Orlando Sentinel

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Dabo Swinney had a long run of dominance in the ACC with Clemson, but his apathy toward the transfer portal could be the Tigers’ downfall. Megan Briggs/Getty

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5 burning questions

Welcome to the expanded ACC, now 17 schools as the league is less Atlantic and more coast to coast with the additions of Southern Methodist, Stanford and California. Most of the offseason, however, has been focused on FSU and Clemson suing the league — and vice versa — over withdrawal penalty and grant of rights both schools signed in 2013 and ’16. There are plenty of unknowns, including on the field. — Bob Ferrante, Orlando Sentinel Correspondent

Can FSU repeat as ACC champion?

Mike Norvell has been asked about the 2023 team and the “snub” throughout the offseason. He has been firm in questioning but respecting the CFP committee’s decision while calling the ACC champions a special team. It’s clear what the Seminoles accomplished holds special meaning to him and it illustrates the program’s impressive turnaround after four straight losing seasons (2018-21).

There’s no comparing last year to the 2024 team. With 10 players drafted by the NFL, many of the names are different. But the Seminoles went big in the transfer portal to grab quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, receiver Malik Benson, running back Roydell Williams and a trio of defensive ends in Marvin Jones Jr., Sione Lolohea and Tomiwa Durojaiye (moved to tackle).

The schedule is more challenging than analysts have forecast. Another undefeated regular season is unrealistic. But the Seminoles have the run game, defense and kicking game to secure a spot in the ACC title game.

Has Clemson reached a plateau?

The Tigers enjoyed a decade-plus of consistency, racking up 10 wins or more from 2011-22. They went 9-4 in 2023 but just 4-4 in league play. A turnover-filled week 1 loss to Duke was telling, but FSU also won at Clemson for the first time in a decade while the Tigers stumbled on the road to Miami and N.C. State. If ever a nine-win season were to be considered a disappointment, it’s at Clemson — where expectations are annually high.

There’s outside criticism of Dabo Swinney for not using the transfer portal. Is his philosophy right for Clemson or stubborn? The Tigers had a top 10 defense in 2023, returning All-American linebacker Barrett Carter and freshman All-American defensive end Peter Woods, but lose five players on that side of the ball to the NFL Draft. Clemson isn’t picked to be in the 12-team playoff by most national analysts in 2024, but the Tigers very well could be in contention.

Will Miami take flight with Cam Ward’s arrival?

Mario Cristobal was viewed as a link to Miami’s past (winning national titles in 1989 and ’91) as well as its future. But the Hurricanes lost six of their last nine games, including an inexplicable decision to not take a knee that resulted in a home loss to Georgia Tech.

The Hurricanes can bounce back but will need to win some shootouts as well as improve on defense. Quarterback Cam Ward (Washington State) is the prized portal addition, and he will throw to a deep group of receivers (led by Xavier Restrepo and Jacolby George). Defensive end Rueben Bain Jr. is viewed as a potential All-American, and the Hurricanes have pulled in an influx of talent via the portal and high school ranks to shore up that side of the ball. They also stocked up on blue-chip high school defensive linemen, including Justin Scott, Marquise Lightfoot and Armondo Blount. Miami is often projected as a playoff pick and it would be quite the turnaround.

The best league for quarterbacks?

In the transfer portal era, it’s easy to find experienced quarterbacks at Power 4 programs. The ACC has 10 quarterbacks on the Maxwell Award preseason watch list, more than any conference. Beyond transfers Ward and Uiagalelei, Clemson features Cade Klubnik (2,844 yards), Georgia Tech has underrated Haynes King (2,842 yards) and Boston College showcases UCF transfer Thomas Castellanos (2,248 passing yards, 1,113 rushing yards). None has shown to be first-round NFL draft picks, but they’re all effective and dangerous.

Who is the best of the new schools?

The transition from G5 to P4 isn’t easy. But SMU features quarterback Preston Stone (3,197 passing yards, 28 TDs and 6 interceptions), returning top receivers Jake Bailey and Jordan Hudson. SMU’s defense is a blend of holdovers and transfers, with defensive end Elijah Roberts recording 10 sacks in 2023. The Mustangs should have the horsepower and could push for nine wins.