We ask the three biggest ACC football question marks of that week. Here we go for Week 5.
What does Duke need to do to beat Notre Dame?
Duke needs to get on top of Notre Dame. Player-for-player Duke can’t match the Irish talent-wise, but that was also the case against Clemson. Notre Dame is reeling after literally throwing their game away against Ohio State after the defensive collapse on the game’s final drive. If Duke goes up 10-0 early, behind a frenzied crowd, Notre Dame might be toast. When Sam Hartman was at Wake Forest, as good as he was, he seemed to always have one clunker of a game. He’s yet to throw an interception this season. Duke is one of the country’s leaders in turnover margin. It’s easier said than done, but win the turnover battle, get ahead early – and Duke can pull off the stunner.
Could Clemson really start the year 2-3 after playing Syracuse?
I still don’t get some of the optimism in Clemson circles after losing to Florida State in OT. Yes, it was close, yes Clemson had an opportunity to win, but so did Boston College against the Noles. What if Jordan Travis had been healthy? The Tigers keep making mistakes at critical points in the 2nd half. When that happens doubt creeps in. If it’s a one-score in the 4th quarter at Syracuse and we know Syracuse has given even the best Clemson teams headaches, can Clemson close them out? The Tigers have talent, but mentally, they must show something we haven’t this year. They absolutely could start the year 2-3.
Will Louisville leave NC State 5-0?
Notre Dame has already been announced the following week as a 730 primetime game at Louisville. The Cardinals offensively are one of the best teams in the country facing a pretty stout NC State defense. Something has to give. Will Louisville be caught looking ahead to Notre Dame? It’s hard to judge NC State even at 3-1. They’ve struggled with a couple of terrible teams in UCONN and Virginia. I don’t know about this one, but if Louisville gets to 5-0 – that’s a top-25 team.
