Ranking the Best ACC Matchups of Week 8
Can you believe we're already at Week 8 of ACC play?
With the season virtually flying by, we've certainly started to get a good grasp at which teams are poised to contend for their respective division titles.
While there aren't a ton of outstanding matchups this week, it's about maintaining consistency for those teams looking to contend for postseason play. As for lesser squads, this week could signal the difference between a losing season and a bowl appearance.
Without further ado, here's a look at the Week 8 slate of ACC games.
Virginia Cavaliers at North Carolina Tar Heels
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Don't look now, but North Carolina has won five in row. Larry Fedora's team has been buoyed by an explosive offense and a surprisingly stingy defense.
In only one game this season has UNC allowed more than 17 points. In the six-game span to begin 2015, North Carolina has also scored less than 38 points only once.
This isn't a good recipe for a struggling Virginia team headed to Chapel Hill. Although the Cavaliers pulled off an exciting 44-38 victory over Syracuse, they still lacks the depth and talent to compete in this game.
With another blowout victory, UNC could propel itself into the Top 25 next week. It's turning into a dark-horse contender in the ACC Coastal Division.
Pitt Panthers at Syracuse Orange
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Pitt made its entry into the Top 25 on the heels of a close victory over Georgia Tech.
At 5-1, Pat Narduzzi has done a fine job in his inaugural campaign. His job this week will be to disrupt Syracuse signal-caller Eric Dungey. An underrated player, the quarterback has a nine-to-one touchdown-to-interception ratio. He's decisive with his throws and exploit plays downfield.
Pitt will attempt to pressure Dungey with exotic looks from all over the field. The defense also needs to be cognizant of his ability to run the football. Offensively, it'll look to pound the rock with Qadree Ollison and Darrin Hall.
Road contests in conference play could prove to be problematic. Syracuse has already demonstrated a backbone in the Carrier Dome, as it played LSU extremely tough for the majority of the 34-24 defeat.
As such, Pitt could certainly be on upset alert this week.
North Carolina State Wolfpack at Wake Forest Demon Deacons
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This is a somewhat significant game for both teams in terms of bowl eligibility.
NC State has lost two games to the only real competition its faced this year. Wake sits at 3-4, after losing last week to North Carolina in a blowout.
Although it has a losing record, Wake has proven itself to be improved from a season ago. It played Indiana and Florida State extremely tough.
This won't be a cakewalk for the Wolfpack by any stretch. In fact, it wouldn't be a shock to see the Demon Deacons pull the upset at home.
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Florida State Seminoles at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
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The rematch of last year's conference title game doesn't have the same cachet as it did in '14.
While Florida State remains undefeated, Georgia Tech is in an absolute tailspin at the moment. Paul Johnson's team has lost five games in a row and is winless in conference play (0-4).
The Seminoles should have no problem winning the contest. However, the game is being played in Atlanta. GT also brings a funky offensive style to the table, and it's one that could pose problems if not schemed against correctly.
With that said, FSU has superior athletes on both sides of the ball. Look for Dalvin Cook to continue on his hot streak with another productive outing.
Duke Blue Devils at Virginia Tech Hokies
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Sitting at No. 23, the Duke Blue Devils are yet again sliding under the national radar.
David Cutcliffe's 5-1 team will square off on the road against a beleaguered Virginia Tech team. The Hokies are facing the real possibility of struggling to even qualify for a bowl game in 2015.
With Michael Brewer expected to start at quarterback, Frank Beamer surely hopes he'll add a bit of energy to a team in desperate need of some.
If the Hokies are to pull off the upset, they'll need to stifle signal-caller Thomas Sirk. This means getting after him with pressure and also controlling him in the run game.
Look for this game to be a low-scoring, hard-fought affair.
Boston College Eagles at Louisville Cardinals
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This could be one of the more entertaining games in ACC play this week.
Boston College's legitimate defense will be challenged by Lamar Jackson and an athletic group of Louisville skill players.
Perhaps more so than in any game this year, the Cardinals will look to utilize their speed advantage. This includes getting out on the perimeter and making Boston College defend laterally as opposed to attacking the offense downhill.
If Louisville gets out to an early lead, it may be difficult for BC to keep pace. The best chance the Eagles have in this game is to muck it up and make it an ugly game with little to no offensive rhythm. If it can do this, Boston College could win its first conference contest in five tries.
Clemson Tigers at Miami Hurricanes
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This is the marquee matchup of the weekend in the ACC.
Outside of Florida State, these could be the two most athletic teams in the conference. There certainly won't be a shortage of speed on the field in Miami.
This would be an absolutely massive victory for Miami head coach Al Golden. With the weekly pressure from disgruntled fans, a win versus a top-10 team could assuage some of those concerns.
For Clemson, this is another game in the way before the gigantic Nov. 7 clash versus Florida State. If Dabo Swinney's team continues to play the way its been performing of late, the Tigers should be victorious in this contest.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
