SEC game and the game will have meaning to the Coastal Division standings. This year’s scheduling might be the first step toward building that rivalry, as Miami ends the season at Pitt on Friday after Thanksgiving in a nationally televised game. Pitt hasn’t had much success against the Canes in recent years, though, as Miami leads the series 22-9-1 and Pitt hasn’t won since 1997. How the series with Georgia Tech evolves will also be intriguing, but the two city schools have little recent history.

The good news for Pitt is that there are plenty of options in the ACC for a rivalry to be either renewed or created -- regardless of whether or not it's played on the final week of the regular season. Which one gets your vote?

Have a great weekend!

• Good vibes abound at the ACC spring meetings, but decisions were scarce.
• The potential for an ACC Network was discussed as well, but nothing is imminent.
• Mike Bianchi of The Orlando Sentinel says Jimbo Fisher must make Matthew Thomas live up to his commitment.
• Florida State and DeMarcus Ware are still playing the NCAA Clearinghouse waiting game.
• Thumbs up or thumbs down to Maryland's first Big Ten schedule?
• Miami coach Al Golden talks once again about how the NCAA cloud hanging over the program has taken a toll.
• NC State has landed a commitment from an intriguing quarterback prospect.
• Incoming Syracuse offensive lineman Kendall Moore promises to be worth the wait.
• Despite Clifton Richardson's decision to transfer, Virginia does have depth at running back. Virginia continues to chase after quarterbacks.
• Virginia Tech continues leading the way in research for safer football helmets.

Virginia running back Clifton Richardson has decided to transfer, coach Mike London announced Thursday.

Richardson played in 20 games for the Cavs, including all 13 as a true freshman in 2011. Last season, he only played in seven games because of a lower extremity injury, and finished with 24 carries for 59 yards. He leaves UVa with 96 career carries for 425 yards and two touchdowns. Richardson also had two career receptions for 26 yards and one touchdown.

"Clifton Richardson has been granted permission to seek a release from his scholarship to pursue opportunities elsewhere," London said in a statement. "Clifton will be leaving the University in good academic standing. I wish the best for Clifton as he pursues his academic and athletic goals."

The current bowl math doesn’t favor the expanded version of the ACC.

With eight bowls and 14 teams in the conference, that means only 57 percent of the ACC will make the postseason this year, at most.

3682361With 14 teams in the conference, including Pittsburgh and Syracuse, there has to be more than the current eight guaranteed bowl slots moving forward, but what number will constitute the “sweet spot” ACC commissioner John Swofford said he is looking for? Especially considering how Notre Dame will soon be elbowing its way into the league’s bowl lineup and taking one of those coveted spots? (If Notre Dame is ranked higher than or equal to an ACC bowl-eligible team, or is within one victory of a bowl eligible team, the Irish can be selected for that bowl spot.) Swofford recently told ESPN.com that the league could increase its bowl tie-ins to nine or 10 games. Will that be enough? Too many?

Last year, when the SEC went to 14 teams, it added the Independence Bowl as its 10th bowl tie in, but only nine teams qualified, and one -- Alabama -- was playing in the national championship. With the new College Football Playoff system to start in 2014, the ACC will have to replace the Chick-fil-A Bowl in its lineup, as that bowl will be one of the host bowls in the playoff. The ACC also has to consider the possibility of having a team in the playoff. It also has to acknowledge the reality of having only eight bowl-eligible teams on average:

ACC’s bowl eligible teams during 12-team era

2012: 6 (not including UNC and Miami, which were ineligible)

2011: 9

2010: 9

2009: 7

2008: 10 (ACC record)

2007: 8

2006: 8

2005: 8

The number of bowl games is currently up for debate. Cast your votes now.

More from Amelia Island today.

• ESPNU 150 receiver Demarre Kitt is going to choose between Clemson, Ohio State and Tennessee on June 10.
• Here is an early look at how Duke's recruiting class is shaping up.
• Athlon Sports asks, "How many games will Florida State win in 2013?" Here is an early Seminoles preview.
• Running back Johnathan Thomas talks about his decision to commit to Maryland.
• Miami coach Al Golden just wants closure from the NCAA. The Hurricanes' new athletics facility is nearly complete.
• Pitt coach Paul Chryst says he is holding his players to higher standards.
• Syracuse is one of the many schools vying for a commitment from defensive end Thomas Holley, quickly rising up recruiting rankings.
• Virginia and Virginia Tech try to balance business and football with their nonconference scheduling.

