ACC football season preview 2020: Can Notre Dame knock off Clemson?

ACC football breakout star: Micale Cunningham, Louisville QB

Scott Satterfield found his quarterback last season in Micale Cunningham. The  Montgomery, Alabama native came into his own last season under first-year head coach Scott Satterfield. Cunningham threw for over 2,000 yards and 22 touchdowns, adding over 400 yards and 6 scores on the ground.

Cunningham stepped in for Jawon Pass, who had season-ending foot surgery after the second game of the season last year. Cunningham eventually wrestled control of the starting job from Evan Conley.

This season, the job is all his, and he is QB1 barring injury. He’s a great fit in Scott Satterfield’s offense. He has a big-time arm and can make any throw asked of him. He’s also a good runner. He might not be as explosive an athlete as Pass, but he can make plays.

Cummingham is smart enough to get the ball to his playmakers. He knows that Javian Hawkins is as dangerous as a runner as there is in the ACC. Cunningham pitching to Hawkins on an option-read early means more opportunities for later for him.

In the passing game, he knows how to find Chatarius Atwell, and Satterfield does a great job of scheming him open. Dez Fitzpatrick proved himself to be a reliable downfield threat averaging 18.1 yards a catch.

An improved offensive line would do wonders for Cunningham. They were abysmal last season. They were among the worst offensive lines in college football despite having first-round draft pick Mekhi Becton at tackle last season.

The Cardinals have solid pieces around Cunningham for him to have a monster season. If the offensive line improves, he could find himself a Heisman darkhorse.