Ranking the Best ACC Matchups of Week 4
Week 4 of ACC actions brings us an amalgam of nonconference games and conference tilts.
While there aren't a ton of elite matchups from a rankings standpoint, there are some intriguing games with big-name opponents from other conferences.
Specifically regarding two games, the ACC has a chance to enhance the perception of their conference nationally. As per usual, the games within this piece are ranked from the least appealing to the one with the highest amount of interest.
Samford at Louisville
1 of 9
Perhaps the most shocking development of the year is the fact Louisville has started 0-3. Surely, no one predicted Bobby Petrino's squad to get off to such a rough start.
A combination of inconsistent quarterback play and a very tough early portion of the schedule has led to its current state.
The best-case scenario for Louisville is to get a "cupcake" at home, which is exactly what it's been given in Samford. While the Bulldogs are 2-1, they haven't played anyone close to the talent-level of Louisville.
Look for the Cardinals to shake the losing streak and get a much-needed victory.
Delaware at North Carolina
2 of 9
The offensive fireworks were on display for the Tar Heels last weekend in the 48-14 trouncing of Illinois. Ryan Switzer, Elijah Hood and Marquise Williams all had huge games for North Carolina.
Williams had over 300 yards of total offense, including 109 on the ground.
Sitting at 1-2, Delaware will be undermanned heading into this contest. It won't have the depth to match up with North Carolina on the defensive side of the ball, and its offense will have to play exceptionally well to keep pace with the expected offensive onslaught UNC will display.
If you're a fan of explosive offenses, tune into this contest. Larry Fedora's team will likely put up a ton of points.
NC State at South Alabama
3 of 9
On paper, this appears to be another ho-hum victory for North Carolina State. The Wolfpack have played a very weak opening trio of games from a competition standpoint, and are a 17-point favorite in this contest.
After losing to Nebraska, South Alabama surprisingly won at San Diego State by a score of 34-27. Couple that with the fact this game is being played in Mobile, and anything can happen.
North Carolina State should win the game, but this might not be the cakewalk many thought it'd be prior to the season starting.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Indiana at Wake Forest
4 of 9
Indiana is off to a 3-0 start in 2015. The Hoosiers haven't played an exceptionally tough schedule, but they've still managed to come out unscathed.
Wake Forest is sitting at 2-1 after narrowly defeating Army. While the Demon Deacons haven't looked overly explosive offensively, the defense has generally done a nice job.
This is a very winnable game for Wake. Playing at home will certainly help matters, and the teams are somewhat even from a talent standpoint. This would be a nice win for Dave Clawson to get versus a Big Ten opponent. A victory in this game would also get Wake halfway to bowl eligibility.
Northern Illinois at Boston College
5 of 9
Both programs have surprised some people in the early goings of 2015.
Northern Illinois put a deep scare into No. 1 Ohio State last weekend in Columbus. The Huskies won their other two games on the season, sitting with a 2-1 record.
Despite a mass exodus of players via graduation, BC has also started the season 2-1. It was blanked 14-0 versus Florida State at home last week but played the Seminoles extremely tough.
This should be a close ballgame. Boston College will want to get back to its winning ways, and Northern Illinois would love nothing more than to beat a team on the road from a major conference.
Virginia Tech at East Carolina
6 of 9
Virginia Tech's offense exploded for 51 points last week at Purdue.
New starting signal-caller Brenden Motley was an efficient 15-of-24 for 220 yards and two touchdowns in the victory. He also had 24 yards rushing, and VT made a concerted effort to keep the ball in his hands both running and throwing the football. His dual-threat ability makes him dangerous.
Although East Carolina has started the season 1-2, there's still a lot of talent on this team. There's no question it can compete with Virginia Tech.
The Pirates will score some points and keep this game interesting. However, their defense will be the major downfall in this contest. East Carolina is allowing an average of 415 yards per game to its opponents.
Boise State at Virginia
7 of 9
Virginia has had a difficult start to the season—in large part due to its schedule.
The Cavaliers had to go to No. 9 UCLA before hosting No. 6 Notre Dame at home. No other team in the country has faced such an arduous two-game stretch. As a result, we really don't know how good this team is. While it may not be a top-10 team, Virginia certainly could be at least a .500 team.
Mike London's team is given another opportunity to take down a quality opponent in the form of Boise State. The Broncos are 2-1, after squeaking by Washington, thrashing Idaho State and losing to BYU. This might not be a Boise team of the past, but it isn't one without talent.
This is an opportunity for London to get a signature win versus a big-name opponent (even if Boise plays in a non-Power Five conference). Virginia and its embattled head coach desperately needs a victory here.
Georgia Tech at Duke
8 of 9
After a somewhat disappointing showing versus Notre Dame last week, the Yellow Jackets will be facing a pithy Duke team on the road in Durham.
Georgia Tech seemed to never get into any consistent rhythm versus the Fighting Irish. Some of that had to do with ND's talent, but the Yellow Jackets didn't play well.
Duke is one of the best-coached teams in the conference. What they lack in talent they make up for in guile, discipline, execution, and effort.
Expect the Blue Devils to bring a quality game plan to the table. Georgia Tech will try to utilize its superior athletes on both sides of the ball.
It should be a highly competitive game.
LSU at Syracuse
9 of 9
There are plenty of narratives surrounding this contest.
For one, LSU rarely travels to the northeastern portion of the country. It's happened only five times, with the last time occurring in 1947. Heisman Trophy front-runner Leonard Fournette will look to (somehow) build upon his stellar 228-yard outing versus Auburn last week.
Syracuse is surprisingly undefeated at 3-0 to start the year. Due to injuries, 'Cuse will be relying upon Zack Mahoney to lead the team from the quarterback spot. At the beginning of this year, Mahoney was listed as the fifth-string signal-caller.
LSU has a big talent advantage in this game. However, playing in a unique setting such as the Carrier Dome—in a completely different region of the country—could be interesting.
With the star power involved in the form of perhaps the best player in all of college football, it sets up for an intriguing game.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