Headed to the ACC spring meetings in Amelia Island, Fla.

• Quarterback Deshaun Watson is committed to Clemson, but that hasn't stopped a long line of schools from keeping up their sales pitches.
• Duke receiver Blair Holliday honored the woman who saved his life.
• The AJC catches up with Georgia Tech signee Travis Custis.
• Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald has an item on Miami's pursuit of a few quarterbacks in his notes column.
• Former Maryland defensive end A.J. Francis wrote a farewell guest column in the student newspaper.
• Larry Fedora talks about his vision for the future, playing South Carolina and facing Jadeveon Clowney.
• Three players from the class of 2012 are leaving the Pitt football team.
• Former Syracuse great Donovan McNabb tweets that the school will retire his jersey this season.
• Former Virginia lineman Oday Aboushi blazes a new trail as one of a handful of Palestinian-Americans in the NFL.
• Here is a quick recap of the Virginia Tech offensive line after spring practice.

Inspired by Florida's "#ComePlayWRFortheJoker" campaign, our recruiting writers looked at other ways schools can sell themselves on the trail. Here's a look at recruiting pitches for the ACC:

Boston College Eagles
What they're selling: B.C. has a metropolitan area to sell prospects. There are several top professional sports teams to enhance the college atmosphere.
What they're missing: Other than Matt Ryan, B.C. hasn't had great success and they were only marginally successful when he was there. Also, the professional sports teams in the area limit exposure for B.C.

Clemson Tigers
What they're selling: Clemson sports a beautiful campus in a picturesque area of the country. Head coach Dabo Swinney's public demeanor must appeal to prospects as well.
What they're missing: Other than enjoying college life, there's not a lot to do nearby. Despite high expectations, Clemson still hasn't produced championship results.

Duke Blue Devils
What they're selling: Education, first and foremost. Quarterbacks should also appreciate the chance to be tutored by head coach David Cutcliffe, who has coached Peyton and Eli Manning.
What they're missing: Because of academic requirements, there will always be a ceiling of success at Duke. Also Duke football will always play second fiddle to Duke basketball.

Florida State Seminoles
What they're selling: Florida State has a brand that is known nationally. They also have the ability to win at a high level thanks to nearby talent.
What they're missing: Other than a refurbished stadium, facilities at Florida State aren't great. The Seminoles also have the tough challenge of recruiting against nearby SEC schools.

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
What they're selling: Tech prospects often laud Atlanta and its big-city feel. With a campus downtown, there's plenty to do. Sports-wise, there are plenty of professional teams to enjoy.
What they're missing: Exposure is the toughest challenge for Tech. Georgia Tech is overshadowed by local pro teams and nearby Georgia.

Maryland Terrapins
What they're selling: Since Randy Edsall took over as head coach, the Terrapins have had good success wooing local prospects. Under Armour has helped. Following the Oregon model, Maryland has won prospects over with flashy uniforms.
What they're missing: Winning is the biggest knock on Edsall's regime at Maryland. Despite all the hype, he has posted two losing seasons.

Miami Hurricanes
What they're selling: Coral Gables isn't a bad place to live. Miami's educational offerings are a plus too. Miami's greatest advantage is the local talent who grows up rooting for the Canes.
What they're missing: The continued wrangling between Miami and the NCAA about possible improper benefits to players has to scare some prospects. Miami also has struggled recently. They're not the high-flying team that was once so dominant.

North Carolina Tar Heels
What they're selling: Coach Larry Fedora's offense has excited prospects. It seems to sell well to skill-position players. Yet offensive linemen have also been enticed since they can perfect pass-blocking while still being physical.
What they're missing: Fedora will have to prove he can win at a high level to convince nearby prospects to stay close to home. North Carolina basketball will always overshadow North Carolina football.

North Carolina State Wolfpack
What they're selling: The Wolfpack have been selling early playing time to prospects recently. That always resonates with high school players.
What they're missing: The Wolfpack have so much nearby competition that it's tough to see them recruiting at an elite level. North Carolina is the state school. Duke and Wake Forest can offer elite educations. Where does N.C. State fit in?

