To the surprise of absolutely no one at all, the Virginia Cavaliers have been picked by the media in the 2011 ACC preseason poll to finish fifth in the Coastal Division. The media for the most part has been wildly off-base in predicting the Hoos, who have finished anywhere from second to last in the division in the past six years.
Here's a look at how Virginia has done in the past as compared to the preseason predictions -- warning, it's not a pretty sight:
| Year | Predicted Finish | Actual Finish |
| 2011 | Fifth | ?? |
| 2010 | Sixth | Fifth (1-7) |
| 2009 | Fifth | Sixth (2-6) |
| 2008 | Fifth | Fifth (3-5) |
| 2007 | Fourth | Second (6-2) |
| 2006 | Fourth | Third (4-4) |
| 2005 | Third | Fifth (3-5) |
Florida State was the big winner of today's poll, taking not only the Atlantic Division, but also the entire conference, with 50 votes for the title. Virginia Tech, picked to win the Coastal Division, received 18 votes to win the title. Clemson had to two and Boston College picked up a vote as well.
Here's how the ACC will play out, in the media's eyes.
Atlantic Division
1. Florida St. Seminoles 420 (65)
2. Clemson Tigers 286 (4)
3. N.C. State Wolfpack 270
4. Boston College Eagles 224 (2)
5. Maryland Terrapins 221
6. Wake Forest Demon Deacons 80
Coastal Division
1. Virginia Tech Hokies 421 (66)
2. Miami Hurricanes 328 (4)
3. North Carolina Tar Heels 287
4. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 226 (1)
5. Virginia Cavaliers 132
6. Duke Blue Devils 96
What do you think, folks?