Florida State returned to the head of the pack in the ACC last season, but 2002 probably gave us more questions than answers about the Seminoles. Competition figures to be fierce for the conference title, as Maryland, NC State and Virginia all seem to be programs on the rise. This much is certain: the ACC is not just a basketball conference anymore.

Clemson Tigers

2003 Schedule 8-30 Georgia 9-6 Furman 9-13 Middle Tennessee 9-20 at Georgia Tech 10-4 at Maryland 10-11 Virginia 10-18 at NC State 10-25 North Carolina 11-1 at Wake Forest 11-8 Florida State 11-15 Duke 11-22 at South Carolina 2002 overall record: 7-6 Conference record: 4-4 Returning starters: Offense: 6, Defense: 4, Kicker/Punter: 1 2002 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Yusef Kelly* (520 yds) Passing: Willie Simmons (1,559 yds), Charlie Whitehurst* (1,554 yds) Receiving: J.J. McKelvey (785 yds) Tackles: John Leake* (169) Sacks: Bryant McNeal (9) Interceptions: Justin Miller* (8) Spring Answers: There is no longer any doubt who the quarterback is heading into the fall. Charlie Whitehurst replaced Willie Simmons as the starter in the middle of last season and held on to the job through spring drills, prompting Simmons to announce on May 1 that he will transfer to a lower-division school for his senior year. Tye Hill moved from tailback to cornerback and could be a starter this fall. Nathan Bennett also solidified himself at guard this spring after redshirting as a freshman last year. Fall Questions: The biggest void is in the secondary, where three starters departed. Hill's performance eased concerns at corner, but the safety spots are still a big uncertainty. Kelvin Morris was expected to start at one safety, but his availability for the beginning of the season is in question after knee surgery in April. Linebacker/safety Eric Sampson was the team's fourth-leading tackler last season but was dismissed from the team prior to the bowl game. He remained in school, reportedly has his grades in order and is hoping Tommy Bowden will give him another chance this fall.

Duke Blue Devils

2003 Schedule 8-30 at Virginia 9-6 Western Carolina 9-13 Rice 9-20 Northwestern 9-27 Florida State 10-11 at Maryland 10-18 Wake Forest 10-25 NC State 11-1 at Tennessee 11-8 Georgia Tech 11-15 at Clemson 11-22 at North Carolina 2002 overall record: 2-10 Conference record: 0-8 Returning starters: Offense: 11, Defense: 9, Kicker/Punter: 2 2002 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Alex Wade* (979 yds) Passing: Adam Smith* (2,031 yds) Receiving: Khary Sharpe* (458 yds) Tackles: Ryan Fowler* (145) Sacks: Shawn Johnson (12) Interceptions: 3 players tied (3 each) Spring Answers: It's strange to think that a 2-10 team wasn't looking for many answers in spring practice, but with 22 of 24 starters returning, Duke's focus was on improving execution and getting some reps for the backups. One noteworthy development came on defense, where former tailback Malcolm Ruff tried his hand at outside linebacker to give the team more speed on that side of the ball. He played well there and is currently listed second on the depth chart. Fall Questions: The biggest personnel issue is replacing Shawn Johnson, who transferred to Delaware after logging 12 sacks in 2002. Micah Harris has moved over from the other side to take Johnson's defensive end spot, leaving a battle for the starting job at rush end. Phillip Alexander and Jim Scharrer, both linebackers last year, are vying for that role. On offense, the question is whether this veteran unit can score enough points to help the Blue Devils break a 25-game conference losing streak.