Pittsburgh Panthers
What they're selling: Pitt has a metropolitan city with several professional team to sell. Coach Paul Chryst also relates to prospects well.
What they're missing: Competition for media coverage in Pittsburgh can be tough.

Syracuse Orange
What they're selling: Syracuse offers prospects from a talent-rich area the opportunity to stay close to home. There's also the Syracuse basketball team that keeps the school on a national sports stage.
What they're missing: Just when it seemed like Syracuse was up and coming, it lost coach Doug Marrone to the Buffalo Bills.

Virginia Cavaliers
What they're selling: Virginia coach Mike London has done an incredible job of relating to prospects. He's tapped into several talent-rich areas in Virginia and nabbed top prospects.
What they're missing: Winning. At some point, London and company will have to prove they can win on Saturdays to continue to nab top prospects in February. If he can do that, watch out.

Virginia Tech Hokies
What they're selling: As always, Tech sells a kind of toughness that appeals to some prospects. It may not be for all but it tends to resonate with some. Tech has built a successful program on that. Coach Frank Beamer's stability helps the Hokies recruit as well.
What they're missing: Tech has slid recently. It once was playing for national championships. That time seems to have passed. Tech needs to land a star player to achieve a higher level.

Fifty-one players from ACC schools have signed free-agent contracts or received invitations to attend free agent camps from teams in the NFL, the league announced Thursday.

Combined with the 31 ACC players drafted by the NFL, a total of 82 players from ACC schools will head to NFL training camps this year.

When draftees (3) and free agents (10) from Pittsburgh and Syracuse are included, the number of players headed to the NFL grows to a total of 95 players.

ACC NFL Free Agent signees (as of May 9)

Boston College (5)

Nick Clancy, LB, Atlanta Falcons

Emmett Cleary, T, Indianapolis Colts

Jim Noel, DB, Seattle Seahawks

Chris Pantale, TE, New York Jets

John Wetzel, T, Oakland Raiders

Clemson (6)

Dalton Freeman, C, New York Jets

Xavier Brewer, DB, Dallas Cowboys

Spencer Benton, PK, Dallas Cowboys

Tig Willard, LB, Tennessee Titans

Brandon Ford, TE, New England Patriots

Jaron Brown, WR, Arizona Cardinals

Duke (3)

Jackson Anderson, LS, Houston Texans

Tony Foster, DB, Kansas City Chiefs

Conner Vernon, WR, Oakland Raiders

Florida State (3)

Anthony McCloud, DT, Minnesota Vikings

Lonnie Pryor, FB/RB, Jacksonville Jaguars

Rodney Smith, WR, Minnesota Vikings

Georgia Tech (5)

T.J. Barnes, DT, Jacksonville Jaguars

Izaan Cross, DE, Buffalo Bills

Rod Sweeting, CB, New Orleans Saints

Orwin Smith, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (invited to free agent camp)

Tyler Morgan, LS, Carolina Panthers

Maryland (5)

Devonte Campbell, TE, Atlanta Falcons

Darin Drakeford, LB, Kansas City Chiefs

A.J. Francis, DE/DT, Miami Dolphins

Matt Furstenburg, TE, Baltimore Ravens

Joe Vellano, DE/DT, New England Patriots

Miami (3)

Dalton Botts, P, (Tryouts with Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints)

Ramon Buchanan, LB, Seattle Seahawks

Jeremy Lewis, OL, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

North Carolina (4)

Casey Barth, PK, Atlanta Falcons

Jheranie Boyd, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Erik Highsmith, WR, Minnesota Vikings

Kevin Reddick, LB, New Orleans Saints

NC State (6)

Zach Allen, G, Carolina Panthers

Brandan Bishop, S, Minnesota Vikings

R.J. Mattes, OL, New England Patriots

Tobais Palmer, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars

Cameron Wentz, C, Minnesota Vikings

C.J. Wilson, CB, Chicago Bears

Pittsburgh (4)

Ray Graham, RB, Houston Texans

Hubie Graham, TE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Mike Shanahan, WR, New York Jets

Ryan Turnley, C, New York Giants

Syracuse (6)

Lou Alexander, T, New Orleans Saints

Zack Chibane, G, Buffalo Bills

Dean Goggins, DE, Atlanta Falcons

Alec Lemon, WR, Houston Texans

Marcus Sales, WR, Atlanta Falcons

Brandon Sharpe, DE, Washington Redskins

Virginia (5)

