Dabo Swinney, Ryan Finley among ACC’s first-half winners

ATLANTA (AP) >> This has not been a run- of-the-mill first half of the season for the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Sure, No. 3 Clemson looks as strong as ever, but who saw a change coming at quarterback while the Tigers were undefeated? That’s only one of the ACC’s surprises that set the pace for some unlikely highlights and low points midway through the season.

Quarterback Ryan Finley is a big reason No. 16 North Carolina State is undefeated. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney has kept the Tigers winning while navigating a tricky quarterback transition to freshman Trevor Lawrence.

Meanwhile, Louisville and Wake Forest are still looking for their first conference wins, Florida State and Georgia Tech are at or near the bottom of their respective divisions, and Syracuse is more competitive than most experts predicted.

Clemson, North Carolina State and Syracuse were among the teams drawing attention in midseason voting by Associated Press writers who cover the 14 ACC schools in 10 states.

The results in several categories:

COACH OF THE YEAR Dabo Swinney, Clemson The Tigers are winning as expected, but Swinney has earned his pay. He has managed to keep Clemson players focused through the drama of quarterback Kelly Bryant’s transfer be- fore facing Syracuse and the switch to Lawrence . The ability to win during that transition shows Swinney’s program is built on a solid foundation.

Also receiving votes: Dino Babers, Syracuse.

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Quarterback Ryan Finley, North Carolina State

Finley has thrown for 324.2 yards per game to easily lead the league. He has four 300-yard games with 10 TD passes and only three interceptions. And he has a bright future on Sundays, according to Swinney.

“He is a legit pro,” Swinney said. “I don’t know when he’s going to be drafted, but it’s going to be early. He is a very good football player. We’ve had the chance to see him, ob- viously, the last couple of years, growing into his role. He has complete ownership of what they do. ... He is a very gifted thrower, very accurate. And he has great command of everything they’re doing.”

Also receiving votes: RB Travis Etienne, Clemson.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Defensive end Brian Burns, Florida State

Burns, a junior, has seven sacks to rank second in the league and is tied for the lead with three forced fumbles. He already is projected by some as a possible top 10 pick in the 2019 NFL draft.

Also receiving votes: DT Gerald Willis III, Miami; DE Clelin Ferrell, Clemson; DT Christian Wilkins, Clemson; DE Zach Allen, Boston College.