Atlantic Division
1. Florida State
The No. 2 Seminoles (10-1 overall) have an extremely deep lineup and are one of the biggest threats to Virginia’s ACC title bid. The ‘Noles are led by All-American sophomore outfielder D.J. Stewart (.395 BA, eight RBIs) and four excellent starting pitchers, including senior right-hander Gage Smith (2-0, 0.00 ERA) and preseason All-American junior Luke Weaver (2-1, 2.12 ERA). Although redshirt freshman pitcher, and Heisman trophy winning quarterback, Jameis Winston is garnering all the media attention, Florida State is loaded with talent and is a lock to compete for both the ACC and NCAA title in 2014.
2. N.C. State
The No. 8 Wolfpack (10-2 overall) has begun its season with a slew of blowout wins, and will be in contention to win it all in Omaha. Junior pitcher Carlos Rodon (1-2, 2.14 ERA) surprisingly has pitched in both of the Wolfpack’s losses, but has looked strong on the mound, while freshman third baseman Andrew Knizner (.432 BA, two HR, 12 RBIs) has paced the Wolfpack’s offense. Knizner is in the midst of a 10-game hitting streak, the fourth longest in N.C. State history by a freshman, and has homered in consecutive games after dingers Sunday and Wednesday against Youngstown State and N.C. A&T, respectively.
3. Clemson
The No. 19 Tigers started hot by taking six of their first seven. But after a trip to No. 10 South Carolina, the Tigers suddenly found themselves on a four-game losing skid. Sophomore infielder Tyler Kreiger has been a catalyst on offense for Clemson, hitting .375, while freshman catcher Chris Okey, who leads Clemson with 12 RBIs, has lived up to his billing as a top prospect.
4. Maryland
A year after finishing with the most conference wins in school history, the Terrapins (8-2) appear to be on track for an even bigger year in 2014. Maryland has received excellent pitching from senior Jake Stinnett (2-1, 1.54 ERA), who threw the seventh no-hitter in Maryland history against Massachusetts on March 1.
5. Wake Forest
Wake Forest has jumped out to a 9-4 record, and has lost several extremely close games. Junior pitcher John McLeod (2-0, 0.54 ERA) has been lights out on the mound, and senior first baseman Matt Conway has provided pop in the middle of the order. Expect the Demon Deacons to contend in the Atlantic Division.
6. Notre Dame
Notre Dame has gotten off to a terrible start. The Irish have been forced to replace two former stars, third baseman Eric Jagielo and first baseman Trey Mancini, who both are now playing professionally. However, the ace of Notre Dame’s staff, junior pitcher Pat Connaughton, has yet to make an appearance. Connaughton, a two-sport varsity athlete (basketball), possesses a mid-90’s fastball and had a 1.71 ERA during 10 starts last season.
7. Boston College
The Eagles are perhaps the worst team in the ACC. BC has battled to a 6-6 record against small school opponents, and will likely fade away as soon as conference play starts. Sophomore pitcher Andrew Chin has emerged as the definite ace for Eagles and will provide opponents with a difficult pitching matchup.
Coastal Division
1. Virginia
Virginia is not only the No. 1 team in the ACC, but also the No. 1 team in collegiate baseball. The Cavaliers, led by sophomore pitcher Nathan Kirby (3-0, 0.98 ERA) and junior outfielder Mike Papi (.405 BA, two HR, 12 RBIs), have roared out to a 9-2 record. Virginia has eight starters returning from its fast and powerful lineup last season, and the immense talent on the Cavs roster has been evident early.
2. UNC-Chapel Hill
After dropping three of its first four, North Carolina (8-3) has bounced back by winning seven straight. The No. 16 Tar Heels have benefited from the emergence of freshman shortstop Wood Myers (.390 BA, four RBIs) and sophomore pitcher Trent Thornton (3-0, 1.33 ERA).
3. Miami
The No. 19 Hurricanes (7-5) opened their season with an incredibly tough slate, with a series against No. 2 Florida State and the then-No. 23 Florida Gators. Miami managed to earn a split during the six-game stretch, showing that it will be a contender in the ACC.
4. Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech knew it was going to need production from its highly touted freshman class if the Yellow Jackets wanted to compete for an ACC title in 2014. Freshman outfielders Ryan Peurifoy (.313 BA, six RBIs) and Keenan Innis (.273 BA, two RBIs) have not disappointed, but Tech looks like a middle of the pack team in the tough ACC Coastal division.
5. Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech (6-4) has looked rather unimpressive in the early going. Junior catcher Mark Zagunis, who is expected to be the Hokies’ best hitter, has eight RBIs, but is hitting just .222. The Hokies will need improved pitching from their rotation and better production at the plate to right the ship.
6. Duke
Duke (7-5) is deep on the mound, with junior pitcher Trent Swart (2-1, 1.42 ERA) as the Blue Devils’ ace. Duke also has a dangerous slugger in redshirt junior outfielder Chris Marconcini (.367 BA, three HR, 13 RBIs). The Devils are the surprise team of the ACC so far.
7. Pittsburgh
The Panthers (4-5) are entering their first year as members of the ACC, and have looked relatively weak. But despite its early-season struggles, Pitt has received good production from sophomore infielder Dylan Wolsonovich (.345 BA, six RBIs).
