There are four ACC conference games in Week 5 with Virginia Tech at Georgia Tech drawing the most intrigue.  Clemson, despite being ranked third in the AP Poll, are yet to fire on all cylinders and it’s only a matter of time before Tajh Boyd and Sammy Watkins put their mark on the season.

Here is a preview to the ACC games in Week 5.

Conference Games

Wake Forest @ No. 3 Clemson

Clemson struggled to get out the gate against NC State last week and it wasn’t until two second half touchdown catches from Martavis Bryant that any hope of an upset was quashed.  Quarterback Tajh Boyd and receiver Sammy Watkins must show they can take over games before they reach the heart of the schedule.  However,  despite some early-season struggles,  a home tie against Wake Forest should be a foregone conclusion.

No. 8 Florida State @ Boston College

The Seminoles will seek their eighth straight conference victory Saturday behind an impressive ground attack.  Florida State running backs have amassed an incredible 643 yards over the last two games and their running back-by-committee approach will need to stand the test of time as they being a tough stretch with games against unbeaten Maryland and Clemson following Boston College.

Virginia Tech @ Georgia Tech

Georgia Tech will fancy their chances of winning the game of patience after starting the season strongly.  Despite Bud Foster’s Virginia defense being as impressive as ever,  the Hokies’ offense has flat-lined all season.  Georgia quarterback Vad Lee has passed for seven scores and ran in three more as nine different offensive players have found the endzone from the triple-option offense.

Logan Thomas continues to baffle scouts around the country despite being one of the most physically gifted quarterbacks in college football.  Running back Trey Edmunds will need to carry the away teams’ offense if they’re to win their fourth game on the bounce.

Virginia @ Pittsburgh

Before the season began Virginia were clear favourites to win this match-up,  however,  after an impressive win against Duke last week,  Pittsburgh will hope to use home-field advantage to improve to 3-1. Freshman running back James Conner has started the season hot for the Panthers and will look to add to his 326 yards and three touchdowns against a Virginia side that was gashed on the ground by Oregon.

Virginia quarterback David Watford has turned the ball over six times through three games,  and sooner or later the Cavaliers will be punished for such wasteful play.

Non-Conference Games.

No. 15 Miami @ South Florida

The momentum Miami gathered by beating Florida in week 2 was evident in the thrashing of Savannah State last week,  the 0-3 South Florida have a lot to be worried about.

If quarterback Stephen Morris’ ankle injury is still niggling the senior,  backup  Ryan Williams completed 82% of his passes including two touchdowns last week,  showing he is more than capable of guiding the ‘Canes to victories in Morris’ absence.  This week’s game against South Florida is Miami’s last non-conference game of the season where wins become all the more important.

East Carolina @ North Carolina

East Carolina pushed Virginia Tech last week and will do the same to North Carolina this week.  The Tar Heels have been underwhelming thus far in 2013 as quarterback Bryn Renner has struggled without Giovani Bernard in the backfield.  Athletic tight end Eric Ebron got his season off the ground with a 108 yard performance in week three’s loss to Georgia Tech and more of the same will be required against the Pirates.

Troy @ Duke

Duke suffered a heart-breaking defeat to Pittsburgh last week and Troy are in line to face the backlash of David Cutcliffe and his men.  Junior wide receiver Jamison Crowder has 30 catches on the season which includes a 141 yard performance against the Panthers.  Quarterback Brandon Connette’s turnovers cost the Blue Devils last week but the junior will bounce back with a strong performance to move Duke above .500.

Central Michigan @ NC State

After a solid performance against the high-octane Clemson last week,  NC State will bounce back strongly at home to Central Michigan.  Quarterback Pete Thomas is yet to throw a touchdown this season,  something which must be amended as a number of ACC games loom on the horizon.  The tie will also serve as a good opportunity for the Wolfpack to work on their running game which lacked a punch against Clemson.