Surprise! I think UVa could go 9-2 with their schedule. They get UNC, Clemson, Maryland, Syracuse, Akron, and Miami all at home. They should expect to win those except Miami. They have to go to Temple, Duke, FSU, GT, and VT. FSU is the only game they can expect to lose. The set up is nice, as they have a good shot to start 5-0.
Surprise! Clemson will not have a top 10 season like they are talking. The schedule is not conducive. They have a 3 game stretch at TX A&M, at FSU, and at UVa. In addition they travel to Miami later in the year. They also host Maryland and NC State back to back. Clemson could lose up to 5 games.
If Florida State can manage to sneak a win in the first game at Miami, they will go unbeaten. The only challenges will be at Maryland and at NC State (Thurs night game). Chris Rix could get serious Heisman talk in this scenario. Talk about surprises!
UNC should do better than the past 2 seasons. The defense should improve and QB Durant seems good but is puzzling. He makes good plays but always seems to make a big mistake or not come through in the clutch. Could be his surrounding cast. UNC has the schedule to win up to 7 if things fall right. In addition to William & Mary, they will have a decent chance against GT, Louisville, VT, @Utah, @Duke, @Wake. I don't expect them to win all those, 4 to 5 is more likely.
Maryland should win 7 to 8 games. A little down from past seasons.
NC State could lose 5 or 6 games. Ohio State, @VT, @Maryland, Miami, FSU look like sure losses.
GT is puzzling to me. The schedule is tough and front loaded. We really are looking at a potential 1-4 start. GT has to win a road game @Clemson or @UNC to have any chance of continuing the bowl streak.