The three biggest ACC football questions of the week. Here we go for Week 3.
Is Georgia Tech ready to take the next step in its program against Clemson?
Georgia Tech, except for those 1st qtr turnovers has looked the part of a tough physical good football team. That’s somewhat of a rarity in the ACC. Georgia Tech is known for playing well against ranked teams, but this is different. A win here isn’t just an upset, it would establish Georgia Tech as a true darkhorse contender in the ACC and in position to make a playoff run. Let’s face it, Clemson has looked pretty bad the first two weeks. The offense has looked like a mess, and the defense isn’t quite as dominant as expected. The Tiger’s backs are against the wall. I think this will be a competitive down-to-the-wire game, and the winner is going to make a real run in the ACC. I think Georgia Tech is good enough to knock off Clemson, Clemson has a history of starting to find itself 3 or 4 games into the season.
How concerned should Miami be about South Florida?
Who knew that South Florida would be the higher-ranked opponent for Miami between the Bulls and the Florida Gators? There is no question that South Florida will have Miami’s full attention after beating Boise State and Florida, but I don’t think the Canes have to play perfectly to beat South Florida. South Florida is legit, but the Canes are a TD better than either Boise State or Florida. QB Carson Beck is no stranger to big games. I’d be more concerned if Miami hadn’t already played and beaten Notre Dame. The Canes just need to be relatively mistake free and this feels like a 27-17 type win.
Will Cal make a statement against Minnesota?
Cal is quietly 2-0 and getting great play from Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele at the QB position, but nobody has really noticed yet. They should because the Cal Bears have a little something brewing. This is a huge prove-it game for Cal. Minnesota is a credible opponent, and a win here and Cal becomes a team that can finish in the upper echelon of the ACC. I really like Cal in this one.
