ESPN Analyst Delves Into Why NC State, Not Clemson, Will Win Atlantic

While we’re still a few months away from the start of the season, most of the betting odds have Clemson as the favorite to reclaim its spot at the top of the ACC Atlantic Division standings.

However, not all are sold on the Tigers being able to bounce back after a three-loss 2021 season. Count ESPN analyst Jordan Cornette as one of those people not buying into the Tigers.

On a recent episode of The Gramlich and Mac Lain Podcast, Cornette said there are just too many questions surrounding starting quarterback DJ Uiagalelei for him to go with Clemson.

“Tell me this… I’ll make my decision after you tell me this, who’s going to be the quarterback?” Cornette asked. “Who’s honestly going to play? Are they going to have one quarterback the whole season at Clemson? Who’s going to start the first week?”

Dave Doeren’s NC State team returns so much on both sides of the ball after going 9-3 a season ago, and after Gramlich and Mac Lain both agreed that Uiagalelei would start the season but maybe not finish it, Cornette thinks it’s the Wolfpack that will take the Atlantic.

“Y’all are telling me they don’t know who their quarterback is Week 6, and (QB) Devin Leary and (LB) Payton Wilson are taking care of business on both sides of the football for NC State next year,” Cornette said. “No, I love you guys. Give me NC State.”

“If you told me that DJ would be the quarterback in Week 6, I’d give you Clemson and I’d keep it moving. I thought you guys would help me out, and you didn’t. NC State is going to win the Atlantic.”

It’s early… but given the current intel, @jordancornette is going with @PackFootball‼️ Over #Clemson, and winning the Atlantic. https://t.co/Cbg9H0u45N

What are y’all’s thoughts!? pic.twitter.com/YuGE1tf7rt

— Eric Mac Lain (@EricMacLain) May 26, 2022