2012 ACC Football Schedule: Quick Look at Top Games on Next Year's Slate

Those of you waiting on pins and needles for the 2012 ACC football schedule to be released can finally relax.

It's here.

If you view the complete schedule, you'll notice that a handful of games stand out.

Below are five games that involve ACC teams that appear a little bigger than the rest.

Monday, Sep. 3: Georgia Tech at Virginia Tech

Frank Beamer's Hokies went to the Sugar Bowl last season, and you can be certain that they're going to be in the mix for another BCS berth in 2012. Va Tech always has good teams.

But the Yellow Jackets are going to give the Hokies a test right out of the gates. Georgia Tech was undefeated midway through the 2011 season, and its run-heavy offense can lead to long days for the opposition when it's working well.

As if the matchup wasn't good enough, the fact that it's a Monday night showcase makes this game worth a look.

Saturday, Sep. 22: Clemson at Florida State

Florida State was a national title favorite before the 2011 season began. Once the season actually began, Clemson was the team that emerged as the ACC's best squad.

Both the Seminoles and the Tigers will be looking to make a run at a national title in 2012, so it goes without saying that this game is huge for both teams. Florida State and Clemson are likely to be ranked pretty high early on in 2012, so this is a shot at a big statement win for both of them.

Saturday, Oct. 6: Miami at Notre Dame (at Soldier Field)

Sure, this isn't an all ACC matchup, but a game between two storied programs like Miami and Notre Dame tends to grab one's eye.

The Associated Press reported in July that Miami and Notre Dame will start a home-and-home rivalry in 2016, but for now the two programs are going to do battle at Soldier Field. That's just fine with me, as watching two great programs like these play at one of the great stadiums in America only adds to the intrigue.

Thursday, Nov. 8: Florida State at Virginia Tech

If the Seminoles are going to make a run at a national title, beating Clemson will definitely help. However, beating Va Tech on the road will help even more.

The Hokies may not be an elite team at this point in the season, but the Seminoles will impress voters if they manage to win this game.

On the flipside, this game will be a must-win for a Hokies squad that will be looking to maintain its hold over the ACC Coastal division.

Saturday, Nov. 24: Florida at Florida State

Last season was a disappointing campaign for the Seminoles, but at least they managed to salvage some dignity by beating Florida. 

The Gators will be looking to return the favor in 2012, and they're probably going to have the firepower to do so. They were a solid defensive team last season, and their offense can only improve over last season's performance.

If so, this is going to be a darn good game, something this rivalry hasn't seen in too long.