ACC Summer Football Check-in with Clemson’s Rubbing the Rock

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Jan 3, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney celebrates after winning the 2014 Orange Bowl college football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Sun Life Stadium. Tigers won 40-35. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

‘Tis the season for college sports filler content, and a perfect time to start some ACC summer football discussions with conference rivals.

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We spoke with our friends down at Clemson at FanSided’s

Rubbing the Rock

. Editor Dan Kelley answered our questions on how the offseason has looked for the Tigers and what he expects from his team in 2014 — and what he expects from ours, your Boston College Eagles.

STG: Generally speaking, how do you feel about the changes to the ACC last year and this year? Are there any schools you particularly like being in the conference now as a potential rival?

RTR: Overall, I liked all of the additions. People looked at Syracuse and Pittsburgh as programs that would primarily benefit the basketball side of the ACC, which is somewhat true, but I think those people overlooked the history of both football programs. BC fans probably know that history from their days in the old Big East but Syracuse is 15th in all-time wins and top ten in the number of NFL hall-of-famers produced. They did fall on hard times about a decade ago, but they are clearly on their way back up now.

But really, adding Louisville was probably the best call, given the context of Maryland’s departure. The ACC lost one of its flagship programs but managed to get stronger in football and basketball with Louisville’s addition. It was an excellent move.

The Cards also have the best chance of becoming a future rival for Clemson, I think. Right now they’re probably closer to being on Clemson’s level than either Syracuse or Pitt and, obviously, they are much closer geographically.