This isn’t just Year 2 in the ACC. Terrel Hunt is in Year 2. That is supposed to be better than Year 1. Scott Shafer is in Year 2, too. Consistency and familiarity will be key. The Orange must pick up on the momentum of last year’s bowl win.
Clemson looks like a completely different team on offense this year. In one season, Clemson lost its quarterback (Tajh Boyd), two elite receivers (Sammy Watkins, Martavis Bryant) and their leading rusher (Rod McDowell).
With the reigning Heisman Trophy winner and national championship quarterback in the house, there was an extra zap of electricity in the air to what was otherwise a pretty nondescript first day of media interaction.
Wake Forest’s defense will be the better of the two units this year, highlighted by a veteran secondary. But Wake’s offense, which finished at the bottom of the ACC last year in production, will need time to develop.