Clemson and Florida State rank back to back in this preseason Top 25 projection

The Tigers and Seminoles are back to back in this preseason top-25 projection. Who has the edge?

Heading into the 2023 college football season, most discussions around the ACC revolve around Clemson and Florida State. 

This has been discussed plenty, with Florida State receiving tremendous hype heading into the season. For some, this is the Seminoles’ time to reclaim their spot atop the ACC. For others, it is Clemson who will surprise many and remain the conference’s top dog. 

The popular opinion is that head coach Mike Norvell and FSU will take the next step and dethrone the Tigers. Dabo Swinney and the Tigers have the talent to keep that from happening. 

Bleacher Report recently released their projections for the preseason top 25, with the ACC’s top two programs landing back to back. However, it was the Tigers who ranked ahead of the Seminoles. Here is what writer David Kenyon had to say about the Tigers. 

Once again, Clemson is the ACC favorite. The good news for the Tigers is they’re set to host Florida State and North Carolina—and are even at home against Notre Dame. The path to any championship is favorable, especially with a likely high-end defense. But a new-look offense will have the greatest effect on Clemson’s level of success in 2023.

Clemson was ranked No.7 in their rankings, with Florida State right behind them at No.8. It is a close battle and their Week 4 matchup should prove just that.

The combination of a surprising rise to 10 wins in 2022, a whole lot of returning production and a large number of impact transfers has vaulted Florida State into the “hyped” category. Although the Seminoles need to end a seven-game skid to Clemson, the ACC abandoning divisions in 2023 aids FSU’s aim to secure a league title.

Regardless of how we all feel right now, we won’t know till we know. Once the pads are on, we will get our answer.

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