All the big ACC teams are in action this week as Florida State continues the march towards Pasadena. Clemson have a tricky home tie against Georgia Tech to negotiate while Duke press towards their eighth win of the year. All that and more in this ACC Week 12 Preview.
Syracuse @ No. 2 Florida State
For the first time all season the Florida State Seminoles are in control of their own destiny. When Oregon lost to Stanford last Thursday night Jimbo Fisher’s men became the number one contender to face Alabama in the national championship game.
Syracuse has been one of the most unpredictable teams in the ACC thus far in 2013, sandwiched in amongst three wins in the last four games was a 56-0 drumming from Georgia Tech. Despite Syracuse managing to win games of late it’s unlikely they will be any match for Florida State. The Seminoles have scored 352 points against ACC opponents through seven games while conceding just 95. The home side will walk this one.
Georgia Tech @ No. 8 Clemson
For me, this is the most intriguing match-up in Week 12. Both teams are coming off a bye week and while Clemson will be the clear favorite, Georgia Tech are no slouches.
Since the humiliating loss to Florida State the Tigers have scored 99 points and Tajh Boyd has hooked up with Sammy Watkins on 22 occasions for 332 yards and two scores.
It took Watkins four game to put up those numbers at the start of the season.
The Yellow Jackets, as we all know, run the triple-option offense under guru Paul Johnson, yet that isn’t the most impressive aspect of this team - their defense is.
Georgia Tech are ranked 14th in the FBS in points allowed (18.8 per game) while they rank fifth in rushing yards per game (311.2).
Tajh Boyd isn’t often quick off the bat to start games and may struggle to find a rhythm the longer the game goes on. Factor in the clock being chewed by the visiting side and it could be a recipe for disaster.
No. 23 Miami @ Duke
Duke have won five straight; Miami has lost two in a row and both share identical 7-2 records. Is this match two teams crossing in opposite directions or can Miami pull out a road win and keep their season on track?
In the Hurricanes’ defeats to Virginia Tech and Florida State they conceded a staggering 1,066 yards. Stephen Morris has been erratic with the football all season and Duke Johnson is lost for the year. While it would seem the tide is totally against the U they’re 8-0 against Duke since they joined the ACC and still have so much to accomplish this season.
The Blue Devils, on the other hand, are riding the wave all the way to the rankings if they pull of their first ever win against Miami. Quarterback Anthony Boone has been less than impressive since his return from injury despite the string of wins. With a gutsy performance this basketball school could be a slam dunk for the AP Top 25.
North Carolina @ Pittsburgh
Another intriguing matchup sees a North Carolina that has won three in a row travel to Pittsburgh who knocked off No. 23 Notre Dame last week.
Eric Ebron had a season-low two receptions against Virginia last week as scrambling quarterback Marquise Williams looked to run before pass. The athletic, play-making tight end must play a bigger role in the Tar Heels’ strategy if they are to make the most of their recent form. Running back A.J. Blue hasn’t exploded from behind Gio Bernard’s shadow but there is still time for the senior to show he is draft worthy.
Pittsburgh pulled up the upset of the week against Notre Dame and must use the momentum gained to win their sixth of the season. Tom Savage played a smart game from quarterback, and while Isaac Bennett and James Conner struggled on the ground, the Panthers’ persistence with the run kept the game open. As it stand this game is too close to call but I have more faith in North Carolina’s recent upturn in form.
Maryland @ Virginia Tech
After a clumsy loss to Boston College, Virginia Tech handed Miami their second loss of the season last week and should roll past a Maryland plagued by injuries.
C.J. Brown hasn’t looked himself since suffering a concussion against Florida State. Second string quarterback Caleb Rowe has performed admirably when given the chance but there is no spark to the Terrapin’s offense without the injured Stefon Diggs. Since the sophomore’s injury against Wake Forest, Maryland have put up just 30 points in ten quarters of football.
Virginia Tech surprised us all with the 42-24 win away to Miami but they looked impressive. Quarterback Logan Thomas had his best game of the season while Trey Edmunds ran in four scores - finally some flow and balance to the Hokies’ offense. With Virginia Tech conceding just 17.6 points per game I expect them to win their final home game of the season with consummate ease.
NC State @ Boston College
NC State enter this game looking to win their first ACC tie of the season while Boston College have the opportunity to go two games above .500.
Boston College have surprised a number of people this season including myself. I predicted a tough schedule would be the downturn but the north-eastern side have pleasantly surprised. Chase Rettig is leaving college football in style and so is Andre Williams who had 295 rushing yards against New Mexico State a week ago.
On the flip side, NC State have endured a torrid campaign. Despite starting 3-1 the Wolfpack were soon exposed when conference games began and have lost five in a row. A 1:3 touchdown to interception ratio has been calamitous as the travelling side look to be on the brink of a seventh loss.