The SEC might still be the most dominant and complete conference in college football. That said, the 2016 season belonged to the ACC. Clemson beat Alabama in the national championship game. Louisville was a contender with Heisman trophy-winning quarterback Lamar Jackson leading the way. Florida State surprised as a playoff contender a year ahead of schedule. Fast-forward to the 2017 season and the ACC is back in the spotlight once again. The Tigers will defend their title, the Cardinals will attempt to contend with Jackson back and the Seminoles are ready to make their move in both the ACC and on the national stage.
Here is a look at five key ACC storylines to monitor ahead of the 2017 college football season.
How Will Clemson Fare Without Watson?
The Tigers lost their most important player in star quarterback Deshaun Watson. Now they will need to find an adequate replacement in order to successfully defend their titles in both the ACC and on the national stage. Dabo Swinney has faced plenty of question marks about whether Kelly Bryant is his best option under center after serving as their No. 2 last season. Highly touted recruit Hunter Johnson seems like the long-term answer at the position while Zerrick Cooper is the likely third-string option behind whoever settles for the backup role. The Tigers starting quarterback will also have to succeed without top receiver Mike Williams, who moved on to the NFL. Clemson has some considerable talent spread throughout its roster. However, the quarterback position is still the most important and it will be interesting to see how the Tigers fare without Watson this season.
Florida State Needs A Fast Start
The Seminoles are projected to open the year as a top-five team and the sports betting favorite to win the ACC. However, they will need a fast start in order to avoid taking a early season hit. Florida State will open against Alabama in a game that should have major early season playoff implications. The Crimson Tide absolutely dominated USC in their 2016 opener and the Trojans opened with a 1-3 record before finally recovering with nine straight wins to close out the season. Florida State has the talent to make a substantial amount of noise this season. However, the Seminoles will need a fast start with their opener against an Alabama side that will be looking for redemption.
What Will Jackson Do For An Encore?
All eyes will be on Jackson to see what he has in store for an encore following last year’s Heisman trophy performance. Jackson threw for 3,543 yards and ran for another 1,571 yards while combining for 51 touchdowns in 2016. Now he has another year of experience, another year of development as a quarterback and even more help around him in the Louisville offense. The Cardinals will need Jackson to perform at a Heisman level in order to contend in the ACC this season. It will be very interesting to see what he has in store for an encore in 2017.
What Will Miami Do?
With so much talk about Clemson, Florida State and Louisville, Miami has become an overlooked program in the ACC. The Hurricanes return what should be a solid defense led by a loaded front-seven. Meanwhile, the offense should be better with running back Mark Walton and freshman All-American wide receiver Ahmmon Richards back in the fold. Miami’s schedule will be tougher. Do they have what it takes to shake things up among the top contenders in the conference? The Hurricanes are worth keeping an eye on as a dark horse team that in the ACC this season.
Will A New Star Emerge In 2017?
Jackson won the Heisman trophy a year ago. Watson won a national championship. Dalvin Cook put on a show at Florida State. There was no shortage of star players in the ACC last season, leaving us wondering who will be the new star to emerge in 2017? Clemson’s Christian Wilkins is already an internet sensation and a household name among Tigers fans. Deondre Francois is ready for the opportunity to shine for the Seminoles as their starting quarterback this season. Meanwhile, Duke’s Daniel Jones and Syracuse’s Eric Dungey are both ready for the spotlight. Will the returning stars shine brightest in the ACC spotlight or will new stars emerge to take their place? That is just one more key storyline to watch in the ACC heading in to the 2017 season.
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