It was another big day at ACC Kickoff on Monday, as coaches including Florida State’s Jimbo Fisher came to the hot seat to talk about the upcoming season. While Fisher spoke of maintaining a culture of excellence in Tallahassee, the media members in Greensboro affirmed the belief that he would as Florida State was picked to win a fourth Atlantic division crown in five years and to three-peat as the conference’s champion.
The Seminoles were selected by a wide margin in the Atlantic division over both Clemson and ACC newcomer Louisville, who finished second and third respectively in the preseason voting. Clemson was the only other school to receive a first place vote in the Atlantic, earning three of the 112 first place votes. The other 109 went toward Florida State.
Syracuse, who finished 7-6 a season ago was selected to finish fourth, just ahead of a N.C. State squad that did not win an ACC game last season. Boston College was picked to finish sixth, ahead of only Wake Forest.
In the Coastal division, Miami edged out Duke as the favorite in the division. Since the conference expanded to 12 teams in 2005, the Hurricanes have yet to play in the ACC Championship. Among the seven teams that make up the Coastal, only Virginia failed to receive a first place vote.
While Florida State was a popular pick to win the ACC, its quarterback and reigning Heisman Trophy winner, Jameis Winston was an overwhelming choice to be the conference’s top player. Winston received 99 of the 108 votes cast. Clemson defensive end Vic Beasley was the only other player to receive multiple Player of the Year votes, finishing with six.
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