The 2016 college football season is roughly two weeks away, and we've seen a number of major outlets and figures around the country release their predictions for how things will shake out. On Thursday morning, Stewart Mandel of Fox Sports released his predicted order of finish for the ACC, and he has a complete shocker to win it all in the Coastal division.
Before I spoil the surprise, in the Atlantic division, Mandel has Florida State representing the Atlantic in the ACC conference championship, with Clemson finishing second and Louisville finishing third, with Boston College behind the Cardinals.
Now to the Coastal. Mandel went out on a limb and instead of picking the favorite North Carolina to win the division, Mandel actually has Pittsburgh winning the division, with UNC finishing second and Mark Richt's Miami Hurricanes ending the season at third in the Coastal.
Mandel's Coastal pick is obviously not a popular one, but with running back James Connor back full-go and Pat Narduzzi's defense in its second year, the Panthers could make some waves in that division.
See Mandel's full list of ACC predictions by clicking here.
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