ACC Football Spring Preview Top 10 questions and storylines

ACC Football Spring Preview: Top 10 questions and storylines

Dec 31, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) and head coach Dabo Swinney celebrate after defeating the Oklahoma Sooners in the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium. Clemson won 37-17. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec 30, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) looks to pass against the Texas A&M Aggies during the first half of the 2015 Music City Bowl at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /

Is Louisville a serious contender?

The Louisville Cardinals could be poised to crash the party at the top of the ACC Atlantic where it’s been Florida State and Clemson vying for the division title without much competition.

But this year could be different with Louisville rising sophomore quarterback Lamar Jackson who will garner a lot of comparisons to Deshaun Watson for his dual-threat ability.

Jackson had 226 rushing and 227 passing yards in the Music City Bowl vs. Texas A&M to join Vince Young and Johnny Manziel as the only players to have a 200/200 performance in a bowl game.

If the Cardinals offensive line can protect for him and open holes for the running game, Louisville will be a popular sleeper pick to upset Florida State and/or Clemson. Louisville allowed 44 sacks last year, the most in the ACC, but return four starters, so the hope is there is a lot of room for improvement.

Next: Will Boston College show signs of life?

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