with CLAUDE CLEATS

With the kick-off of the college football season only one week away, it’s time for ole Claude to go out on a limb by predicting the order of finish in the ACC and SEC divisions.

ATLANTIC COAST CONFERENCE

Atlantic Division

Florida State – If the quarterback situation is settled, the Seminoles with their terrific defense will play in Jacksonville for the Conference Championship.

Clemson – The Tigers have the best QB in the ACC and a speedy defense.

Boston College – The Eagles are one of the most dangerous teams in the league. With a few breaks the Eagles could finish higher.

North Carolina State – It is conceivable that the Wolfpack could actually challenge for the division title if quarterback Davis continues to improve. He has a long way to go, however.

Wake Forest – The Deacons continue to improve.

Maryland – It’s hard to believe, but the Terps may actually finish last in this division.

Coastal Division

Virginia Tech – The defending conference champs may actually be better than last year.

Miami – An unproven quarterback and road games against Florida State, Virginia Tech and Clemson could keep the Canes out of the championship game.

Georgia Tech – Off the field problems aside, the Jackets will be tough.

Virginia – The Wahoos will be competitive, but fall a little short as usual.

North Carolina – The Tar Heels are definitely getting better, but there is no one to replace departed quarterback Durant.

Duke – The Blue Devils have improved since Ted Roof took over. An upset or two in ACC play is possible.

SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE

Eastern Division

Tennessee – The Vols should challenge for the National title, too.

Florida – The Gators could win it all in the SEC if the players grasp Urban Meyer’s scheme.

Georgia – The loss of Greene, Pollack and Davis is too much to overcome.

South Carolina – It is going to be a tough year for the Gamecocks, even with Spurner at the helm.

Vanderbilt – It is now or never for Bobby Johnson. The Commodores will be better, but face a tough schedule.

Kentucky – The Cats could be a sleeping giant, but they will have to prove it in one of the toughest conferences in the nation.

Western Division

Auburn – Unless new quarterback Cox falters the Tigers will play in Atlanta once again.

LSU – A new coach and a new quarterback may keep the Bengals out of the SEC title game.

Alabama – Keeping QB Brodie Croyle healthy is a must.

Arkansas – Houston Nutt has worked miracles before. With a few breaks the Hawgs could actually challenge Auburn and LSU.

Mississippi State – Sylvester Crooms’ Bulldogs move up a notch. Ole Miss – Bad reports coming out of Oxford concerning the relationship of the Rebels with new coach Orgeron.