All Sports Discussion gives you the good, bad, and ugly from this weekend in ACC football.
The Good
Lesson Learned
Florida State was on the road late against an inferior opponent and struggling. We’d seen this story before against NC State, when Florida State inexplicably lost 17-16 in Raleigh.
Now they were in Blacksburg blowing another double digit second half. The only difference is that FSU bent and bent, but didn’t break like they did against NC State and won 28-22. It wasn’t impressive, but it’s another step for Florida State as they work towards becoming an elite football program again. Same situation, but different result than in the NC State game. Next week is a gimme against Maryland before the showdown with Florida.
A new era
Just 2 weeks ago Georgia Tech sat 3-5 following a blowout loss to BYU and facing two road ACC games. Now The Jackets are 5-5 and have shot to win the ACC Coastal Division… Seriously. It’s also the beginning of a new era in Atlanta. Paul Johnson finally has the complete dual-threat QB, he’s wanted since he game to GT. RS Freshman Vad Lee has been a shot in the arm for what was a reeling Yellow Jacket team. Lee’s ability to throw the ball opens up Paul Johnson’s triple option offense. Today in a mild surprises Georgia Tech won 68-50 at UNC, and moved the Jackets to within 1 win of getting bowl eligible. It better happen next against Duke, because winning at Georgia is too much to ask. Get used to seeing Vad Lee the next few years in the ACC.
Spoiler Alert
Georgia Tech isn’t the only resurgent ACC team. Two weeks Virginia was 2-6, and it looked like the season was headed towards disaster for the Cavs. Beating NC State last week was nice, but Virginia followed that up with a thrilling 41-40 win over Miami. Mike London seems to have found something in rotating QB’s Phillip Sims and Michael Rocco, and Virginia suddenly is one of the ACC’s hotter teams. The record still isn’t great, but the Cavs are relishing the role of spoiler. Next is a home game with UNC as the Cavaliers try to keep those bowl hopes alive.
Cruise Control
Another game, another double digit win for Clemson. This time it was a 45-10 win over Maryland. Clemson is playing so well right now they are sleep walking to blow out victories. The Tigers moved to 9-1 and the target is the Sugar Bowl.
Rebound
NC State is the ACC’s most schizophrenic team. One week they look great, then the next week awful. This week was the good NC State team. They rolled over Wake Forest 37-6, to get bowl eligible at 6-4. They held Wake Forest to just 16 yards rushing in a strong defensive performance. Bad NC State better not show up next week, or they’ll get destroyed at Clemson.
The Bad
Close doesn’t count
Virginia Tech played inspired and hard against Florida State last Thursday. It was one of the few times this year their play calling wasn’t atrocious. In fact Virginia Tech may have played their best game of the year, and they still lost to dropped to 4-6. Virginia Tech has a very tricky road game at Boston College next week. It’s a must win or the Hokies won’t go bowling.
Spaz Watch
Boston College lost to Notre Dame this week. They are now 2-8, and the Spaz watch continues…
The Ugly
Slipping Away
Miami has lost 3 of their last 4 games, and have given away control of the Coastal Division with their recent slide. Today the Canes couldn’t hold a 10 point 2nd half lead against Virginia. That severely put a dent into the Hurricanes Coastal Division hopes.
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