Florida State Seminoles

2003 Schedule 8-30 at North Carolina 9-6 Maryland 9-13 Georgia Tech 9-20 Colorado 9-27 at Duke 10-11 Miami 10-18 at Virginia 10-25 Wake Forest 11-1 at Notre Dame 11-8 at Clemson 11-15 NC State 11-29 at Florida 2002 overall record: 9-5 Conference record: 7-1 Returning starters: Offense: 4, Defense: 10, Kicker/Punter: 1 2002 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Greg Jones* (938 yds) Passing: Chris Rix* (1,684 yds) Receiving: Anquan Boldin (1,011 yds) Tackles: Kendyll Pope* (131) Sacks: Alonzo Jackson (13) Interceptions: Stanford Samuels* and Bryant McFadden* (3 each) Spring Answers: FSU's concerns about losing four starters on the offensive line were significantly diminished by the performance of that unit in the spring. The coaches still aren't able to identify the starters, but they believe the group has the potential to be a strength of the team. After not being allowed to play in the Nokia Sugar Bowl, Chris Rix returned to the practice field and was recognized as the team's best player during spring drills. The secondary also emerged as a bright spot. The 'Noles are deep at cornerback, where both returning starters are being challenged, and three players who started at safety are also back. Fall Questions: Greg Jones' rehabilitation from knee surgery kept him out of spring ball, and his healthy return to the backfield is very important to FSU's chances for success this season, although there is good depth at the position. Three of the top four interior defensive linemen missed spring practice, and two -- Darnell Dockett and Travis Johnson -- still must resolve issues with coach Bobby Bowden to be reinstated to the team. The Seminoles must replace both starting receivers and need Craphonso Thorpe to emerge as a deep threat. Converted DB Dominic Robinson was the best of the wideouts in the spring.

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

2003 Schedule 8-28 at BYU 9-6 Auburn 9-13 at Florida State 9-20 Clemson 9-27 at Vanderbilt 10-4 NC State 10-11 at Wake Forest 10-23 Maryland 11-8 at Duke 11-15 North Carolina 11-22 at Virginia 11-29 Georgia 2002 overall record: 7-6 Conference record: 4-4 Returning starters: Offense: 8, Defense: 7, Kicker/Punter: 0 2002 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Tony Hollings* (633 yds) Passing: A.J. Suggs* (2,242 yds) Receiving: Kerry Watkins (1,050 yds) Tackles: Daryl Smith* (99) Sacks: Daryl Smith* and Eric Henderson* (5 each) Interceptions: Jeremy Muyres (5) Spring Answers: Tech lost three of its four starters in the secondary from last year, but the coaches feel good about Reuben Houston at CB, James Butler at FS and Dawan Landry at SS. Fifth-year senior Dan Burnett also seems to be solid at kicker, replacing one of the ACC's best ever in Luke Manget. Depth issues moved Mike Matthews from defensive end to fullback during the spring, but he did more than just take reps there. The 270-pounder now has a chance to start. Fall Questions: Damarius Bilbo was given plenty of opportunity in the spring to challenge A.J. Suggs at QB, and the two remain on even ground entering August. No. 1 tailback Tony Hollings, who sat out spring drills to rehab a torn ACL, was among 10 Tech players declared academically ineligible for next season. A trio of sophomores will battle incoming signee Rashaun Grant for the job. DE Greg Gathers did some work in the spring and is hoping to recover from a kidney ailment that sidelined him in 2002. Eric Henderson has played well in that spot, however, and is very capable if he needs to start in Gathers' place.

