5Dimes posts conference odds, FSU favored in ACC

Published on May 14, 2012, at 6:20 p.m. Eastern.

By Brian Edwards

Odds to win the 2012 ACC Championship 

Dec. 1, 2012 from Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte

Florida State +135
Virginia Tech +250
Clemson +425
Miami, Florida +1200
Georgia Tech +1250
North Carolina +1350
North Carolina State +1450
Virginia +1900
Wake Forest +2300
Boston College +4200
Maryland +5800
Duke +8500

How to read the Odds:

Bet $100 on Florida State to win $135
Bet $100 on North Carolina to win $1,350
Bet $100 on Duke to win $8,500

Florida State is the favorite and will undoubtedly have the ACC’s premier defense, but does a bettor really want to make a year-long wager on the Seminoles for a meager plus-135 payout? After all, they haven’t won an ACC title since 2005 and E.J. Manuel still hasn’t proven that he’s a championship-caliber quarterback.

Virginia Tech has been the only perennial Top-20 program from this league over the last decade and it probably has the ACC’s best coaching staff, not to mention a top-notch QB in Logan Thomas. Plus, the Hokies get the ‘Noles in Blacksburg.

When you’ve got QB Tajh Boyd and WR Sammy Watkins on the roster, you know you’ve got a chance. But after giving up 70 points in an Orange Bowl loss to West Va., it’s crystal clear that Clemson’s defense needs a lot of work. Watkins was arrested recently, so he could be facing a suspension for the season opener against Auburn in Atlanta.

Mike London has Virginia on the rise and there’s hope in Raleigh that this could be N.C. State’s breakout year under Tom O’Brien. However, the team most worthy of a longshot look has to be Georgia Tech. Paul Johnson might be the nation’s most underrated coach and he’s got his QB (Tevin Washington) and entire offensive line returning. Also, eight starters are back on defense.

Prediction: Virginia Tech
Sleeper: Georgia Tech

Odds provided by 5Dimes.com