This will be a new series.
The three biggest ACC football question marks of that week. Here we go for Week 1.
How will Clemson QB DJ Uiagalelei play?
Clemson is a 20+ point favorite against Georgia Tech. This should be an easy Labor Day win for Clemson, but let’s not forget last year’s game went to the final minute. That was a 3 win Georgia Tech team. Clemson’s offense was a total trainwreck at the time and it never got better than average the rest of the year. There were issues everywhere offensively for the Tigers last year not just at QB. That said QB DJ Uiagalelei’s uneven play still was a big factor in why Clemson struggled so much on offense. If Clemson is to win the ACC and compete for a spot in the playoffs it will start at quarterback. Can DJ Uiagalelei be that guy? We will get our first clues in Clemson’s game against Georgia Tech.
Is there life after Kenny Pickett at Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh opens the season Thursday in a return of the Backyard Brawl with West Virginia. Gameday will be there. It’s a monster game for the defending ACC champions, but there is no Kenny Pickett. USC transfer Kedon Slovis has been named the starter. Pittsburgh is playing at home and is a touchdown favorite. If Pitt loses, I don’t like their chances the following week against Tennessee, and then the whole season is up the air. Pittsburgh returns a ton of talent, but after Thursday we’ll have a good idea if there is a life at Pitt after Kenny Pickett.
Can Florida State return to national relevance against LSU?
Florida State looked pretty good against Duquesne in week 0, but that was Duquesne. It’s been a long long time since Florida State won a game that made people pay attention. You have to back to December 30, 2016, when Florida State beat Michigan in the Orange Bowl to find the last time the Noles beat anyone of note out of conference. LSU is a brand name, but a winnable matchup. Winning won’t turn around FSU in one game, but it would be the tangible result that would give FSU fans true hope for the first time in years.
