Written by Rohit Ghosh
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The ACC took a step forward in in the 2016-2017 season, and the conference projects to be as competitive as ever despite losing some quality talent to the pro level.
Programs like Florida State and Louisville head into the season with high expectations given the solid QBs on both sides. Clemson -- last year's national champs -- have an uphill battle ahead of them, listed in Vegas with the third-best odds to win the conference.
The conference is for the taking and our simulations seem to be providing some value.
Florida State vs Louisville: -110 vs +500
The Seminoles head into the season as the favorite to win the conference, listed at a -110 to win the conference. Their win total is listed at 9.5 in most books, with the majority of the public so far leaning on the OVER.
QB DeAndre Francois is projected to be a star after his freshman season, and RB Cam Akers -- one of the best RB recruits in the nation -- should be able to carry the load on the ground.
AccuScore simulations suggest taking the UNDER on Florida State, though, with the simulated win total for the season closer to a shade below 9.
The sims suggest looking past Florida State, and taking the value the Louisville Cardinals provide. At +500 to win the conference, there's more than enough upside in the pick.
And having the former Heisman Trophy winner clearly makes a difference with our sims projecting the Cardinals to go OVER their season win total (9.5).
What might be most impressive about the Lousville roster is the defense bringing back seven starters, including three in the secondary. As long as they get through their first month of play -- with a road matchup at UNC and a home contest vs Clemson -- Louisville winning the conference is an attractive wager.
How will Clemson fare?
Similar to Louisville, Clemson has the benefit of bringing back some individuals who should allow for the program to maintain its level of play from last year. Four offensive lineman and three defensive lineman are returning, making the potential QB struggles much more manageable.
No Deshaun Watson, no problem with a unit that's projecting to be the best defensive line in the nation.
AccuScore sims indicate the OVER on Clemson's projected win total (9.5).
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2017 ACC Conference Odds
• Florida State -110
• Louisville +500
• Clemson +350
• Miami +500
• Virginia Tech +900
• North Carolina State +2500
• Pittsburgh +5000
• Georgia Tech +3300
• North Carolina +2800
• Duke +8000
• Boston College +20000
• Syracuse +15000
• Virginia +15000
• Wake Forest +15000
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