As the Big Ten goes for three straight titles and the ACC — yes, the ACC — is playing for the crown, the conference that won 13 of 17 championships is looking for answers.

Offseason acquisition from Astros will likely handle shortstop duties with Ha-Seong Kim out four to five months following surgery on his right hand.

Under Jeff Ulbrich, Atlanta broke the franchise record for sacks last season and had several young defensive players blossom in their first or second years.

Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich is expected to stay with the Falcons, while offensive line coach/run game coordinator Dwayne Ledford is expected to move on.

Josey takes No. 1 spot back from region rival Thomson in Class 2A, while Cherokee Bluff (3A), Union County (2A) and Banks County (Class A Division I) enter rankings.

Nationally ranked Wheeler drops to 15-5 after two losses in three games in Missouri, but the defending Class 6A champs stay No. 1 in their class.

This week, the 10th-place Hawks play three teams that aren’t in the top six of their respective conferences — the Bucks, Grizzlies and Suns.

Atlanta will likely look to Mauricio Dubon — acquired in the offseason from the Astros — while the veteran infielder Kim recovers from the surgery he underwent Sunday.

Kevin Stefanski had two playoff appearances in six seasons in Cleveland, while Atlanta has now gone eight seasons without a playoff berth.

Choosing Kevin Stefanski, who had a 45-56 record with the Browns, could be unpopular with Falcons fans.