Back in May, we looked at the ACC’s 10 most intriguing conference games. As we near the season, what happens out of conference sets the tone for the ACC’s national perception. Here are the 10 that I think are the most pivotal starting with 6-10.
We don’t always look at the traditional matchups either, we’re going deeper in games that will shape the ACC season.
1. November 5th, 2022 – Clemson at Notre Dame
It doesn’t get any bigger than this for an ACC team this year. Clemson/Notre Dame games always draw massive ratings and national interest. Clemson will likely be fighting for a spot in the playoffs, and this game will weigh heavily for the perception of the ACC and Clemson’s playoff hopes. Notre Dame could be in playoff contention as well. The Tigers may not be undefeated coming into the game, but I can’t see more than one loss coming in. Notre Dame hasn’t lost to anyone in the ACC outside of Clemson since 2017. During Clemson’s playoff run, they always won these types of games.
2. September 4, 2022 – Florida State vs LSU
When was the last time an ACC team not named Clemson won a game that caught national attention? Florida State came within an eyelash of beating Notre Dame last season on Labor Day weekend. They get another Labor Day weekend shot against a LSU team that went 6-7 last season. Make no mistake Florida State can win this game, and if they beat LSU it would a tremendous shot in the arm to the Noles and ACC. Florida State gets the benefit of some actual game action the week before against Duquesne. That won’t hurt.
3. September 1, 2022 – West Virginia at Pittsburgh
The Backyward Brawl is back! West Virginia and Pittsburgh officially open the college football season with Gameday coming. The ACC so badly needs a second team to be consistently good. In the last 10 years, Florida State fell away, Georgia Tech and Syracuse had one-hit wonder top 15 years. Louisville and Miami flirted with playoff contention here and there, but no one has taken that baton. It’s Pittsburgh’s shot as defending ACC Champion. I think they can do it. This is a talented team with a lot of experience returning and the nation will be watching. A loss to a decent, but not great West Virginia team would be a real setback.
4. September 10, 2022 – Tennessee at Pittsburgh
Last season’s Pitt win at Tennesee opened eyes that the Panthers could be pretty solid. Getting a credible, but not elite SEC team at home is the type of game that the Panthers should feel like they can win. We’ve already talked about the returning talent Pitt has, and if they knock off West Virginia and Tennessee to open the season – they could be in the top 10 and the season could take off.
5. September 17, 2022 – Miami at Texas A&M
I have this game a little lower on this list, as I don’t think Miami is quite ready to win a game like this on the road yet. So if Miami loses to Texas A&M it shouldn’t get people up in arms about the ACC or Miami. With that said, if Miami went into College Station and won, would that ever make a statement for the Canes and new head coach Mario Cristobal. The Aggies are still a team that lost 4 games last year including Mississippi State at home. When you have a QB the caliber of Tyler Van Dyke you always have a shot.
