Ranking the Best ACC Matchups of Week 6
The sixth week of ACC play offers us a slate of very competitive games.
A vast majority of the contests features teams with relatively even squads. With some of the programs below the .500 mark, this week could be vital in terms of striving toward an eventual bowl berth.
The headliner game of this weekend features two teams hailing from the same state. There will be a lot of talent (and speed) on the field in Tallahassee, Florida, this upcoming Saturday.
Without any further delay, here's a look at the best Week 6 ACC matchups.
Duke Blue Devils at Army Black Knights
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While this may appear like a big mismatch on paper, Army is better than its 1-4 record indicates.
All four of the Black Knights' losses have come by six points or less. Theoretically, Army is four plays away from being 5-0. It averages nearly 288 yards rushing a game. A ball-control style of play will test David Cutcliffe's team.
Duke does have an advantage from a depth and talent standpoint. Perhaps more so than in any game this year, it must capitalize on this facet. Army wont beat itself with penalties and undisciplined acts.
It would not be a shock to see a somewhat low-scoring, close contest.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Boston College Eagles
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Wake Forest and Boston College are both looking for a first win in conference play.
From a talent standpoint, both teams are relatively even. The major difference in this contest will likely come on the defensive side of the ball.
Wake is allowing a respectable 20.4 points per game. Boston College has put the clamps down on people this year—giving up a stellar 8.0 points a contest. The Eagles have been fundamentally sound and incredibly physical throughout their defensive unit.
Boston College signal-caller Troy Flutie—the nephew of former BC legend Doug—will look to engineer the fourth win of the season for the Eagles at home in Chestnut Hill. The fanbase surely hopes the diminutive quarterback will bring a bit of "Flutie magic" to the table in this contest.
Virginia Cavaliers at Pittsburgh Panthers
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Even without stud back James Conner, Pitt is off to a surprising 3-1 start. Qadree Ollison has been terrific in a reserve role, rushing for 122 yards and a touchdown in the 17-13 victory over Virginia Tech last week.
The Panthers have proven to be good in close games. They've won three games by a touchdown or less and narrowly lost to Iowa by a field goal.
Virginia is in the midst of another tough year under Mike London. Sitting at 1-3, the Cavs are desperate for a victory. While signal-caller Matt Johns has thrown for 989 yards and eight touchdowns, he's also been victimized by six interceptions.
If Virginia can hold onto the ball and keep it close, it has a shot at the upset. If Pat Narduzzi's defense is disruptive and forcing turnovers, this could turn into a blow out.
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Syracuse Orange at South Florida Bulls
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Although 1-3, South Florida is listed as a five-point favorite against Syracuse as of Thursday morning, per OddsShark.
The Orange played LSU much tougher than anyone expected them to in a 34-24 defeat. Syracuse displayed immense heart, energy and pride in the loss. One has to wonder if there could be an emotional hangover heading into this game on the road against a sub-.500 opponent.
As for South Florida, it will rely on talented sophomore back Marlon Mack for production. Athletically, the Bulls should enjoy an advantage in this game. Look for signal-caller Quinton Flowers to test Syracuse's secondary with the likes of D'Ernest Johnson and Elkanah Dillon.
North Carolina State Wolfpack at Virginia Tech Hokies
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After feasting on four cupcakes, North Carolina State lost its first true test of the season to a game Louisville squad last weekend. At this point, we truly don't know how good the Wolfpack are.
Virginia Tech is surprisingly sitting at 2-3 after two close losses to East Carolina and Pitt. While the Hokies will miss corner Kendall Fuller, starting quarterback Michael Brewer is slated to return from a collarbone injury suffered in Week 1 against Ohio State.
The return of Brewer could be a big shot in the arm for a team in need of one. If the first half against the Buckeyes was any indication, the Hokies could be a dangerous team going forward in ACC play.
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Clemson Tigers
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Although Georgia Tech has been a pretty big disappointment thus far in the 2015 season, this game still has the potential to be a good one.
Clemson earned a tough victory against Notre Dame last week and has vaulted itself to a No. 6 standing in the latest AP Top 25 poll. The Tigers were aided by the rushing exploits of Wayne Gallman, who accrued 98 yards on 22 carries.
On paper, Dabo Swinney's team should have no problem winning this contest at home. However, Georgia Tech will be motivated to come in and upset Clemson. The unconventional Yellow Jackets offense also could pose some problems.
Miami Hurricanes at Florida State Seminoles
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This contest pits the "it" team in the state of Florida (Florida State) against the team of yesteryear (Miami) in Doak Campbell Stadium.
There won't be a shortage of athletes in this game, with very good athleticism on both teams. When it comes down to it, quarterback play could loom large. To his credit, Everett Golson and the FSU offense haven't turned the ball over once this year. It's been an effort buoyed by ball control and intelligence.
However, the health of stud back Dalvin Cook is a big question mark. Should he not play, look for Miami to ramp up the pressure and get after the Florida State signal-caller.
Should Miami pull the upset, it'll do so on the arm of Brad Kaaya. The sophomore already has thrown for over 1,000 yards on the year.
Look for this game to be closer than many think. Due to the geographical similarity, anything can happen with these in-state rivals.
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