Miami @ Florida is the game of the week for the ACC and college football in general. The rivalry will garner much attention over the course of the weekend. Elsewhere, two teams with winning records in Georgia Tech and Pittsburgh face off in what should be an interesting encounter.
Conference Games
No. 7 Miami @ No.3 Florida State
One of this week’s biggest college games belongs to the ACC. The second time this season we have had the honour.
While on paper No. 7 @ No. 3 might seem a close game, it really won’t be. Jameis Winston and the Florida State Seminoles are on a mission towards a national championship while Miami have scraped past weaker teams for a number of weeks now. It will take a monumental effort from Stephen Morris, Duke Johnson and Dallas Crawford to cause an upset here.
See my other article for a more in-depth preview of the game.
No. 8 Clemson @ Virginia
Clemson will be sure to keep the pressure on Florida State when they travel to Virginia this coming week.
Virginia are on a four-game losing streak and don’t look like stopping the rot anytime soon. Clemson on the other hand, have only suffered one loss thus far in 2013 all be it an embarrassing one at home to the aforementioned Florida State. In last week’s win over Maryland the Tigers looked a lot more balanced with a breakout performance from running back Roderick McDowell. I fully expect Clemson to sail past a hapless Virginia.
Virginia Tech @ Boston College
Virginia lost their BCS ranking last week with a dreadful display against Duke while Boston College looked out of sorts when they travelled to a one win North Carolina.
Logan Thomas reverted back to his early-season form with four interceptions against the Blue Devils. However, the Hokies defense have been exceptional all year and will continue to keep their side in games. The Eagles struggled to put points on the Tar Heels so they will definitely struggle in Week 10. Quarterback Chase Rettig must show his mettle and bounce back from last week’s 57-yard performance with a big day.
Pittsburgh @ Georgia Tech
This ACC matchup promises to be a tense affair with both sides entering the game with winning records.
The Yellow Jackets have form on their side thanks to their best ground performance of the season against Virginia. Meanwhile the Panthers fell to Navy in a tight encounter. If the necessary adjustments aren’t made by Pitt then they will struggle mightily against a side that rank 4th in rushing yards per game.
The Panthers’ offense is very well equipped with running backs John Conner and Isaac Bennett as well as receivers Devin Street and Tyler Boyd all have exceptional seasons. If Tom Savage can manage the game well from quarterback the tie could be good viewing for the neutral football fan.
North Carolina @ NC State
Since September 21st these two teams combine for a 2-7 record as they both struggle to put points on the board.
North Carolina’s offense has failed to live up to its potential in 2013. Quarterback Bryn Renner has been poor meaning uber-athletic tight end Eric Ebron has failed to make a consistent impact. Renner, however, did have a strong performance in the Week 9 win over Boston College and should regain more confidence against the Wolfpack.
NC State’s offensive problems is a result of a non-existent passing game with quarterback Pete Thomas tossing three touchdowns to eight interceptions on the season. Running back Shadrach Thornton had a brilliant 173-yard performance in last week’s loss to Florida State. Hopefully the sophmore can inject some life into more games.
Wake Forest @ Syracuse
Wake Forest came within a minute of a famous win over Miami last week while Syracuse were shut out against Georgia Tech.
With the manner in which both teams are playing I expect Wake Forest to earn a win on the road against Syracuse. Tanner Price is playing very well for the Demon Deacons, the quarterback has 12 touchdowns to four interceptions on the season. A lot of Tanners production can be attached to receiver Michael Campanaro. The senior is slashing defenders week in week out and has now compiled 65 receptions on the season.
Syracuse is struggling for an identity at quarterback. Terrel Hunt and Drew Allen have both been fairly dismal all season with neither able to nail down the starting gig.