ACC Football: Each team’s top Heisman Trophy candidate for 2020

Much like the Pitt Panthers, if the Syracuse Orange are to make a run to a championship, it’s the offense that has to carry the day. If the offense is to carry the day it has to be Tommy DeVito in his second year as starting quarterback.

There is a lot of turnover on the roster this season and DeVito is the leader. Both DeVito and the offense showed improvement toward the end of the season and the defense was bad last season and does not look to get better.

If the Orange show dramatic improvement it will be because DeVito has taken what is a marginal skill group, put them on his back, and elevated them. He’s the highly-touted recruit and is the best player on the offense.

Though he lost last year’s leading receiver, the returning talent does have some experience. Last season’s second-leading receiver, Taj Harris, will take the lead at wide receiver. Oklahoma transfer Abdul Adams will likely take the RB1 position held by outgoing running back Moe Neal.

Decent enough players, but DeVito would have to elevate them. For DeVito to make a run toward Heisman candidacy, he’ll need broad enough shoulders to carry an entire offense.