Clemson, Deshaun Watson picked over Florida State, Dalvin Cook by ACC Media

In an unsurprising vote given that Clemson played for the National Championship and its quarterback Deshaun Watson was a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2015, the team and its QB were picked over Florida State and running back Dalvin Cook by the ACC Media to win the league title and the ACC Player Of The Year Award.

The Atlantic Division winner has won the ACC in each of the last five seasons, alternative between Clemson and FSU. Clemson took 148 of the first-place votes, while FSU got 42. Louisville got 1. Clemson returns most of an incredible 2015 offense, gets back injured receiver Mike Williams, and very well could have the best offense in the nation.

Deshaun Watson took home 164 votes to Dalvin Cook’s 18, an unsurprising landslide given Watson’s talent and returning star status. Cook might run for 2,000 yards and still not win the trophy as Watson could again go for 4,000 yards through the air and 1,000 on the ground.

But Clemson must come to Tallahassee this season, and the home team has won 12 of the last 14 in the rivalry. The game is sure to be one of the best in the nation in 2016. FSU is favored by a field goal or so in early Vegas lines, indicating Sportsbooks have the teams rated as even on a neutral field.

The ACC writers are much better than other conference writers at picking the champion due to the lack of serious football schools, but have still hit only 50 percent over the last decade.