1. North Carolina
Losing Tyler Hansbrough, Ty Lawson and Danny Green would cripple most teams but returnees Ed Davis, Tyler Zeller and Deon Thompson combine to give the Tar Heels a potentially elite frontcourt.  If Marcus Ginyard steps up his offensive game and Larry Drew pulls a decent Ty Lawson impression, UNC could be a legitimate national title contender.
Key Non-Conference Game:  None.  They’ll make the tournament.
2. Duke
Duke would have been the ACC favorite if Gerald Henderson had returned, but the Blue Devils now find themselves thin in the backcourt after Elliot Williams’ transfer.  Kyle Singler is one of the league’s best, and Jon Scheyer continues to be Diet Reddick.  Nolan Smith, TBAS-B First Teamer Brian Zoubek and Lance Thomas need to make big strides in order for Duke to reach its first Final Four since 2004.
Key Non-Conference Game:  They shouldn’t have too much trouble getting 10-11 ACC wins, but a January 30th game at Georgetown could help pad the resume and eliminate any doubt.
3. Maryland
This is painful to write, but Maryland is poised for a big year.  The Terps return the biggest a-hole in the country in guard Greivis Vasquez and several solid role players.  Landon Milbourne, Eric Hayes and Sean Mosley give Maryland some decent backup scoring options, and the balance and experience they provide should push the Terps into the ACC’s elite.  If touted recruit Jordan “Misdemeanor Assault” Williams develops quickly, sweaty old Gary Williams might challenge for the ACC title.
Key Non-Conference Game:  Maryland has more than a few opportunities for impressive nonconference wins, beginning at the Maui Invitational in November.  They should breeze past Chaminade and get at least two cracks at BCS conference teams.  Outside of that, a win over Big East power Villanova on December 6th would look nice on their NCAA resume, although they probably won’t need it.
4. Georgia Tech
The Yellow Jackets are loaded with Iman Shumpert, Gani Lawal and Derrick Favors and should contend for the ACC title.  If Duke or UNC struggle, they might be the best bet to swoop in and grab the league crown.  If prized freshman Mfon Udofia can provide another outside threat, Georgia Tech will be playing on the NCAA’s second weekend – and possibly beyond.
Key Non-Conference Game:  They should have enough ACC wins to be in the Dance comfortably, and they shouldn’t worry about the lack of a big-time nonconference game.  Having nonconference dates with Dayton, Siena and USC at home helps, as two wins in that stretch will probably be enough to impress once March comes.  They get tons of credit from TourneyBubble for bravely scheduling Dayton and Siena.
5. Wake Forest
The Demon Deacons lost a lot – Jeff Teague and James Johnson are gone – but return potential ACC Player of the Year Al-Farouq Aminu.  Regulars Chas MacFarland and Ish Smith also are back, which is enough to make Wake an NCAA-quality team.  While an ACC championship might be too much to ask, a Top-25 ranking and a chance to atone for their first round NCAA flameout in 2008-2009 is not.
Key Non-Conference Game:  A December 1st trip to Purdue is a chance for a big-time scalp that could come in handy if Wake is on the bubble at the end of the season.
6. Clemson
The Tigers have disappointed in postseason play the past two years, but bring back one of the ACC’s best forwards in Trevor Booker.  If newcomers Milton Jennings and Noel Johnson can contribute early, they could move up the league standings rapidly.  Clemson should scratch their way to enough ACC wins to merit an at-large bid.
Key Non-Conference Game:  A game vs. Texas A&M on November 26th is one of their few chances at an impressive out of conference win, as the rest of the non-league slate is pretty weak.
7. Virginia Tech
The loss of scoring guard A.D. Vassallo hurts, but Malcolm Delaney and Jeff Allen return for their junior seasons and are all-league candidates.  Last year the Hokies relied on Vassallo, Delaney and Allen to carry almost the entire scoring load, so they need big years out of J.T. Thompson and Dorenzo Hudson to make up the difference.  The Hokie’s defense must improve if they hope to move into the top half of the ACC and get into the tournament.  Expect another year on the edge, as the Hokies will spend their third straight season on the bubble.
Key Non-Conference Game:  A trip to Penn State on December 12th could give the Hokies a good non-conference road win.  They haven’t done themselves any favors in recent years, too often stumbling in important non-conference games that end up costing them dearly in March.
8. Boston College
Once again, the Eagles are heading into the season underrated.  Although they lost Ty Rice to graduation, four starters are back, featuring guard Rakim Sanders and potential breakout star Joe Trapani.  They are not overly talented, but they are solid all around and return a lot of experience.  Expect BC to be in contention for a winning ACC record and a return trip to the Dance.
Key Non-Conference Game:  Even though a trip to Michigan is big, we will have a better chance at evaluating BC’s non-conference season after a December 30th visit from South Carolina.  If the Eagles hope to get an at-large look, they have to win games like this.
9. Florida State
Losing Toney Douglas will probably be too much for the Noles to overcome.  Soloman Alabi and Chris Singleton are solid inside, but they will have to significantly increase their offensive output for FSU to move into the ACC’s upper division.  The backcourt returns Derwin Kitchen, but he’s no Douglas.  Florida State will be competitive and grab 5-7 ACC wins, with an NCAA berth considered a major accomplishment.
Key Non-Conference Game:  The Seminoles once again take on Florida on November 24th, providing what could be a bubble elimination game for both teams.  Luckily, Florida State has had some success recently against the Gators.
10. Miami
All-World Chucker Jack McClinton is gone for the Canes, and only Dwayne Collins returns as a viable scoring option.  Miami is still big inside, and that will help as rebounding and defense are their keys to having a successful season.  Unless the backcourt emerges, the ACC could eat this team alive.
Key Non-Conference Game:  Their Big Ten-ACC Challenge opponent is Minnesota at home on December 2nd, and it represents their only significant nonconference test.  The weakness of their non league slate adds up to a good number of wins, but could bite them if they are on the bubble come March.
11. Virginia
The Cavaliers bring back pure scorer and future star Sylvan Landseberg, but not much else.  New coach Tony Bennett brings his slow-down game to Charlottesville, and its quirkiness might add up to a few surprise ACC wins.  Mike Scott is solid inside, but there is too much talent elsewhere in the league to allow UVA to move into the upper half of the league.
Key Non-Conference Game:  A December 7th trip to Auburn pits the bottom of the ACC barrel against the bottom of the SEC barrel.  If UVA wants a passable nonconference performance for their March resume, they have to beat the Tigers.
12. North Carolina State
Sidney Lowe should be busy polishing up his resume after this season.  Tracy Smith is the team’s best returning player, and that’s not good.  Remind me again why Herb Sendek was chased out of town for performance?
Key Non-Conference Game:  The Big Ten-ACC challenge brings Northwestern to Raleigh on December 1st, and provides the Wolfpack a shot against an NCAA-caliber team.  That statement alone should make the Sendek-bashing alumni pull their hair out.