Paul Freedman, TE, Dallas Cowboys

Steve Greer, LB, Washington Redskins

Perry Jones, RB, Baltimore Ravens

Colter Phillips, TE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

La’Roy Reynolds, LB, Jacksonville Jaguars

Virginia Tech (5)

Nick Becton, T, San Diego Chargers

Marcus Davis, WR, New York Giants

Antoine Hopkins, DT, Pittsburgh Steelers

Bruce Taylor, LB, Cincinnati Bengals

Alonzo Tweedy, LB, New York Giants

Wake Forest (1)

Kenny Okoro, DB, San Diego Chargers

Don't forget your mamas ...

• Gotta love UNC vs. South Carolina in Charlotte.
• Clemson will rearrange its day so it can play on Thursday night.
• Joe Hamilton is back at Georgia Tech.
• The Hokies will need a big year from Logan Thomas to get the offense going.
• FSU AD Randy Spetman denies any reports that he is a candidate for a job at Rutgers.
• Former UVa star Ronde Barber will retire.
• Here's a look at Virginia Tech's running backs following spring ball.
• Former Cuse coach Doug Marrone was living the good life.

Heather Dinich talks about Virginia's top performer this spring.

USA Today does a great job of collecting and researching data, and the latest report details revenues and expenses for 228 Division I athletic departments in the country.

There is good news for the ACC: In comparing this year's database with last year's, it looks like every school that reported saw an increase in total revenue. Keep in mind that private schools like Notre Dame, Miami, Boston College, Wake Forest and Syracuse don't have to report their financial information, and Pittsburgh is protected by restricted Sunshine Laws, so its database wasn't available, either. A few quick observations:

• Louisville will be a money add to the ACC, as it would be ranked No. 2 in the ACC in total revenue right now.
• The Terps are heading to the Big Ten for financial reasons, and the athletic department depends heavily on subsidies -- more than any other school in the ACC at $17.2 million.
• Florida State made the biggest increase in total revenue from last year, jumping from $78.5 million to $100 million. Rival Florida, though, dropped from $123.5 million to $120.7 million.

Here is the breakdown of ACC revenues and expenses, according to the USA Today database:

Clemson

Total revenues: $70,002,280 (No. 37)

Total expenses: $67,783,797 (No. 38)

Florida State

Total revenues: $100,049,444 (No. 13)

Total expenses: $90,278,878 (No. 15)

Georgia Tech

Total revenues: $63,184,163 (No. 44)

Total expenses: $61,179,789 (NO. 44)

Louisville

Total revenues: $87,840,501 (No. 20)

Total expenses: $84,133,793 (No. 21)

Maryland

Total revenues: $68,142,660 (No. 39)

Total expenses: $68,109,639 (No. 35)

North Carolina

Total revenues: $82,424,430 (No. 25)

Total expenses: $81,921,783 (No. 24)

NC State

Total revenues: $59,757,911 (No. 46)

Total expenses: $56,332,313 (No. 48)

Virginia

Total revenues: $80,835,566 (No. 27)

Total expenses: $75,437,849 (No. 30)

Virginia Tech

Total revenues: $70,723,748 (No. 34)

Total expenses: $66,970,798 (No. 40)

Subsidies

• Clemson $5.3 million
• NC State $5.4M
• Georgia Tech $6.9M
• Virginia Tech $7.6M
• Florida State $7.7M
• UNC $9M
• Louisville $10.7M
• UVA $13.1M
• Maryland $17.2M

Best spring game performance: That belongs to none other than "Famous" Jameis Winston, whose performance sent Clint Trickett packing his bags less than a week later. While coach Jimbo Fisher did not proclaim Winston his starter, Trickett probably knew what was coming after being outplayed in the spring game. Winston went 12-of-15 for 205 yards and two touchdowns -- one of them a long score on his first throw. This, by the way, while he moonlights for the baseball team. Talk about taking advantage when the spotlight is on.

Best overall spring: Nobody had a better spring than commissioner John Swofford. Nobody. A league many believed to be teetering on the brink of another raid solidified itself well into the future with a grant of rights agreement that makes it next to impossible for any school to leave without incurring major financial debt for a lifetime. While all these football teams worked on their techniques, Swofford was mastering his. That's all that matters right now in the ACC.

