Poll says FSU’s run has come to an end
Clemson earns media’s vote as ACC’s new powerhouse.
PINEHURST, N.C. — Florida State’s reign in the ACC will come to an end in 2015 and Miami once again will be shut out of the conference title game, according to the media at the ACC Kickoff.
Clemson was selected to win the ACC title on 84 ballots in a poll of 158 media members. The Seminoles were second with 41 votes.
Miami was picked to finish third in the Coastal Division.
Florida State, which has won three consecutive conference championship games, was picked to win the title three of the last four years. In 2013, Clemson was the choice. The Seminoles not only won the league title, they went on to finish 14-0 and capture the national championship.
FSU coach Jimbo Fisher was asked how he felt about the voting. “The same way I did when we were picked,” he said. “We have to go play a season. We have to get better, address the issues of our team and plan for long-term success. We have to get better. Polls are fun to talk about.”
Clemson received 101 first-place votes to win the Atlantic Division. FSU was second with 56. Georgia Tech was picked to win the Coastal Division with 96 first-place votes. Virginia Tech was second with 44 followed by the Hurricanes with seven.
Miami has never won an ACC title or played in the championship game since joining the conference in 2004. Coach Al Golden was asked if being picked third is extra motivation.
“If we’ve been waiting until July 21 to get our motivation, guess what, we’re in trouble,” Golden said. “I don’t think they’re paying a bit of attention to anything on the outside. None of us really think about it or talk about it or get involved with it.”
Miami quarterback Brad Kaaya and FSU cornerback Jalen Ramsey earned seven votes for preseason player of the year, finishing tied for fourth. Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson was the top choice, followed by Pittsburgh running back James Conner and Georgia Tech quarterback Justin Thomas.
FSU updates: Fisher said linebacker Matthew Thomas will miss at least the start of the season after shoulder surgery. “You got to let it heal,” Fisher said. “That could be a while. Shoulders are very difficult.” ... Linebacker Reggie Northrup (knee), safety Tyler Hunter (meniscus) and defensive end Josh Sweat (knee) should be ready for fall camp. Players report Aug. 5.