ACC Football: 5 most important non-conference games in 2017

ACC football continues to improve overall. This season’s out-of-conference schedule should surprise some teams around the nation.

The ACC isn’t quite up to the level of the Southeastern Conference, but they’re on their heels. The Clemson Tigers’ last-second 35-31 victory in the National Championship Game over the Alabama Crimson Tide increases their profile, but they have a mountain to climb to get back there.

The Tigers will have to replace quarterback Deshaun Watson and receivers Mike Williams and Artavis Scott, who all departed for the NFL Draft. Strong recruiting classes in the past few seasons, however, give Clemson a bit of an edge that should carry them this season.

The Florida State Seminoles return as the early favorite to win the conference with quarterback Deondre Francois returning for his second year as starter.

Head coach Justin Fuente and the Virginia Tech Hokies will have to replace some weapons on offense, but the defense should still be one of the top units in 2017.

The Miami Hurricanes are another team looking to make a rise next season as well under head coach Mark Richt. A young, but experienced defense gives them an early edge to be the ACC Coastal Division winner next year.

Then enters head coach Dave Doeren and the North Carolina State Wolfpack. They could really use a victory to kick off their 2017 season. They kick off our list of top five out-of-conference games to watch in the ACC.