GREENSBORO, N.C. — Syracuse was picked by the media at the Atlantic Coast Conference Football Kickoff to finish sixth in the Atlantic Division in its first year in the conference, ahead of only Boston College. Clemson, who the Orange will play in its first ever ACC game, was picked to finish first in the division.

SU collected 320 points, more than 100 ahead of BC and 53 behind Maryland for fifth place. Clemson gathered 815 points and was picked first on 102 of 120 ballots. Florida State, who was picked second in the division, was picked as the division winner on the other 18 ballots.

The Tigers are also the overwhelming favorite to win the ACC Championship, being picked to do so on 95 ballots. The Seminoles are the second most popular choice with 15 votes. Georgia Tech, Miami (Fla.) and North Carolina were all picked to win the conference on three ballots apiece and Virginia Tech was picked on one.

No Syracuse players received any votes for ACC Player of the Year, either. Quarterback Tajh Boyd gave Clemson another overwhelming favorite — he was picked on 105 ballots. Miami running back Duke Johnson gathered four votes to finish in second and both Virginia Tech quarterback Logan Thomas and Clemson wide receiver Sammy Watkins collected three votes to tie for third place.

Below is the full voting:

ACC Championship Votes:
1. Clemson 95
2. Florida State 15
T3. Georgia Tech 3
T3. Miami 3
T3. North Carolina 3
6. Virginia Tech 1

Atlantic Division (first-place votes):
1. Clemson (102) 815
2. Florida State (18) 731
3. NC State 490
4. Wake Forest 392
5. Maryland 373
6. Syracuse 320
7. Boston College 211

Coastal Division:
1. Miami (65) 736
2. Virginia Tech (27) 654
3. North Carolina (22) 649
4. Georgia Tech (6) 522
5. Pittsburgh 313
6. Virginia 230
7. Duke 228

ACC Player of the Year:
1. Tajh Boyd, Clemson 105
2. Duke Johnson, Miami 4
T3. Logan Thomas, Virginia Tech 3
T3. Sammy Watkins, Clemson 3
5. Bryn Renner, North Carolina 2
T6. Jeremiah Attaochu, Georgia Tech 1
T6. Lamarcus Joyner, Florida State 1
T6. Stephen Morris, Miami 1

Published on July 22, 2013 at 1:32 pm

Contact David: dbwilson@syr.edu | @DBWilson2