ACC COASTAL DIVISION CAPSULES

Top recruit: Collins Hill High's Christian Harris was considered by some to be Georgia's top offensive lineman.

They'll win the division if: Don't be shocked if Duke contends for Coastal title again without FSU, Clemson and Louisville on its schedule.

They'll come up short if: Duke's powerful rushing attack can't regain its 2013 form after the dismissal of Jela Duncan for academics.

Must-see game: The measuring stick for the season will be at Miami on Sept. 27.

GEORGIA TECH

Last season: 7-6, 5-3 ACC

Star power: New quarterback Justin Thomas may be the fastest quarterback that Paul Johnson has ever coached.

Top recruit: Quarterback Matthew Jordan, who became a critical player after two quarterbacks transferred in the spring. He'll provide depth.

They'll win the division if: Second-year defensive coordinator Ted Roof can adjust to the loss of six starters.

They'll come up short if: A few key players get injured. Tech is running low on numbers with only 77 scholarship players.

Must-see game: Nov. 29 at Georgia, which has won 12 of the past 13 in the rivalry.

MIAMI

Last season: 9-4, 5-3 ACC

Star power: Running back Duke Johnson is an All-American candidate.

Top recruit: Running back Joseph Yearby ranked as a top-50 prospect nationally.

They'll win the division if: Johnson can stay healthy. He's one of the nation's explosive players, averaging 174 all-purpose yards per game in 2013. Miami could have its first 10-win season since 2003.

They'll come up short if: They can't find a reliable starter at quarterback.

Must-see game: FSU, the defending national champs, visit Miami on Nov. 15.

NORTH CAROLINA

Last season: 7-6, 4-4 ACC

Star power: Wide receiver Ryan Switzer tied an NCAA record last season with five punt returns for touchdowns.

Top recruit: Running back Elijah Hood from Charlotte, N.C., flipped from Notre Dame to North Carolina and angered Alabama fans with comments on Twitter.

They'll win the division if: They flourish a year earlier than expected under third-year coach Larry Fedora. There are huge expectations for 2015.

They'll come up short if: Inexperience shows with only one senior on the two-deep depth chart for offense.

Must-see game: Fedora's progress will be measured in a Sept. 27 game at Clemson.

PITTSBURGH

Last season: 7-6, 3-5 ACC

Star power: Wide receiver Tyler Boyd caught 85 passes last season as a freshman.

Top recruit: Offensive lineman Alex Bookser was the No. 2 prospect out of Pennsylvania.

They'll win the division if: Chad Voytik can be half as good as one of coach Paul Chrsyt's former quarterbacks, Russell Wilson.

They'll come up short if: The defense can't create more turnovers after finishing with an ACC-low eight interceptions last season.

Must-see game: The first true test of the season might not come until Virginia Tech on Oct. 16.

VIRGINIA

Last season: 2-10, 0-8 ACC

Star power: Safety Anthony Harris led the nation with eight interceptions last season.

Top recruit: Defensive tackle Andrew Brown and safety Quin Blanding ranked among the nation's top 11 overall prospects.

They'll win the division if: Former Wayne County High star Greyson Lambert can perform a miracle as the new quarterback.

They'll come up short if: If they listen to the critics, which have picked them to finish last in the Coastal again this season.

Must-see game: The month of November is brutal, with games against Georgia Tech, Florida State, Miami and Virginia Tech.

VIRGINIA TECH

Last season:

8-5, 5-3 ACC

Star power: Quarterback Brenden Motley is a top candidate to replace Logan Thomas and received some preseason ACC Player of Year votes.

Top recruit: Safety Holland Fisher is ready to contribute after a year in prep school.

They'll win the division if: They have a good chance because this side of the ACC is wide open.

They'll come up short if: The running game gets any worse. The 119 yards per game last season was one of the worst in coach Frank Beamer's 27 seasons in Blackburg.

Must-see game: At Ohio State on Sept. 6.