Maryland Terrapins

2003 Schedule 8-28 at Northern Illinois 9-6 at Florida State 9-13 The Citadel 9-20 West Virginia 9-27 at Eastern Michigan 10-4 Clemson 10-11 Duke 10-23 at Georgia Tech 11-1 North Carolina 11-13 Virginia 11-22 at NC State 11-29 at Wake Forest 2002 overall record: 11-3 Conference record: 6-2 Returning starters: Offense: 7, Defense: 9, Kicker/Punter: 1 2002 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Chris Downs (1,154 yds) Passing: Scott McBrien* (2,497 yds) Receiving: Scooter Monroe (614 yds) Tackles: E.J. Henderson (175) Sacks: E.J. Henderson (8.5) Interceptions: Domonique Foxworth* (5) Spring Answers: It sure was comforting for players, coaches and fans to see Bruce Perry running with speed and confidence again. Although he was slowed by various injuries for parts of the last two seasons, he appears to have regained the form that helped him rush for more than 1,200 yards in 2001. Depth behind Perry is also plentiful after a strong spring by Ohio State transfer Sam Maldonado, who joins Josh Allen in the battle for playing time. Shawne Merriman continued to display great athleticism as a pass-rushing end -- including a 41.5-inch vertical leap -- and is threatening to unseat returning starter Jamahl Cochran. Fall Questions: The biggest void is in the middle of the defense after the departure of Butkus Award-winner E.J. Henderson. D'Qwell Jackson filled in nicely during spring drills but might be a little undersized for a middle linebacker. Heralded recruit Wesley Jefferson is expected to give Jackson some competition in August. The defensive line needs more depth, although the spring play of true freshman Robert Armstrong at tackle provided a boost. The Terps still hope to find a big-play receiver, but they have done plenty well under Friedgen without one.

North Carolina Tar Heels

2003 Schedule 8-30 Florida State 9-6 Syracuse 9-20 at Wisconsin 9-27 at NC State 10-4 Virginia 10-11 at East Carolina 10-18 Arizona State 10-25 at Clemson 11-1 at Maryland 11-8 Wake Forest 11-15 at Georgia Tech 11-22 Duke 2002 overall record: 3-9 Conference record: 1-7 Returning starters: Offense: 7, Defense: 8, Kicker/Punter: 2 2002 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Jacque Lewis* (574 yds) Passing: Darian Durant* (2,123 yds) Receiving: Sam Aiken (990 yds) Tackles: Dexter Reid* (166) Sacks: 3 players tied (3 each) Interceptions: Michael Waddell* (2) Spring Answers: Though they haven't yet determined who is starting, the Tar Heels did learn that there is plenty of depth at running back. Jacque Lewis and Kentucky transfer Chad Scott look to be the leaders in a four-man competition. One of the pleasant surprises of the spring was true freshman Melik Brown, who enrolled in January and has already moved to the top of the depth chart at outside linebacker. Also, UNC has added depth at offensive tackle after Brian Chacos played the position well following his switch from tight end. Fall Questions: In addition to the big battle at running back, there is good competition at strong safety between Tommy Richardson and converted tailback Mahlon Carey. Chris Curry, who started four games there last year, was moved to receiver in the spring. Receiver is a key position for the Tar Heels after losing their top-two performers from 2002. Highly-recruited incoming freshmen Adarius Bowman, Mike Mason and Jesse Holley all figure to compete for starting jobs there in August.

NC State Wolfpack

2003 Schedule 8-30 Western Carolina 9-6 at Wake Forest 9-13 at Ohio State 9-20 Texas Tech 9-27 North Carolina 10-4 at Georgia Tech 10-11 Connecticut 10-18 Clemson 10-25 at Duke 11-1 Virginia 11-15 at Florida State 11-22 Maryland 2002 overall record: 11-3 Conference record: 5-3 Returning starters: Offense: 7, Defense: 5, Kicker/Punter: 2 2002 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: T.A. McLendon* (1,101 yds) Passing: Philip Rivers* (3,353 yds) Receiving: Jerricho Cotchery* (1,192 yds) Tackles: Dantonio Burnette (144) Sacks: Dantonio Burnette & Shawn Price (9) Interceptions: Rod Johnson (4) Spring Answers: A host of newcomers added some spark to spring practice and made an immediate impact on the Wolfpack depth chart. Tramain Hall and Richard Washington both demonstrated plenty of ability at receiver opposite Jerricho Cotchery, allowing coaches to move Dovonte Jones to cornerback. Jones and A.J. Davis, who missed last season with an injury, both looked good in the spring, adding depth to a position that already returned three different starters from last year. At defensive end, true freshman Mario Williams turned plenty of heads and looks like a probable starter this fall. Fall Questions: The defensive line lost all four starters from last year, and Williams only fills one of those holes. The other three spots will be up-for-grabs in August with rookie DeMarcus "Tank" Tyler being a main man in the mix at defensive tackle. Another key for the Pack will be replacing two starters on the offensive line. Figuring heavily into the plans at right tackle is 6-foot-6, 350-pound true freshman Derek Morris. He signed with Ohio State last year but did not enroll there, instead beginning his collegiate experience at NC State this year.

