ACC Football Week 12 Breakdown
It was a weekend to lock up some spots in the postseason. Clemson, as expected, will be playing for the ACC title. Virginia Tech took one step closer to locking up the Coastal by beating Georgia Tech last weekend. They have a showdown with Virginia next weekend to settle that score. All that can happen now are some spoilers and better bowl positioning.
GAME OF THE WEEK
Virginia Tech versus North Carolina
This is a serious upset opportunity for North Carolina. Should the Tar Heels win, Virginia Tech would have a lot more trouble navigating to the championship game in December. Not only that, but a win would prove to people that their shutout loss to NC State two weekends ago was more of a fluke than anything else.
It hasn’t been a dream season for North Carolina. With all the allegations and the firing of Butch Davis before the season, the Tar Heels never really recovered. After 10 games they are 6-4 and out of the conference race. Interim coach Everett Withers should be commended for the job he has done in light of what has gone on. Guiding this particular team to a bowl is still quite the achievement. Last week was not a highlight though. But this is nothing out of the ordinary. The Tar Heels haven’t beaten their rivals since 2006. That is quite a drought. North Carolina played about as poorly as it could. Bryn Renner got beat up and was eventually replaced. They lost the turnover battle 3-1. Perhaps most startling is the fact that the Tar Heels only rushed for three total yards. Three. Not many games can be won with that formula. Granted, sacks account for rushing yards, and Renner was sacked four times. But Giovani Bernard still didn’t even have 50 yards on the ground. With a game like this all you can do is throw away the tape.
It will be a tough week to try and rebound. Virginia Tech proved it is still Big Man in Conference by beating up on Georgia Tech last weekend on the road. Logan Thomas was incredibly efficient in a game where he didn’t have to do too much. That is when he is at his best. He was 7-13 for 209 yards and three touchdowns. Virginia Tech was really able to exploit the Yellow Jackets defense and gain 476 yards. David Wilson was steady as ever with 175 yards rushing. Ever since their hiccup against Clemson, Virginia Tech has really found its rhythm and Logan Thomas has not tried to overdo it. It helps when you have a great running game to rely on. The Hokies should have no problem again this week in Lane Stadium against North Carolina. They just can’t be looking ahead toward closing out the season. Otherwise, they could find themselves on the wrong side of the result.
OTHER GAMES
Virginia versus Florida State
Who would have thought that both of these teams would have the same record after 10 games? Mike London has done great work with the Cavaliers and a win on the road against FSU would vault him to another level. Their 31-21 win over Duke last weekend was not spectacular in any regard. The stat sheet was mostly even, and in many cases Duke outplayed Virginia. But the Cavaliers and Perry Jones were able to chew up a lot of clock with 165 rushing yards to Duke’s 34. Michael Rocco was solid, throwing two touchdowns. At 7-3, Virginia stands to make a good bowl game regardless of the outcome of this game. Imagine where this program will be in two years.
Their opponent had a tough time with a pesky in-state rival in Miami. Florida State never trailed in the game, but Miami hung around until the end. The Seminoles ferocious defense led the way again by forcing two fumbles that cost Miami some possessions. Without those turnovers, FSU might lose this game. They were outgained 383-259, had 80 less rushing yards, and 50 less passing yards. Lamar Miller was giving them fits most of the day. X-factor Greg Reid produced in the return game by providing an insurance touchdown before halftime. Florida State has run-off five wins in a row. Virginia is on a mini-streak of its own. This could be a tug-of-war.
Clemson versus NC State
Clemson already has the Atlantic Division in hand, but this would be a big boost for NC State going forward if they could beat Clemson on Saturday. Also, they would really like to get a monkey off their back. Clemson has beaten NC State every year since 2003. With Mike Glennon guiding them, they have a shot this year. After an inexplicable loss to Boston College last week, Glennon would like to rebound. He threw for 220 yards and a pick in Chestnut Hill and the offense couldn’t get anything going. The running back committee only averaged 2.0 yards per rush against a bad Boston College team. The loss can’t sit well with Coach Tom O’Brien and his squad. After an up-and-down season for the Wolfpack, a win here would validate the flashes of great football they’ve shown this year.
Clemson was against the ropes last Saturday against Wake Forest. Wake Forest also had an opportunity to with the Atlantic if they had just beaten Clemson. The Tigers rallied in the fourth quarter to claim the victory and the division title. Tajh Boyd was his regular self, tossing for 343 yards. Andre Ellington was a total workhorse gaining 98 yards on 23 carries and finding the end zone twice. The Tigers do make it interesting though. As they dominate teams on offense, they also keep them in the game on defense. They gave up 145 rushing yards, and a 50% third down rate. This is nitpicking a little bit. Clemson committed three turnovers and still won the game. When you’re talented, you’re talented. Their streak against State should continue.
Boston College versus Notre Dame
Boston College won a hard fought game last weekend against NC State. Wouldn’t it be great if they could keep it up against Notre Dame? The odds are seriously against them. Notre Dame crushed Maryland in Maryland’s back yard last weekend 45-21. Boston College is going to have a hard time stopping Tommy Rees and Michael Floyd. The Irish racked up over 500 yards of offense against the Terps. Boston College’s offense can’t keep up either. If you can’t match scores with the Notre Dame offensive unit, then you’ll be in trouble. They can grind it on the ground and have explosive play ability. Chase Rettig was average last week against NC State (118 yards, 1 interception). He’s going to have to be spectacular if the Eagles are going to win.
Maryland versus Wake Forest
This game will unfortunately just be a game on the schedule for the Demon Deacons. Had they beaten Clemson last week, Jim Grobe’s team would be in the driver’s seat to win out and win the Atlantic Division. As it turns out they lost. They are 5-5 and are surely disappointed. They do become bowl eligible with a victory, which may provide enough motivation to come out hungry. The Deacs did play well last week at Clemson and were leading near the end of the game. Brandon Pendergrass was a beast, scoring twice and carrying the ball for 134 yards. Their defense helped them out by forcing turnovers, but in the end Tajh Boyd made the plays Clemson needed to win. Wake Forest will be limping into this game with three straight losses. At least they are catching the Terps who have lost six straight and can’t stay in games. Their defense is near the bottom of the FBS, and the quarterback carousel hasn’t worked. CJ Brown will be in full-time on Saturday due to an injury to Danny O’Brien. Wake should have its way with Maryland.
QUICK HITTERS
Miami versus South Florida
Miami is searching for bowl eligibility in this out of conference rivalry. Miami has really been playing well with mixed results. South Florida is an average team struggling in the Big East. Miami looks like the better team. Hopefully they prove it.
Georgia Tech versus Duke
Duke will not have an answer for the triple-option. Georgia Tech is just too fast. Sean Renfree will have to have a great day passing for Duke to have a shot at winning this one.
Week 12 Football Breakdown Page
