The Week 4 ACC schedule presents a number of tight match-ups that will be won by the team that shows innovation and execution. Can Duke and Maryland continue their strong starts to the season? Will Georgia Tech make the most of home-field advantage? And can Clemson's offensive stars continue to put up incredible numbers.
Here is the ACC Week 4 preview.
No. 3 Clemson @ NC State
When NC State came up against the Tigers ten months ago it quickly became one of the most thrilling games of the season. Clemson won 62-48 that night and Tajh Boyd set an ACC record with eight total touchdowns. With former Wolfpack Quarterback, Mike Glennon, now in the NFL, fans can expect Clemson to dominate from the off.
Boyd has begun the season strongly, throwing three touchdowns in the season opener against an excellent Georgia side, before playing just a half against South Carolina State two weeks ago. NC State maybe 2-0 but they scraped past Richmond in their second game and must improve to keep this week’s score respectable.
Bethune-Cook @ No. 8 Florida State
The Seminoles are playing like a team on a mission, after brushing aside Pittsburgh in Week 1, they demolished Nevada 62-7 last week with a well-rounded performance. A combination of freshman quarterback Jameis Winston and a balanced running game spells trouble for Bethune-Cook. Winston and the other key offensive starters will only play the first half in what will be an exhibition match.
No. 16 Miami @ Savannah State
With a bye-week following their impressive win over Florida, Miami are eased back into proceedings against Savannah State who have already lost to Troy and Georgia Southern this season. The match-up should serve as a good platform for ‘Canes quarterback Stephen Morris to get his season off the ground after some early season jitters.
North Carolina @ Georgia Tech
In what I see as one of the more intriguing games in the ACC schedule this week, North Carolina come off their bye-week against a Georgia Tech side who have looked comfortable thus far in 2013. The Tar Heels will need to shore up their defense after conceding 20 points to Middle Tennesse in their last outing, Paul Johnson’s triple-option offense will be much harder to defend.
Promising tight end Eric Ebron has been limited to seven receptions through the first two games. The senior is an integral part to NC’s offense and quarterback Bryn Renner must do better to get the ball in the hands of his playmaker.
Marshall @ Virginia Tech
I’m still waiting for Logan Thomas to kick-start his season and if it doesn’t happen in a home game to Marshall then I’ve lost all patience. The Hokies defense has stepped up in all three games so far this season but Frank Beamer needs his offense firing before a string of conference games. Running back Trey Edmunds will bounce back from dismal performance against East Carolina with 150 all-purpose yards.
Wake Forest @ Army
A Wake Forest side in need of a break just doesn’t get one in Week 4 as they face a well-coached Army side. Army put up a respectable 20 points against Stanford last week while Wake Forest could only muster 19 against LA-Monroe. Wide receiver Michael Campanaro has been extremely impressive so far and his development with quarterback Tanner Price must continue to improve if the Demon Decons are to get anything from the season.
Pittsburgh @ Duke
Duke is the ACC team who have impressed me most through three games. The game between the two sides is set up perfectly after Duke suffered their first loss of the season to Georgia Tech last week and will be on the rebound. Meanwhile, Pitt waltzed past New Mexico after a tough opener against South Carolina. Who can move the ball on the ground will decide this encounter as both teams boast an impressive backfield.
Tulane @ Syracuse
Syracuse chalked up win one on the season last week and will be confident of returning to .500 against Tulane. Junior receiver Jarrod West exploded against Wagner and his chemistry with quarterback Drew Allen will continue to develop. Allen had a rough start to the season throwing six interceptions in the first two games, I expect the ‘Cuse to give him extended playing-time against Tulane to help him find his feet after the departure of Ryan Nassib.
West Virginia @ Maryland
Maryland continues to get the job done in 2013. Stefon Diggs is developing into the wide receiver we thought he would be and his explosiveness will be a challenge for a West Virginia defense, despite being much improved from a season ago. Quarterback C.J. Brown has 11 total touchdowns thus far on the season and has looked more comfortable with each game. West Virginia gave Oklahoma a run for their money earlier in the season right after struggling to beat William & Mary. Which Mountaineers side turns up could decide the contest.
VMI @ Virginia
Virginia Military Institute Keydets will pose little problem to a Virginia team still reeling from a humiliation at the hands of Oregon two weeks ago. Quarterback David Watford has been turnover-happy despite showing some strong play under center, a home game against VMI could be just what he needs to bury the early-season demons. The game will also serve as an opportunity to get the Cavaliers running game off the ground as Kevin Parks is averaging a measly 3.2 yards per carry through the first two games.