ACC Coastal Division Forecast: Phil Steele 2021 edition

The ACC Coastal has lots of questions entering the 2021 campaign but we’ve decided to take a peek at the pre-season rankings of Phil Steele. Where does he think each team will finish in the ACC Coastal Division in 2021?

Let’s get into it.

7. DUKE BLUE DEVILS

The Blue Devils are projected by Steele to finish in the basement of the ACC Coastal–a cold and lonely place for its inhabitants. Head Coach David Cutcliffe has done things with the Duke program that nobody could ever dream of, but you’ve got to ask how much longer he will stick around?

Duke Athletic Director Kevin White recently told a reporter that Cutcliffe has more job security than he does as the AD. If the Blue Devils go 1-9 again in the ACC, it’s hard to envision him not being replaced. He deserves the chance to go out on his own terms but some of the greatest football coaches in the game get fired every year.

5. VIRGINIA CAVALIERS

Steele ranks the Cavaliers to finish fifth in the ACC Coastal. Steele did give the Cavaliers credit and said, “As always the Cavaliers will be a player in the Coastal.” Quarterback Brennan Armstrong is an incredibly dangerous runner in the open field. He rushed for over 500 yards last season and four touchdowns in 2020. As a passer, he’s a little rough on the edges from time to time but really improved throughout 2020.

The most underrated offensive line unit in the ACC returns for the ‘Hoos. They led the conference last year in yards before contact, fewest TFLs, lowest pressure rate, and fewest blown blocks. The group returning has a combined 122 starts between them. Running back Mike Hollins is a superstar waiting to emerge if the Virginia coaching staff would just feed him the rock.

5. GEORGIA TECH YELLOW JACKETS

Dual-threat quarterback Jeff Sims is one of the most exciting prospects to watch in the ACC. He made a lot of mistakes last season (13 interceptions), but it’s easy to see just how high the ceiling for this kid truly is.

Sims is an incredibly smooth glider in the open field and his throwing motion looks effortless when he lets it rip. Sims has a long, lean frame and is a natural when it comes to eluding tacklers in the open field.

Jahmyr Gibbs has earth-scorching speed and he’s one of the players in the ACC more fans need to know about.

3. VIRGINIA TECH HOKIES

The Hokies have lots of questions surrounding their program and their head coach Justin Fuente. Is he going to last in the ACC? Why exactly is there so much turnover on this roster year after year? There have been lots of rumors of player disgruntlement with the coaching staff over the years. Fuente managed to survive the 2020 season, just barely.

Personnel-wise, wide receivers Tayvion Robinson and Tre’ Turner are speedy and talented. They are two of the better receivers in the ACC. There are a number of things to be excited about on the VT roster coming into the 2021 season. The uncertainty surrounding their head coach is likely going to be a distraction for this team.

3. PITTSBURGH PANTHERS

The most bizarre headline coming out of the Pitt football program last year was quarterback Kenny Pickett being “undecided” on going pro. Listen, he’s ok for a starter in college football, but a quarterback in the NFL? No way.

Pickett madness aside, LB SirVocea Dennis is a really talented star ready to take his game to the next level in 2021. As a sophomore, he racked up 14.5 TFLs and four sacks. He’ll be a fun player to watch in the ACC.

2. MIAMI HURRICANES

The ‘Canes return dynamic dual-threat quarterback D’Eriq King who is one of the game’s best at his position. He tore his right ACL last year, but he told reporters that he feels “100 percent” at the ACC Media Day in Charlotte, NC.

Running back Jaylan Knighton is a treat to watch once he unleashes his earth-scorching speed in the open field. Just ask Louisville’s defenders from their 2020 matchup. He torched them for a 75-yard receiving touchdown and put his world-class speed on fine display. Look out for him on an ACC field near you.

1. NORTH CAROLINA TAR HEELS

Quarterback Sam Howell was one of the best quarterback prospects to sign with the ‘Heels in quite some time when he decided to call Chapel Hill home in 2019. He was ranked as the fourth-best QB prospect at the Elite 11 Opening Finals in 2018.

He’s delivered on his lofty recruiting billing and then some. He spins one of the prettiest balls in all of college football and it’s a true joy to watch him spin it. He’s a bit of a longshot to win the Heisman this year but he’s one of the best signal-callers in America.

The Tarheels lost four prospects to the 2021 NFL Draft and they were really, really good ones: RB Michael Carter (New York Jets), RB Javonte Williams (Denver Broncos), WR Dyami Brown (WFT), and WR Dazz Newsome (Chicago Bears). Players have to step up in their place for the Heels to win the ACC Coastal.

More will be on Howell’s plate this year, but the ‘Heels return an offensive line unit that is one of the best in the nation. The offensive line unit boasts 111 starts between them. UNC also returns 18 starters total from 2020. That’s a big reason why Steele picked them to win the ACC Coastal.