Ranking the Best ACC Matchups of Week 10
Week 10 of ACC action is arguably the best we've had to date in 2015.
It's chock-full of intriguing matchups, including one between the two prohibitive favorites in the conference. A very significant rivalry game between two upstart programs will take place, as well as another top-ranked squad going on the road in what should be a hostile environment.
While it's not a heavy schedule from an actual games standpoint, the six contests all should provide terrific entertainment.
Syracuse Orange at Louisville Cardinals
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Syracuse is reeling heading into this contest, having lost their last four games. It's generally played its competition quite tough but simply hasn't been able to pull off victories late.
Louisville has been inconsistent throughout the year, mostly due to youth and inexperience at significant spots. It narrowly defeated Boston College last week by a score of 17-14 and has won three of its past four games.
The Orange will have to try to neutralize Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson in the run game. With Jackson's propensity to take off and run for good yardage, Syracuse will have to keep him contained.
NC State Wolfpack at Boston College Eagles
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Although possessing the No. 1 defense in the entire country, Boston College sits at 0-6 in conference play.
Why? Well for one, the offense. While the defense is unparalleled statistically, the offense is statistically second to last in the entire country. This polarizing facet has surely led to the 3-6 overall record.
NC State put up 41 points against No. 1 Clemson last week...but also gave up 56. On paper, it should defeat BC with its athleticism and speed advantage. Signal-caller Jacoby Brissett is also playing at a high level.
With that said, one can't discount Boston College's defense. Playing in Chestnut Hill also gives the Eagles a bit of a puncher's chance.
Virginia Cavaliers at Miami Hurricanes
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Miami showed how one week can completely change the complexion of a season.
After the firing of Al Golden, no one knew how Miami would fare the following week at Duke. A blowout loss was certainly feasible. However, that certainly was not the case.
The Hurricanes used a last-second, eight-lateral kickoff return play to upset Duke. It was a game that saw Miami expel considerable emotion. This victory is significant on a number of levels; not only did it give Miami its second conference victory, but it could also act as a galvanizing force throughout the remainder of this year.
Playing host to a 3-5 Virginia squad, look for Miami to ride that momentum and play with a renewed sense of pride and enthusiasm.
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Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Pittsburgh Panthers
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Perhaps surprising to some, Notre Dame came in as the No. 5 team in the earliest ranking for the College Football Playoff.
Brian Kelly's team narrowly defeated a tough Temple team on the road last week and will head to Pittsburgh to face another physical team in the Pitt Panthers.
Pat Narduzzi's team struggles at times to score the football, which could play into Notre Dame's favor. The Fighting Irish will likely try to take away the Pitt ground game. As such, receiver Tyler Boyd could be a major X-factor.
Notre Dame will also try to utilize its speed advantage on the perimeter. Although both teams differ in playing style, it should be a close game. The last five contests involving Pitt have been decided by seven points or less.
Duke Blue Devils at North Carolina Tar Heels
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Separated by roughly 10 miles, UNC and Duke are understandably bitter rivals. The fact that both football programs are having good success in '15 makes this game that much more interesting.
After dropping the season opener to South Carolina, Larry Fedora's team has won seven games in a row. It's been buoyed by an explosive offense and a surprisingly staunch defense (led by former Auburn head coach Gene Chizik).
Duke is coming off of an improbable loss to Miami, in which the Hurricanes used eight laterals en route to a last-play kick return for a touchdown.
It will be fascinating to see how Duke heads into this contest. Will it suffer from an emotional hangover? It can't be easy going into a massive rivalry game a week after suffering such a devastating defeat.
Florida State Seminoles at Clemson Tigers
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This is without a doubt the marquee matchup of the entire conference season.
Sitting at No. 1 in the first installment of the College Football Playoff rankings, Clemson is primed to launch itself into an upper-echelon program. But first, it must slay the dragon that is Florida State.
The Seminoles have beaten the Tigers in three straight years. Each time, Clemson was unable to get over the proverbial hump and knock off its rival to the south.
This opportunity should provide Dabo Swinney with his best shot at taking down a program that has been perceived as Goliath within the ACC for quite some time.
A win here would not only give Clemson an added boost to an already quality resume, but it'd essentially knock Florida State out of conference title contention.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
