Despite the program's recent habit of failing to meet expectations, the talent is always there. While probably a third-tier contender, Louisville deserves a mention. The Cardinals surged from 2-10 to 8-5, settled the quarterback situation with Micale Cunningham and showcased an electric receiver in Tutu Atwell. Though the defense had some awful performances in 2019, Scott Satterfield's debut season was a success. And if Clemson or Miami doesn't boast the top defense in the conference, it'll likely belong to the unit from South Bend. Notre Dame must replace a handful of key players on both sides of the ball, but Book returns behind what should be a terrific offensive line. That's a pretty encouraging trend, right? The only losses came at 2017 Miami and in the 2018 CFP against Clemson. During that span, the Irish are 14-2 against ACC competition. Since a disastrous 4-8 campaign in 2016, Notre Dame has responded with three straight 10-win seasons. Otherwise, expect Clemson to play for the ACC crown in Charlotte yet again. If there's any stretch that can possibly trip up the Tigers -and we're not anticipating it -that's probably the one.
In the last four games of the regular season, Dabo Swinney's team will travel to Notre Dame, Florida State and Virginia Tech. Even after losing many key players on defense, the unit has proved its ability to constantly reload. The offense returns two of the nation's best players in Lawrence and Etienne. Winners of five straight ACC titles, Clemson also has five consecutive trips to the College Football Playoff. 12 or 19, and Notre Dame -despite its one-year of affiliation -will be eligible to appear. The game is tentatively scheduled for Dec. This season, the two teams with the highest ACC winning percentage are slated to square off in Charlotte. Instead of pitting the Atlantic and Coastal Division champions against each other for the league title, the ACC has modified its championship format in 2020. Ford opting out and the ACC will be missing at least a handful of top defenders. Rousseau, Twyman and Farley opted out, and Thomas isn't healthy enough to play after testing positive for COVID-19. They won't be on the field in 2020, though. Clemson defensive end Xavier Thomas landed third-team recognition. Miami defensive end Gregory Rousseau, Pitt defensive tackle Jaylen Twyman and Virginia Tech cornerback Caleb Farley all earned first-team All-ACC honors last season. Players Opting Out, Recovering from Virus The Irish are scheduled to open their season against Duke on Sept. But for the first time in program history, Notre Dame is actually a member of a conference in football. It's not a massive change considering the Irish play a handful of ACC teams each season. Soon after, the Irish turned to the ACC for help.Īlready a member of the league in other sports, Notre Dame received a unique invite to play ACC football in 2020. When the Big Ten and Pac-12 eliminated conference games, Notre Dame lost matchups with Wisconsin, USC and Stanford. Howell tallied 3,641 yards and set a Football Bowl Subdivision record for true freshmen with 38 passing scores while throwing only seven interceptions. It was a huge improvement from two straight nine-loss seasons. Though the Tar Heels finished 7-6, they also never lost by more than seven points. The ACC Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2019, Howell helped UNC rise from an afterthought to a competitive team. And with 1,032 career rushing yards, Book is also a threat to run. He collected 3,034 yards and 34 touchdowns last season while throwing only six interceptions. Since entering the lineup in early 2018, Book has guided the Irish to a 19-3 record. The speedster caught 37 passes for 432 yards and four touchdowns. Similar to Lawrence, Etienne added another element to his game last season. In both 20, he eclipsed 1,600 yards on the ground. Last season, he also emerged as a mobile threat with 563 yards and nine scores on the ground.Įtienne turned a few heads when he decided to return for his senior season. Lawrence has 6,945 yards and 66 touchdowns to 12 interceptions in two seasons at Clemson. Heading into the season, Bleacher Report's Matt Miller considers Lawrence the best 2021 draft-eligible prospect. UNC QB Sam Howell Ben McKeown/Associated Press
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