Best addition: Syracuse has been enmeshed in a quarterback controversy all spring, but it's not going to let up until the fall, not with Oklahoma transfer Drew Allen coming onboard later this summer. Allen sat behind Sam Bradford and Landry Jones and is hoping to find his way into the starting lineup. He gives Syracuse a high-quality transfer from a high-quality program, but he's going to have to fight off hard-charging Terrel Hunt and Charley Loeb for the starting job.

Best performance by an early enrollee: Two-way tie here between Virginia Tech cornerback Brandon Facyson and Clemson tight end Jordan Leggett. Facyson turned heads when spring practice opened, so much so that he has given himself an opportunity to be on the field when the season opens against Alabama. Leggett, meanwhile, has got a terrific opportunity to start at tight end when the season opens against Georgia because of a knee injury to Sam Cooper. Leggett had a great spring game, with seven receptions for 97 yards and the game-winning touchdown.

Best underdog story: Take a look at the spring Virginia center Jackson Matteo had. The walk-on opened practice as the backup behind senior Luke Bowanko, who started every game last year. By the end of spring, Bowanko was moved to left guard and Matteo was listed as the starting center. Matteo, a redshirt freshman, turned down a scholarship offer from Temple to be a preferred walk-on for the Hoos last year. And yes, he remains walk-on, though he has an opportunity to earn a scholarship in the fall.

1. Clemson: The Tigers reinforced their spot atop the power rankings after a spring that featured the re-emergence of Sammy Watkins in the receiver group, and what appeared to be added growth of the front seven on defense. Questions remain in the secondary, but with Watkins and Tajh Boyd leading the way, the Tigers remain the favorites to win the ACC.

2. Florida State: There is no doubt the Seminoles have a lot of production to replace. But Jameis Winston looked like an emerging star this spring, there is depth at running back and the Noles should be dominant again on the offensive and defensive lines. A new aggressive defensive style has hopes high in Tallahassee that this team can reload rather than rebuild.

3. Miami: Stephen Morris and Duke Johnson looked fantastic throughout the spring, raising hopes that Miami can once again get itself back into the Top 25 and perhaps even make some noise nationally. Defense remains a concern, though with 20 starters returning on both sides of the ball, something should be said for having a more experienced team coming back.

4. North Carolina: The Tar Heels have found some answers for their holes on the offensive and defensive lines and believe they will be able to replace Giovani Bernard with the trio of A.J. Blue, Romar Morris and Khris Francis. The big key this spring was having a second season learning Larry Fedora's offense. With Bryn Renner back, the expectation is for this group to play even faster and score even more.

5. Georgia Tech: Vad Lee and Justin Thomas impressed coach Paul Johnson this spring, and so did the way the defense took to the new scheme coordinator Ted Roof has brought in. There is some major depth at the A-back and B-back positions as well, putting the Jackets in position to make another run at the ACC championship.

6 Virginia Tech: The Hokies might have been ranked higher on this list if their offense did not have such a letdown in the spring game. Questions still remain at every single position on that side of the ball, from Logan Thomas to the running backs to the receivers to the offensive line. The defense, however, should return to the form we have often seen out of Bud Foster-coached groups.

7. Wake Forest: The Deacs are a senior-laded team, and as such, they should be expected to make it back to a bowl game. Watch out for a more versatile offense and some more explosiveness out of Tanner Price, Michael Campanaro and Orville Reynolds. After the nightmarish injury bug that hit this team last season, everybody should be healthy and ready to go for fall practice.

8. Syracuse: The Orange are still searching for candidates to replace several big-time players in Ryan Nassib and top receivers Alec Lemon and Marcus Sales. The quarterback competition continues, but the depth Syracuse has at running back will be tough to beat. The Orange should also be stingy on defense, with nose tackle Jay Bromley and linebackers Marquis Spruill and Dyshawn Davis returning.

9. Maryland: The Terps' running game took a major step forward this spring with the emergence of Brandon Ross as a dependable ball carrier, and quarterback C.J. Brown is expected to be cleared for full participation again this summer after tearing his ACL last year. The receivers should be a strength with Stefon Diggs and Deon Long, but can the defense hold its own?

