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Rogelio V. Solis/Associated Press

Boston College: 4-8 (1-7 ACC)

The 2017 campaign will test the fortitude of Steve Addazio's squad. Boston College will open the year against Northern Illinois and Wake Forest before entering a seven-game stretch that includes Notre Dame, Clemson, Virginia Tech, Louisville and Florida State. November will bring three winnable games, but getting there with a resilient attitude will be the challenge.

Duke: 5-7 (3-5 ACC)

Immediate nonconference success will be a big factor in Duke's postseason pursuit. The Blue Devils will host North Carolina Central, Northwestern and Baylor to kick off the year. While a 2-1 record wouldn't make a bowl berth a foregone conclusion, anything worse would complicate the chase for six wins. Playing Army, Georgia Tech and Wake Forest down the stretch could save Duke.

Georgia Tech: 8-4 (6-2 ACC)

Should the defense improve as expected, Georgia Tech will be a stingy opponent in the ACC. Kicking off conference play with home victories over Pitt and North Carolina will be crucial to their success, but as long as the Yellow Jackets avoid a sweep by Miami, Virginia Tech and Clemson, they'll stay in the Coastal picture. Tennessee and Georgia bookend the demanding slate.

North Carolina: 5-7 (2-6 ACC)

Between the departures and Gene Chizik's resignation, 2017 should be a rebuilding year for North Carolina. In addition to getting Louisville as a crossover opponent, the Tar Heels must play Notre Dame. The remainder of UNC's nonconference schedule is a breeze, but it'll take a surprising offensive effort to contend in the ACC.

North Carolina State: 6-6 (4-4 ACC)

The good news is that the defense ought to give the Wolfpack a chance just about every week. The bad news is that North Carolina State will take on South Carolina in a neutral-site season opener, the Atlantic Three (Clemson, Florida State, Louisville) and Notre Dame. A favorable set of crossover games should allow the Wolfpack to clinch a fourth straight bowl appearance.

Pitt: 6-6 (4-4 ACC)

Can the Panthers stop anyone this year? We'll find out quickly since explosive offenses in Penn State and Oklahoma State are on the September docket right before Georgia Tech. Pitt will likely need to navigate a four-game stretch in October against Syracuse, North Carolina State, Duke and Virginia unblemished to be a real contender in the Coastal, but we're not sold on Max Browne as a program savior.

Syracuse: 5-7 (2-6 ACC)

If nonconference action goes as planned, Syracuse will enter ACC play at 3-1. Then, it's a matter of scratching three wins in a schedule that includes Clemson and road games against Miami, Florida State and Louisville. Barring an upset, the Orange need those victories in the combination of North Carolina State, Pitt, Wake Forest and Boston College. Doable? Yes. Projected? Not quite.

Virginia: 4-8 (1-7 ACC)

We should know Virginia's fate by the end of October. Five of the Cavaliers' first eight games are in Charlottesville, and the toughest opponents are Boise State, Indiana and Duke. If UVA isn't 5-3, bowl eligibility probably isn't happening. The Cavaliers will close the campaign against Georgia Tech, at Louisville, at Miami and against Virginia Tech.

Wake Forest: 5-7 (2-6 ACC)

Of all programs below six wins, Wake Forest has the greatest chance of shattering the projection. Last season's offense remains almost entirely intact for 2017, and the Duke Ejiofor-led defense is promising. The Demon Deacons will be an annoyance for the Atlantic Three, as well as Notre Dame and Georgia Tech.