ACC Football Power Rankings 2017: Week 1 edition

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 09: Head coach Dabo Swinney of the Clemson Tigers reacts after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide 35-31 to win the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium on January 9, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images /

The Clemson Tigers return this season looking to defend not only the National Championship but also the ACC title. The Tigers won their second ACC title in a row this past season, going 7-1 in the Atlantic division last season.

Their lone loss last season came at the hands of the Pittsburgh Panthers at home but that was their only hiccup in 2016. 2017 brings its own form of challenges as they look to replace quarterback Deshaun Watson with quarterback Kelly Bryant.

The Florida State Seminoles begin this year’s ACC power rankings as the number one team. They’re stacked on defense and return the best defensive player in the conference in safety Derwin James.

Quarterback Deondre Francois has one year under his belt as starter. Year two starts with him facing the Alabama Crimson Tide in Dallas, Texas. All eyes will be on Francois as he looked upon to have a big game.

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He’ll need to re-establish the backfield, whether Jacques Patrick or Cam Akers starts in the backfield. In the passing game, he’ll hope to bring along wide receivers Nyqwan Murray, Auden Tate and Keith Gavin and win the ACC title.

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