Early finish to the ACC games today, so I can post earlier than normal. There is a lot to talk about in the ACC for Week 10. Let’s jump right into it.
1) Florida State can win the National Title
We know FSU isn’t the team they were last year. With several close calls, they were still the ACC’s best team, but I didn’t know if they were capable of winning the national title. What I saw in the 2nd half against Louisville proved the Noles can win it all again. Florida State was able to run the ball effectively against a good Louisville defense. The defense only gave up 10 points in the 2nd half, and of course Jameis Winston still has never lost. The Seminoles face a decent defensive team in Virginia next week, but I don’t think they will have much trouble with the Cavaliers. After beating Notre Dame, and now winning at Louisville, the Noles are rounding into form. They are a lock for the playoff at the moment.
2) Florida State vs Louisville with Huge Rating Numbers.
This is worth repeating, as I posted this the day before. Florida State vs Louisville was the highest rated game of the year on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, and ESPNNews. Yes Florida State polarizing fans across the country and in the playoff chase was the main draw, but I don’t think the ratings bonanza happens playing say a Maryland for example. Did I say that? Louisville is just a tremendous addition to the ACC.
3) The dumpster fire at Virginia Tech grows
The Hokies dropped their 3rd game in a row, and had to rally to lose 33-31 to Boston College at home. The Hokies defense gave up over 250 yards rushing to BC, and is a shadow of the defense that stuffed Ohio State. I suppose the Hokies can take solace in the fact that they will keep Ohio State from the playoffs probably no matter what they do. For Virginia Tech, they have to head to Durham to play surging Duke next week. Their bowl chances are in real jeopardy, and the program is in total dissaray. The Hokies look years away from being a top 25 team again. I never thought I’d see Frank Beamer coached team in this state.
4) The streak is over!
NC State went 12 straight losses and nearly 2 years without winning an ACC game until today. That is giant weight off Dave Doeren’s shoulders. Now NC State can start thinking about bowl eligibility. Georgia Tech at home next week will be tough, but an upset by NC State wouldn’t shock me. Even if NC State loses there’s a game with Wake Forest and at UNC. There’s at least one win in there. The Wolfpack will be bowling.
5) Steve Addazio for ACC coach of the year.
Jimbo Fisher again has FSU in the national title chase. David Cutcliffe has Duke as the Coastal Division team to beat again, but if I’m voting for ACC coach of the year today, I’m voting for Steven Addazio of Boston College. They lost star RB Andre Williams, and have a new starting QB in Tyler Murphy. Not much was expected from the Eagles, but after beating reeling Virginia Tech they are 6-3. That includes a win over the USC Trojans. They play Louisville at home next in what should be a real physical war. Addazio has re-energized the BC program.
6) Keep not believing in Duke
There is no more Coastal chaos. The Division is now Duke’s to lose after winning at Pittsburgh 51-48 Saturday. They are 7-1 (3-1) now and the schedule sets up perfectly for them. They face a struggling Syracuse team on the road next week. The Blue Devils just keep winning. People keep doubting them, and I’m not sure why. One week their offense carries the load. The next week they get a good defensive performance. Is Duke blessed with an abundance of talent? No but they have more than you think, and of course they are extremely well coached. Duke may collapse, but I’d be making reservations for Charlotte if I were a Duke fan. This time Duke fans don’t let Florida State outnumber you 2-1 there either. Support your football team…
7) Miami is rapidly improving
A month ago after losing to Georgia Tech, Miami fans were ready to boot Al Golden. Now they are playing some of the best football in the ACC. UNC came into Saturday’s game red-hot, but Miami destroyed their 2nd straight ACC team. Duke Johnson is running wild, and Brad Kaaya is coming along nicely as a freshman QB. Miami needs a lot of help from Duke to win the ACC Coastal, but they have the potential to throw a scare into FSU at Miami in 2 weeks.
8) Virginia’s promising season is a distant memory
Remember when Virginia was 4-2 and looked like the ACC’s most improved team? That’s history after their third loss in a row. This time the Cavaliers went down 35-10 to Georgia Tech. Virginia’s receivers dropped passes all over the field, and the defense while it did a credible job against Georgia Tech’s triple option couldn’t come up with critical stops when they needed. Where are the 2 wins going to come from now for bowl eligibility? At FSU next week? Improving Miami the next? Virginia Tech a team the Cavaliers haven’t beat in over a decade? Last week’s loss to UNC is the one Virginia will regret all year.
9) Georgia Tech handles their business
The Yellow Jackets ran their record to 7-2 after beating Virginia Saturday. Virginia took away the edges from Georgia Tech today, so Paul Johnson went to the arm of Justin Thomas who went a crisp 7-13 for 141 yards. Thomas is making faster reads and getting more comfortable running the offense, and the defense while not great is getting better. Georgia Tech has a game left next week they can’t over look with NC State. Georgia Tech has a decent year secured, but there is still a chance at a really special season. Oh and by the way the triple option offense continues to work at this level.
10) ACC Power Rankings
1) FSU 2) Clemson 3) Duke 4) Georgia Tech 5) Louisville 6) Miami 7) Boston College 8) Virginia 9) UNC 10) NC State 11) Pittsburgh 12) Virginia Tech 13) Syracuse 14) Wake Forest
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