July 28, 2004

Greenboro, N.C. - The Virginia Cavaliers have been picked to finish third in the ACC this season by media representatives attending the annual ACC Football Kickoff at the Grandover Resort & Conference Center in Greensboro, N.C.

Defending champion Florida State was picked to finish first. The Seminoles were the top choice on 49 of the 88 ballots cast and finished with 925 points.

The Miami Hurricanes, champions of the Big East conference last season, received 36 first-place votes and were picked to finish second, 12 points behind Florida State.

The Cavaliers received two first-place votes and finished with a total of 697 points. Clemson was the only other school to receive a first-place vote. The Tigers, picked first on one ballot, were chosen fourth with 664 points.

Virginia opens practice on Aug. 11. The Cavaliers open the season at Temple on Sept. 4. The game is slated to begin at noon and will be televised on ESPN2.

ACC Predicted Order of Finish

1. Florida State (49)    925
2. Miami (36)            913
3. VIRGINIA (2)          697
4. Clemson (1)           664
5. Maryland              653
6. Virginia Tech         511
7. N.C. State            509
8. Georgia Tech          365
9. Wake Forest           273
10. North Carolina       184
11. Duke                 114