With just two full-time starters returning to ACC line-ups from a year ago, there will be plenty of success stories in 2014. Five wins, eight wins or a berth in the ACC Championship game, each team and starting quarterback will have a different definition of success. Nevertheless, some will fall short of expectations. Let’s have a look at who I think will bring glory and failure to their respective teams.
Succeed
Will Gardner – Lousiville
After losing star quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and Head Coach Charlie Strong to Texas, the Louisville Cardinals would have been forgiven for accepting 2014 as a transition season as they move to the ACC. Will Gardner, however, has other plans. It’s tough to get a good reading from spring games. But Gardner’s 32 of 37 for 542 yards and four touchdowns can only be a positive. With Bobby Petrino calling the plays and a strong supporting cast including wide receiver DeVante Parker and former Auburn running back Michael Dyer, the sophomore could be about to make a name for himself.
Cole Stoudt - Clemson
Normally, losing your two starting wide receivers – one of which was Sammy Watkins – and stand-out guard Brandon Thomas would mean a tough season was in store for the quarterback about to take over that team. Thankfully, I believe Stoudt has the experience to step up to the challenge and take charge the Tigers’ offense. The senior is extremely familiar with Dabo Swinney’s high-octane system after three years as a back-up - in which he threw for over 700 yards and eight touchdowns in limited action. Beating out highly-touted incoming freshman Deshaun Watson should be an indication of where Stoudt is at.
Kevin Olsen – Miami
The Hurricanes went 9-3 last season (9-4 if you include the Bowl loss to Lousiville) as they continue to rebuild. Stephen Morris was a good stop-gap but I believe Olsen is the four-year starter Miami needs to get the former powerhouse back to their glory days. There will undoubtedly be growing pains for the redshirt freshman but a fair schedule and the development of other key players means Olsen will have every chance to reach ten wins.
Jacoby Brissett – NC State
The Wolfpack quarterback situation a year ago was a disaster as Pete Thomas and Brandon Mitchell combined for eleven touchdowns and 15 interceptions between them. Both have moved on from the program and that leaves Florida Gators transfer Brissett the clear cut starter. It can’t get much worse for NC State than their three wins a year ago and, if it does, Brissett will not be a causing factor.
Chad Voytik – Pittsburgh
Voytik was recruited by the Panthers ahead of last season with elite high school pedigree. He did not get many chances to shine behind Tom Savage, just 13 attempts as a freshman, but fits well into what Paul Chryst is trying to do. Tyler Boyd was a brilliant target for Savage as a freshman and has the potential to be an All-American as a sophomore. With that in mind expect Voytik to turn some heads in his first season under centre.
Justin Thomas – Georgia Tech
2013 starter Vad Lee left in bizarre circumstances after some success in the Georgia Tech triple-option system. Justin Thomas gained experience behind Lee last year and 234 yards and a pair of touchdowns in ten games. He is a better athletic fit for Paul Johnson’s offense than Lee was and should be able to grow into the starting role as the weeks tick by.
Fail
Michael Brewer – Virginia Tech
Brewer, a Texas Tech transfer, is not a bad player and probably does not deserve to be on this list. However, after arriving late he is behind the curve and has some catching up to do. With another year of eligibility after this one his best season as a Hokie is well ahead of him as he is sure to beat out the competition. There will be flashes of quality in 2014 but it is likely that once again the Virginia Tech defense does most of the work.
Tyler Cameron – Wake Forest
2014 is a big transition period for Wake Forest after star wide receiver Michael Campanaro graduated along with starting quarterback Tanner Price. Cameron saw some game time as a freshman but completing seven of 24 passes for 85 yards, no touchdowns and three interceptions is not a stat line that fills you full of hope for the Demon Deacons.
Greyson Lambert – Virginia
Head Coach Mike London is in desperate need of a good season and the success of the 2014 Cavaliers rests squarely on the shoulders of sophomore Lambert. Playing in seven games a year ago he threw for 340 yards but will need to take major strides if the coaching staff are to keep their jobs and win more than two games.
Tyler Murphy – Boston College
Running back Andre “2k” Williams and all-time leading wide receiver Alex Amidon have departed the Eagles leaving Murphy with an up-hill task. The senior transferred from Florida in the off-season and threw for 1,216 yards, and six touchdowns as well as rushing for three scores. He is a solid starter who will fill a hole until freshman Darius Wade is ready to take over. But you have to feel the offense is too thin for him to make an impact.
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