ACC spring preview: Questions for every team as the conference chases Clemson – USA TODAY

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 theprogram'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 re-lapped by the Clemson powerhouse.

Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence gestures at the at the line of scrimmage during the first quarter of his team's 2019 game against Louisville at Cardinal Stadium.(Photo: Brian Spurlock, USA TODAY Sports)

But hope springs eternal. Here's one big question facing each team as the ACC gets rolling this month and begins the race for second place. (The date of each team's spring game or final scrimmage is in parentheses.)

Atlantic outlook

Clemson (April4):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 in fact, that's the expectation. But it's the first time he struggled on the big stage, so his reaction should be worth watching.

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Louisville (March28): 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 prospectMekhi 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. One open spot should be filled by Adonis Boone, who started in the bowl win against Mississippi State.

Wake Forest (April4): 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. The Demon Deacons will be fine on offense as they try for a fifth bowl in a row.

Florida State (April18): 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. Otherwise, the Seminoles are looking at another middle-of-the road finish in the league.

Boston College (April4): 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, who just finished last in the ACC in yards allowed per game and per play.

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. A major offseason shakeup of the coaching staff could reinvigorate the Orange, though it does make this spring a vital stretch for learning a slightly tweaked defensive scheme and breaking in a new voice at offensive coordinator in Sterlin Gilbert, one of coach Dino Babers' proteges.

North Carolina State (April4): Can the offense get up to speed?

Alearning 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. It helps that N.C. State is in good shape on the offensive line, which brings back six players with some degree of starting experience.

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. His play this spring will help determine whether Virginia evaluates the transfer market coming out of the spring in an effort to add depth or competition.

Virginia Tech (April18): 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.) The big change is at coordinator, where Justin Hamilton was elevated to replacelongtime assistant Bud Foster. How the change impacts the unit will be one of the more interesting developments of the season.

Virginia Tech defensive back Chamarri Conner celebrates his fumble recovery against Kentucky during the second half of the Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium.(Photo: Jim Dedmon, Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports)

Miami (April11): 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, who helped orchestrate SMU's potent offense in 2019.

Pittsburgh (April11): 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, ranking near the bottom of the league in yards per carry and per pass attempt. A lot will be on quarterback Kenny Pickett to finally put it all together in his senior season.

North Carolina (April 18): Too soon for the next step?

UNC has become trendy under second-year 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. It may be too soon for a leap to double-digit wins, though the development of sophomore quarterback Sam Howell could change that outlook he's poised to be the best in the ACC once Trevor Lawrence heads off for the NFL.

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. Now he'll get a chance at cementing the starting job at Duke under one of the sport's top quarterback gurus in David Cutcliffe.

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. Any optimism stems from the idea that Collins may eventually develop a roster capable of winning a division title, though that's impossible to imagine in 2020. Still, the Yellow Jackets could add two or more wins to last year's total and flirt with bowl eligibility if everything goes according to plan.

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ACC spring preview: Questions for every team as the conference chases Clemson - USA TODAY