A few spring questions for ACC football
Clemson was one of the last two teams standing to end the 2019 season and was one of the first to christen the 2020 follow-up, with the two seasons separated by barely six weeks – from the Jan. 13 loss to LSU that snapped the Tigers’ 29-game winning streak to the Feb. 25 practice that kicked off spring drills.
As teams across the country get restarted this month, Clemson stands in the select group realistically capable of running the table, which would be the program’s third national championship under Dabo Swinney. There’s some intrigue in that chase. Not so much in the ACC. The five-time defending conference champions are expected to roll through all comers once again in 2020, facing minimal, perhaps only random resistance from a league that has been lapped and relapped by the Clemson powerhouse.
Atlantic outlook
Clemson (April 4): How does Lawrence rebound?
Junior quarterback Trevor Lawrence will remain under the offseason microscope after a disappointing performance in the loss to LSU relative to his otherwise impeccable college career. Within Clemson’s doors, there are no concerns whatsoever around Lawrence’s ability to rebound and take another step forward this spring and summer.
Louisville (March 28): Is this a rebuild up front?
The Cardinals, who surprised with a bowl trip in 2019, lost two mainstays on the offensive line, including fast-rising NFL prospect Mekhi Becton. Replacing that pair is a task that starts this spring, and will be impacted by the arrival of five newcomers off the recruiting trail.
Wake Forest (April 4): Why worry about quarterback?
Yeah, that Jamie Newman left for Georgia as a graduate transfer would seem to put Wake’s quarterback situation in a bind. Not quite. Coach Dave Clawson brings back junior Sam Hartman, who threw 16 touchdowns as a true freshman in 2018 and made nearly 100 pass attempts behind Newman a year ago.
Florida State (April 18): Can the line be average?
The bar isn’t high for an offensive line that has struggled and is led by its fourth different position coach in as many years. Even given new coach Mike Norvell’s reputation on offense, this is a group that needs to take a mammoth step forward before FSU’S new scheme takes full flight.
Boston College (April 4): How will Hafley impact the defense?
New coach Jeff Hafley comes over from Ohio State, where he drew raves for helping the Buckeyes’ defense bounce back from a horrific 2018. He’ll have his hands full with the Eagles.
Syracuse (TBA): Is the window still open?
Last season felt like a missed opportunity for Syracuse, which was unable to capitalize on its significant preseason hype and make a run at any bowl, let alone the New Year’s Six.
North Carolina State (April 4): Can the offense get up to speed?
A learning curve awaits this spring for the offense and projected starting quarterback Devin Leary as first-year coordinator Tim Beck installs a new scheme and new terminology.
Coastal outlook
Virginia (TBA): Will the Cavaliers look at the transfer market?
Bryce Perkins’ departure robs Virginia of its unquestioned leader and one of the most productive quarterbacks in program history. The in-house replacement would be sophomore Brennan Armstrong, last year’s backup.
Virginia Tech (April 18): Is this a top-25 defense?
It has the personnel to be one of the nation’s better units, with 10 returning starters and an abundance of options at linebacker and in the secondary. (The defensive line is experienced but not overly impressive.)
Miami (April 11): Is this a top-25 offense?
That may be asking for too much – Miami finished last season 78th nationally in yards per play and ranked 75th in 2018.
But there are two significant additions: quarterback D’eriq King, a ballyhooed transfer from Houston, and new coordinator Rhett Lashlee from SMU.
Pittsburgh (April 11): Is this the second-best team in the ACC?
This looks the best team of the Pat Narduzzi era, at least, with 17 returning starters providing the backbone of a group worthy of preseason Top 25 consideration. The key this spring will be capturing some consistency with an offense that was an equal-opportunity frustration in 2019.
North Carolina (April 18): Too soon for the next step?
UNC has become trendy under secondyear coach Mack Brown after winning seven games in his debut. This has the Tar Heels pegged as a team capable of making a rapid climb to the top of the Coastal Division.
Duke (April 4): What do we know about Chase Brice?
Not much. The Clemson transfer did save the Tigers’ 2018 season when he paced a narrow win against Syracuse, but he’s otherwise sat in the background as a well-regarded but little-used backup.
Georgia Tech (April 10): What constitutes improvement?
The building process continues under second-year coach Geoff Collins after last season’s three-win finish, with the expectation that Tech will spend another season among the bottom of the ACC and the Power Five.