Ranking ACC Team Defenses

2011 PPG: 31.17 (90th in FBS)

Returning Starters: 8

The Blue Devils and defense just don't mix. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles is the third person to hold that position in the last four years. Duke ranked 90th in the nation in scoring defense, and he's getting a second year. That shows you just how bad the Blue Devils are on an annual basis.

According to a defensive preview from Scout.com, Knowles has decided to change Duke's look - adding another safety in place of a linebacker in an attempt to get all of the team's best athletes on the field. The Blue Devils, who feature star LB Kelby Brown (pictured right), will need extra players on the field if they are going to actually stop people.

2011 PPG: 29.29 (81st in FBS)

Returning Starters: 7

No matter what you want to say about Clemson's defense in 2011, it will be remembered for one number: 70. That's the number of points allowed by the Tigers to West Virginia in a 37-point loss in the Orange Bowl. As a result, Clemson went out and added ex-Oklahoma defensive coach Brent Venables, who had been a staple on Bob Stoops' staff.

According to Scout.com, the school has installed a defense that's more read and react, allowing players like dynamic safety Rashard Hall (pictured) to roam. Either way, it will take a while for the Tigers to wipe the egg - or should we say orange - off their faces.

2011 PPG: 34.25 (102nd in FBS)

Returning Starters: 8

It was an all-around dismal season for the Terps, who closed the season with eight straight losses. Maryland gave up at least 30 points in six of those losses and 50 or more in two - including the season finale against NC State, which erased a 27-point, third-quarter deficit to sink Maryland in fitting fashion.

Sure, the Terps bring back 10 players including DT Joe Vellano and LB Kenny Tate, who both suffered season-ending injuries. But we're not convinced that anything can go right in College Park - especially if a bright spot is their 102nd-ranked defense.

2011 PPG: 23.50 (43rd in FBS)

Returning Starters: 9

We established by now that it's going to be a long season for Boston College, which lost star LB Luke Kuechly (pictured). He literally was a one-man wrecking crew for the Eagles, who managed to finish near the bottom of the ACC in sacks, tackles for loss and passing defense despite the presence of Kuechly, the nation's leader in tackles.

It doesn't mean much that many starters are returning, considering that Kuechly was carrying the rest of the group along with him.

2011 PPG: 27.38 (65th in FBS)

Returning Starters: 7

The Demon Deacons had six losses in eight games to end the 2011 season, with a 41-7 setback against Vanderbilt the low point in the regular-season finale. There are some bright spots on the unit that allowed just under 28.0 points per game. The cornerbacks, including Merrill Noel (pictured left), are talented. Wake also will lean on LB Justin Jackson.

The biggest problem, though, is the Demon Deacons' inability to rush the passer. They had just 11 sacks in 2011. That just won't cut it.

2011 PPG: 26.08 (60th in FBS)

Returning Starters: 7

Let's face it: There wasn't enough Al Groh in Al Groh's defense. Entering his third season as Tech's defensive coordinator, the former Virginia head coach - who has a history as a respected defensive assistant in the NFL - hasn't seen the kind of progress that he's looking for.

GT's D wasn't terrible in 2011; in fact, it finished 60th in the nation in scoring - exactly middle of the pack statistically - but still left much to be desired. This fall, the Yellow Jackets will need more from LB Jeremiah Attaochu, who has what it takes be an impact pass rusher. Stay tuned.

2011 PPG: 24.85 (56th in FBS)

The Tar Heels always have good athletes on the defensive side of the ball. This version is led by Kevin Reddick, a linebacker who could have an NFL future. UNC will shift its scheme to a 4-2-5 look. According to Scout.com, defensive coordinator Dan Disch wants to puts his defense into attack mode, so to speak.

With good players in the front seven, it's clear that the Tar Heels can put pressure on quarterbacks - but they'll need to cover up for a pass defense that needs improvement and the loss of LB Zach Brown, DE Donte Paige-Moss and DE Quinton Coples.

2011 PPG: 24.69 (54th in FBS)

Returning Starters: 7

The focus this season will be on the NC State offense, which returns mostly intact with star QB Mike Glennon. But it's the defense that will be the Wolfpack's bread and butter. That's where NC State was able to help its offense - with turnovers, including an ACC-record 13 interceptions by All-American DB David Amerson.

While Amerson might not be able to best that mark, it's clear that he still can make an impact on a D that finished 54th in the nation - good for a spot near the middle of the pack on our list as well.

2011 PPG: 23.85 (46th in FBS)

Returning Starters: 6

UVA loses five starters from an impressive defense that helped it to a long-awaited postseason spot. It will have to get along with a new-look secondary. But all indications are that Mike London - a former Virginia defensive coordinator - has recruited well, turning the corner with a Cavaliers program on the rise.

This year's defense will rely on LBs Steve Greer (pictured) and LaRoy Reynolds to anchor it. The key will be a pass rush from the likes of DE Jake Snyder, who will have to cover the collective back of the defensive backfield.

2011 PPG: 20.08 (18th in FBS)

Returning Starters: 6

There was a lot lost in the swirl of controversy that was the 2011 season for Miami (FL). But it was the defense that was most overlooked. Consider that the Hurricanes finished 18th in the country in scoring defense during their 6-6 season - the first under Al Golden, a coach with a history as a defensive assistant.

Early reports from spring practice said that the defense came to play again. So while this 'Canes D no longer is like the brash, hard-hitting groups of the past at "The U," it is better than the credit most people give it.

2011 PPG: 17.64 (7th in FBS)

Returning Starters: 9

Frank Beamer (pictured) is always about defense and special teams. But this year's Hokies D could be especially stout. It finished seventh in the nation in scoring defense last year and returns nine starters, including a deep defensive line group that will cause havoc in the ACC.

The Washington Post reported in April that the Hokies' D-line will employ a rotational style like that used by the New York Giants in recent years en route to Super Bowl-winning pass rushes that remain fresh. Looks like there's a new kind of "Beamer-ball" in town.

2011 PPG: 15.08 (4th in FBS)

By the numbers, the Seminoles' defense was outstanding in 2011. It was fourth in the FBS in scoring defense, allowing just over 15.0 points per game. It had some hiccups in the middle of the season, when it allowed 35 points in losses to Clemson and Wake Forest. But the unit finished strong, beating down a vulnerable Florida team and holding back Notre Dame in two wins to finish the season.

FSU will return eight starters on a unit that many believe to be its best in years. It's strength will be an impenetrable run defense along with play-making defensive backs like CB Greg Reid (pictured). The Seminoles want to get it right in 2012, a year after they were supposed to contend for a national title. It's unclear if they'll follow through on that promise - but their defense will be darn good.