10. Virginia: The tired storyline of a quarterback competition continues under Mike London, as Phillip Sims, David Watford and Greyson Lambert expect to learn who the starter will be in August. The running game remains a question, and the Cavaliers also have big shoes to fill at linebacker with the departure of leading tackler Steve Greer.

11. Pitt: It was a rough spring for the Panthers, who saw leading returning rusher Rushel Shell transfer and also had to dismiss three backups from the team. Tom Savage is leading the quarterback battle, but he's not a lock after Chad Voytik had an impressive spring game. Pitt also needs a second dependable receiver to emerge to help free up Devin Street.

12. Duke: Quarterback Anthony Boone drew high praise from those within the program as he took over the offense for the first time as the team's projected starter. There is plenty of talent returning on offense, but until proven otherwise, Duke's defense remains the weak link.

13. NC State: First-year coach Dave Doeren and his staff increased the tempo of the offense, and quarterback Pete Thomas got the most reps with the first team, but the competition with Manny Stocker continues. There is still a lot of work to do in Raleigh, as NC State has an entirely new coaching staff, new schemes and 12 starters to replace, including standout quarterback Mike Glennon.

14. Boston College: Nobody in the ACC has more work to do that first-year BC coach Steve Addazio, but he came out of the spring as enthusiastic as ever. Depth at all positions remains a concern, but particularly at running back. The good news is that veteran quarterback Chase Rettig returns, and he has a familiar face in former BC wide receivers coach Ryan Day, who is now the offensive coordinator.

The best thing to happen to the ACC this spring had nothing to do with the 15 practices each team was allotted, and everything to do with the 15 teams that will soon comprise the conference.

On April 22, the ACC announced that all 15 university presidents -- including Pittsburgh, Syracuse, Notre Dame and Louisville, and excluding Maryland -- signed a grant of media rights agreement, effective immediately. With one swift, unanimous motion, the conference put a halt to any rumors of defection and reinforced the message it had been repeating but many still refused to believe: The ACC is sticking together. It was a historic moment for the conference, and one that overshadowed Florida State's spring quarterback battle, Virginia Tech's subpar spring game and Miami's never-ending wrestling match with the NCAA.

Despite all of the instability on the field this spring in the conference -- new coaching staffs, new quarterbacks and new schemes -- the ACC will enter this fall on more stable ground than ever before.

And that is easily the biggest win the ACC has had in years.

The next step is to come out on the winning end of what will be arguably the toughest nonconference schedule in league history, but this spring revealed few concrete answers for many programs in transition.

Florida State, NC State, Syracuse, Pittsburgh and Virginia still have ongoing quarterback competitions. Duke and Georgia Tech will have first-year starters at quarterback, leaving half of the conference with unproven players at the most important position. The transfer of quarterback Clint Trickett at Florida State opened the door for Jameis Winston, and he knocked it down in the spring game with one of the ACC's most impressive performances. Still, coach Jimbo Fisher is keeping the competition open with Jacob Coker.

The Hokies' offense under first-year coordinator Scot Loeffler left Virginia Tech fans in a panic after totaling just 23 yards on the ground, and the situation only worsened when running back Michael Holmes was charged with a felony. Pitt's running game also took a hit when leading returning rusher Rushel Shell decided to transfer, and three Panthers, all reserves, were suspended from the team.

Several potential stars emerged, as Clemson tight end Jordan Leggett, North Carolina running back A.J. Blue, Wake Forest receiver Orville Reynolds, Duke quarterback Anthony Boone and Boston College running back Andre Williams drew rave reviews from within their respective programs. Miami running back Dallas Crawford showed the potential to emerge from the shadow of Duke Johnson, and Maryland's running backs highlighted their spring.

For Boston College, Syracuse and NC State, this was a spring of transition for first-year head coaches Steve Addazio, Scott Shafer and Dave Doeren, respectively, but they were hardly the only ones in the league in need of introductions. Fisher had six new assistants on his staff and Virginia coach Mike London had a staff overhaul, as did Virginia Tech's Frank Beamer. This spring was spent learning the foreign languages in the playbooks and working on fundamentals and techniques.

More importantly, it was spent solidifying the future of the conference.

Thanks to the grant of rights, the ACC has all of the pieces in place to remain one of the country's power conferences, but on the field, it will have to find more answers this summer if it is going to move up in the conference power rankings.