Virginia Cavaliers

2003 Schedule 8-30 Duke 9-6 at South Carolina 9-13 at Western Michigan 9-27 Wake Forest 10-4 at North Carolina 10-11 at Clemson 10-18 Florida State 10-25 Troy State 11-1 at NC State 11-13 at Maryland 11-22 Georgia Tech 11-29 Virginia Tech 2002 overall record: 9-5 Conference record: 6-2 Returning starters: Offense: 9, Defense: 8, Kicker/Punter: 2 2002 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Wali Lundy* (826 yds) Passing: Matt Schaub* (2,976 yds) Receiving: Billy McMullen (894 yds) Tackles: Angelo Crowell (155) Sacks: Darryl Blackstock* (10) Interceptions: Shernard Newby (3) Spring Answers: Ryan Sawyer slid into Billy McMullen's wide receiver position and will try to replace the second-leading receiver in ACC history. Sawyer had four catches after McMullen was injured early in last year's bowl game and is playing with confidence. Backup QB Marques Hagans was moved to receiver in the spring to get his gamebreaking ability onto the field more often and should see plenty of action there. One of two vacant safety spots will likely be filled by Jermaine Hardy, who looked good this spring after serving as nickel back last year. Fall Questions: How much will freshmen Ahmad Brooks and Kai Parham -- two gems of the 2002 signing class -- see at inside linebacker? Parham redshirted last season, while Brooks completed his eligibility at a prep school. Both were standout players in the spring but are not currently listed as starters. The other big question is how well this team will respond to expectations of success after playing the role of the young upstart last season. With 14 true freshmen seeing action last year and more likely to be broken in this year, Virginia is still a young team..

Wake Forest Demon Deacons

2003 Schedule 8-30 at Boston College 9-6 NC State 9-13 Purdue 9-20 East Carolina 9-27 at Virginia 10-11 Georgia Tech 10-18 at Duke 10-25 at Florida State 11-1 Clemson 11-8 at North Carolina 11-15 Connecticut 11-29 Maryland 2002 overall record: 7-6 Conference record: 3-5 Returning starters: Offense: 3, Defense: 7, Kicker/Punter: 2 2002 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Tarence Williams (852 yds) Passing: James MacPherson (1,837 yds) Receiving: Fabian Davis (575 yds) Tackles: Brad White* (94) Sacks: Calvin Pace (8) Interceptions: 3 players tied (3 each) Spring Answers: The defensive line lost all three starters, so coaches moved linebacker Jamaal Argrow to defensive end in the spring. He showed solid improvement with each practice, and capped it off with a strong spring game (5 tackles, 1 sack). Redshirt freshmen Patrick Ghee and James Adams are challenging the returning starters at two of the three safety spots and also turned in impressive performances in the spring scrimmage, tying each other for the team lead with 7 tackles. Another redshirt freshman, Bryan Andrews, is a contender for a starting spot at outside linebacker. Fall Questions: There are plenty of questions on an offense that lost all but three starters from last season. The QB will be sophomore Cory Randolph, but the battle to be his second receiver is heated between Chris Davis and redshirt freshman speedster Willie Idlette. They are also going head-to-head for the right to return punts. Wake's offense features the fullback more than most do, and both candidates for that job are converted tailbacks. Nick Burney and Fred Staton must fill the big shoes of Ovie Mughelli, who scored 12 TD last season. On defense, the line is still an area of concern.

Brad Edwards researches college football for ESPN and is a contributor to ESPN.com throughout the year.