Day 3: Life in the ACC

The Atlantic Coast Conference is constantly bashed and noted as a weak football conference. Some have even said that the Mountain West Conference is stronger than the ACC.

But could this be the year that the ACC steps up and demands respect from the rest of the college football world? Maybe the have already started making statements.

In this decade, the ACC has produced more first-round NFL draft picks than any other conference. That statistic is often hidden behind the ACC's 2-9 record in BCS bowl games. A winning percentage of just over 18%.

With Miami not being the same dominant national power that once were when they played in the Big East Conference, the ACC lacks a dominant team.

Florida State used to be that team in the ACC, but has been mediocre nearly every season since the conference expanded to twelve teams. Hell, the Seminoles have had more academic scandals than bowl wins since the expansion.

Virginia Tech has been the team to really take control in the conference. But has yet to make a big mark nationally, going just 1-3 in BCS games.

Bottom line: the ACC needs someone to step up this year, my guess is that Virginia Tech will be that team, they will start the season ranked fifth in the country, now can they stay up at the top for the whole season? We'll find out soon enough.

Check back tomorrow for day four of First & Short's week long college football tailgate!