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Well we’ve gotten to the three quarters point of the ACC football season, and it’s time to check in on the ACC COY race. Two months ago we revealed our first early contenders, then 3 weeks ago, we checked in on the mid-season list. Only Manny Diaz has been on all three lists, but this week’s list has some new contenders.
Jeff Hafley – Boston College
The Eagles were picked to finish 14th in the ACC, but Jeff Hafley has Boston College 5-4 on the season. They came within an eyelash of beating Clemson a couple of weeks ago and Hafley took a passing game ranked 115th in 2019 to the top 40 in less than a year. That’s impressive work by Hafley to overhaul an offensive style in that quickly of time. He is probably on the outside looking in of our other two candidates, but should he beat Louisville, and Virginia to finish the season 7-4 he’d warrant consideration. BC fans couldn’t have asked for more in Hafley’s first season.
Brian Kelly – Notre Dame
You unseat Clemson as the ACC’s top team at any point in the season, and people will notice. Clemson may get another shot at Notre Dame, but for right now Notre Dame has the bragging rights. After a 47-40 2 OT classic, Notre Dame took over the ACC’s top spot from Clemson and inserted itself firmly in the playoff chase. Brian Kelly has the Irish 7-0, and ranked #2 in the country. He also has QB Ian Book playing the best football of his career. If Kelly wins the ACC and remains undefeated, you may not be able to deny him the award.
Manny Diaz – Miami
Manny Diaz has been our one coaching constant the entire season. There was the single loss to Clemson, but Diaz has the Canes 7-1 and ranked in the top 10. This isn’t a super talented Miami. They don’t overwhelm you athletically, and they’ve entered several games with multiple starters out. Against Virginia Tech they almost didn’t have enough players to play the game, but the resilient Canes just keep finding ways to win. QB D’Eriq King is the playing heart and soul of the Miami team, and the transfer pick up of the year. Diaz deserves credit for getting him to Miami.
Leader – Manny Diaz
Diaz was the early ACC COY leader, and the midseason COY leader. Brian Kelly is pushing hard to overtake Diaz, but there’s no reason to take off Diaz off the top-spot. Miami has exceeded expectations and can still sneak into the ACC Title game. Are they in the class of Clemson or Notre Dame? The answer is no, but they are good football team that in a chaotic year is further entrenching itself as a top 10 team.
The Canes can’t slip up against Georgia Tech or Wake Forest before they go to North Carolina. A 10-1 Miami ranked in the top 8 vs undefeated ACC Champion Notre Dame would make the decision for ACC COY very difficult.
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