ACC Football Week 9 Breakdown
In the ACC, there is the Clemson Tigers and there is everybody else. Clemson’s play is on a whole different level in conference right now. They have scored 107 points in their last two games. They appear to not be interested in a tight race to the conference championship. Can they keep riding this wave? We’ll see.
GAME OF THE WEEK
Georgia Tech versus Clemson
Unfortunately for viewers, this game would have had a lot more luster to it a few weeks ago when Georgia Tech was on top of the world also. But these last two weeks have seen the offense sputter, and the defense unable to get stops when it needs them most. Despite the two game losing streak, this game is still the best on the slate for Halloween weekend.
Tech has lost consecutively to Virginia and Miami, two teams that are not a large threat in the race to the championship game. Though Miami has found its stride a little bit, Georgia Tech couldn’t muster any more than seven points out of an offense that has averaged nearly 39 points a game. Miami flustered Tevin Washington in the passing game and contained the outside runners. They were able to match the Jackets speed and throw them off their rhythm. In fact, it got so bad for Washington, he was pulled in favor of backup quarterback SynJyn Days (though he was ineffective in his limited action). The Jackets longest run all day was 11 yards. In a rush offense that relies on explosive running plays, 11 yards is nothing. Georgia Tech was held to 2.8 yards per carry and committed three turnovers. No matter how great your offense is, that is a recipe for disaster.
Clemson steamrolled North Carolina 59-38. In the third quarter alone, the Tigers scored 35 points. In short, they put on a clinic. The defense forced six turnovers, which ultimately was too much for UNC to overcome. The Tiger offense had 26 first downs and 373 yards through the air. Tajh Boyd is truly the leader of this team. He threw five touchdowns, tying a school record, and completed 58 percent of his passes. Combined, DeAndre Hopkins and Sammy Watkins had 17 catches for 248 yards.
If there is anything for Georgia Tech to exploit defensively, it might be the Clemson running game. Generally, the Tigers fare well on the ground behind Andre Ellington, but in this game neither Ellington nor the run game could really get going. The assault through the air was clicking for the Tigers against UNC so they only mustered 77 yards on the ground. Georgia Tech can force Clemson to be one-dimensional and then concentrate on defending the pass. That is no easy task though. Trying to disrupt an offense that is rolling like this can give a coach nightmares. Paul Johnson might have one on Saturday.
OTHER GAMES
Virginia versus Miami
The Thursday night game this week pits Virginia against Miami. The Hurricanes have been playing great football of late and have won three out of four. Virginia comes into this game after a disappointing loss to NC State after a surprising win over Georgia Tech. Despite Virginia’s 4-3 record, they are probably more like the team that played last weekend against the Wolfpack than what they did two weeks ago. Virginia’s quarterback situation is starting to get complicated. Michael Rocco has shown flashes of what it takes to lead this team, but Mike London has also given David Watford some snaps under center. Neither has blown anyone out of the water. Watford threw three interceptions and Rocco had one himself. It puts Virginia in a precarious situation against the fast defense of the Hurricanes. They completely shut down the Georgia Tech offense last week, forcing three turnovers. The Hurricanes rank top 5 in most defensive categories in the conference. Virginia is going to have a tough time preventing Miami’s penetration to the quarterback.
Virginia does have a saving grace in its pass defense. Led by Chase Minnifield, the Cavaliers have impressive cornerbacks that blanket the opposing receivers and hold them to just 106 yards per game on average. Jacory Harris played awful against Georgia Tech in spite of his team’s victory. Virginia will need to get ahead of Miami early in order to force the Canes to throw. They will provide themselves opportunities to make plays. The question is, will they?
Wake Forest versus North Carolina
North Carolina is one win away from being bowl eligible, and they could get it this weekend at home against Wake Forest. Wake Forest is also trying for six wins, but one of their victories has come against Gardner-Webb, an FCS team. North Carolina really needs to rebound. After starting 5-1, they have lost two straight games. Bryn Renner has had a roller coaster ride at quarterback. While it is probably safe to say he is the man to lead this team down the line, he threw three interceptions last week against Clemson and completed just 57 percent of his passes. He needs a steadier performance for North Carolina to keep up with other talented teams in the ACC. He will battle veteran Tanner Price for Wake Forest head-to-head and will need to outduel Price to come up with a victory.
Wake Forest gutted out a victory over Duke last weekend that went down to the wire. They had to stave off a furious rally in the second half to win by a single point, 24-23. Tanner Price kept his cool and kept a clean sheet as neither he nor his offensive unit turned the ball over, which allowed them to maintain scoring drives. The issue for Wake is the rush defense. They gave up 148 yards on the ground, and were on the field nearly double the time the offense was. Usually Wake is stout up front against opposing running backs but got worn down last Saturday. They will need to be able to stop Giovani Bernard of UNC better than that to pull out the road upset.
UNC really needs a win in the conference. At 1-3, they are nearly out of the race in the Coastal Division. They will be fired up playing in front of their home crowd. Home field + desperation = watch out Wake.
Florida State versus NC State
Florida State began to hit on all cylinders last weekend against Maryland. Though the win was impressive, this is still not the elite team many thought they were before the season began. They started as a consensus Top 10 selection and currently have a meager 4-3 record. They are on a two-game winning streak now and could run the table if they put it all together. Their toughest test between NC State and the end of the season is Florida. The defense is still the “Florida State defense” the squad has been known for over the years. They lead the conference in sacks, tackles for loss, and total defense.
They should have a field day teeing off on Mike Glennon. Glennon is a good quarterback, but he is relatively inexperienced. He also gets no help from the run game. The Wolfpack rank 99th nationally in rushing. He has the ability be a premier quarterback in the conference. He has thrown for 19 touchdowns already to only six interceptions. Those interceptions have proven costly though and have come at inopportune times. This weekend, he may need to use his feet to escape pressure from a defense that hits from all angles. His decisions on the run will make or break his team’s chances. In front of that Florida State crowd, he will have his hands full.
QUICK HITTERS
Virginia Tech versus Duke
Duke has been putting up a fight all season, dropping a heartbreaker last weekend to Wake Forest. Virginia Tech has been finding ways to win. That is the difference. Look for Logan Thomas and David Wilson to go off against the Devils.
Boston College versus Maryland
These two teams have a combined three wins and have trouble stopping people. Chase Rettig is solid, but getting beat up. Maryland isn’t even sure if CJ Brown or Danny O’Brien is starting. Both need a win. Whichever defense doesn’t wear down in the fourth quarter will lead their team to victory.
Week 9 Football Breakdown Page
