Updated: July 22, 2003, 4:16 PM ET

FSU, N.C. State, UVA will all compete

Florida State, N.C. State and Virginia all have a shot at the ACC championship this season.

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Jr. By By Mel Kiper Jr.
ESPN.com
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Editor's Note: ESPN.com's Mel Kiper Jr. is previewing the 2003 college football season by taking a team-by-team look at the six major conferences. Following is Part II of the ACC.

Duke
Quarterback Adam Smith is a good player who needs to be more accurate, but he can get the Blue Devils in the right play, has good smarts and can manage the game well. His limitation is that he is strictly a pocket passer and is not going to create things with his legs. Alex Wade is a productive fullback and tailback Chris Douglas is an excellent player when he is at full strength. They also have a good receiver in Kerry Sharpe, who could be one of the better wideouts in the ACC and gives Duke a nice complement of skill players.

The offensive line is the strength on that side of the ball with four fifth-year seniors and a junior starting. Drew Strojny checks in at 6-7, 300 pounds and is one of the better offensive tackles in the nation, and right guard Rusty Wilson is also a very good player. Redshirt freshman Ben Patrick is someone to watch at tight end -- the Devils beat out Florida to get Patrick -- and Andy Roland and Calen Powell make that a three-deep position.

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