Who Will Be ACC's Best Team This Fall? Packer Weighs In

During a recent episode of ACC Network’s ACC PM show, co-host Mark Packer weighed in on the following question from a caller:

Who’s going to be the best team in the ACC in football this fall?

“That’s actually a really good question because I think for the first time in a long time, I think you could give multiple answers and somebody would go, ‘That’s not a reach, that’s not a stretch,’” Packer said.

Packer then gave his answer, as it stands right now in the spring. He named NC State, which hasn’t won the ACC title since 1979.

“I’m gonna give you a bizarro one here. … Again, I’m allowed to change my mind. I’m gonna go NC State, first time since 1979,” Packer said. “There’s more than a chance. I love what (head coach) Dave Doeren has done in the offseason. I think they’ve got more offensive weapons. In fact, after watching their spring game, I know they do. I am still concerned about (linebacker) Payton Wilson’s absence and who takes up for the guy being in the right place at the right time every time. But I just trust Gibson (defensive coordinator Tony Gibson) will come up with a scheme, and I like State’s schedule.

“I keep going back to schedules – the deal is you just gotta be 1 or 1A, right, and I think NC State will get to Charlotte and play for the ACC Championship.”

If that happens, it would be the Wolfpack’s first-ever ACC Championship Game appearance.

NC State travels to Clemson on Sept. 21 for the two teams’ 2024 conference opener.

The Tigers, of course, begin the upcoming season with a non-conference, neutral-site matchup against Georgia in Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Aug. 31.

“I’m not so sure Clemson’s not the best team, but their schedule’s tough,” Packer said. “Their schedule’s tough. Whether they get blown out by Georgia or upset the Dawgs, it doesn’t change the ACC part of it. Their ACC schedule is difficult.”

Heading into the 2023 season, the Tigers had won seven conference titles in eight years dating to 2015, before Florida State ultimately claimed the conference crown last season for the first time since 2014.

A limited number of signed footballs from Clemson’s 2022 class are still available.  Get yours while supplies last!  Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!