Ranking the Best ACC Matchups of Week 12
With two more weekends remaining in the conference schedule, we've got a pretty good idea as to how the ACC will unfold.
We know Clemson is a shoe-in for the conference title game. Barring a complete collapse in its final two games, it appears as if North Carolina will be the Tigers' opponent in Charlotte.
Many would be looking forward to such a game, as it would pit the No. 1 team in the country against perhaps the hottest team in the nation since the second week of the season.
There are some tantalizing matchups within the Week 12 slate. Based upon some of the games, the potential for high point totals could come to fruition.
Chattanooga at Florida State
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For Florida State, this is essentially a tune-up for next week's in-state clash with Florida.
Although Chattanooga has the same overall record (8-2) as the Seminoles, that's about where the similarities end. Florida State is much bigger up front on both sides of the ball. As a result, it should not only rush for considerable yardage, but also get pressure with its front four.
Jimbo Fisher's plan likely includes getting his starters some run, and hopefully a large lead early. This will enable him to integrate young, inexperienced players into the mix. It also theoretically will prevent injury to key players ahead of a big game the following weekend.
Syracuse at NC State
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Losers of seven in a row, one has to wonder whether Syracuse head coach Scott Shafer could be coaching for his job in these next two games (NC State, Boston College).
The Orange haven't played terribly in the losses, but they simply haven't been able to display the consistency requisite to win.
It's been another ho-hum year for the Wolfpack. Looked at as a potential dark horse in the Atlantic Division, they've faded yet again back into the depths of mediocrity. Although possessing a 6-4 record, NC State is 2-4 in conference play.
This is certainly a winnable game for Syracuse. It'll need to try to slow NC State signal-caller Jacoby Brissett. Dangerous with both his arm and legs, he acts as a galvanizing force for the Wolfpack's offense.
Wake Forest at Clemson
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A battle of two mismatched teams will take place this weekend in Clemson.
The Tigers will be taking on a 3-7 Wake Forest team. The Demon Deacons have no possibility of making a bowl game. It could be a case of walking into the proverbial lion's den with this contest. One has to wonder about the motivation Wake may have—or not have.
The collective eyes of Clemson are geared toward a spot in the College Football Playoff. A date with an upstart North Carolina team in the conference title game appears likely at this point.
With that said, Dabo Swinney's team will look to close out its regular-season conference slate with a win against an inferior opponent.
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Georgia Tech at Miami
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Coming off of two victories, one would've thought Miami was going to give UNC a competitive game this past weekend.
Instead, the Hurricanes were annihilated by 38 points, 59-21. It was an embarrassing effort—and one in which Miami was never really in the game.
It has the ability to get embarrassed again, with Georgia Tech's funky triple-option offense coming to down. Miami has superior athletes, but does it possess the desire to compete?
Although the Yellow Jackets are sitting at 3-7, Paul Johnson's team is more than capable of defeating a squad with better talent...ask Florida State.
It wouldn't be a shock to see this be a close game, or one in which a blowout occurs on either side.
Duke at Virginia
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Here's a case of both teams functioning with downward trajectories.
Duke has lost three games in a row, getting derailed by the bizarre, last-second loss to Miami. It hasn't been able to fully recover from it and thus is out of division-title contention.
At 3-7, Virginia also will miss the opportunity to play in a bowl game. Another poor season in Charlottesville could hinder Mike London's ability to stay on next season as the head coach.
In this game, the Cavaliers will look to essentially "win one for the Gipper" in what could be London's last two games in charge.
Duke will surely want to get back to its winning ways against a beatable opponent.
Boston College at Notre Dame
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While Boston College has demonstrated the ability to defend at a high level, its putrid offense essentially has accounted for a 3-7 overall record, with an 0-7 record in conference play.
Facing No. 4 Notre Dame this weekend doesn't appear to be an elixir for its offensive woes.
With that said, this game is being played at Fenway Park in Boston. It's an unconventional, funky venue—and one in which BC will have a lot of support.
While Notre Dame's overall talent level will likely reign supreme in this game, don't discount Boston College completely. This game could end up being a lot closer than many believe it will be.
North Carolina at Virginia Tech
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Winners of nine in a row, the Tar Heels are arguably as hot as anyone in the country at this point.
Larry Fedora's team is going off of a 59-21 shellacking of Miami and has scored 125 points in the last two games combined. Suffice it to say that North Carolina is playing at an extremely high level.
If Fedora's team can win out (against Virginia Tech, NC State), it will claim the Coastal Division. A Pitt loss this weekend and a UNC win would also give the Tar Heels the division crown.
This is also a significant game for the Hokies. They need one more victory in order to become bowl eligible in what has turned out to be Frank Beamer's last season as head coach.
Louisville at Pitt
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This figures to be the most competitive game of the eight-game slate involving ACC teams this weekend.
Pitt is 5-1 in conference play, and 7-3 overall. If it's to win the ACC Coastal Division, it'll need to win its two remaining games (Louisville, Miami) and hope UNC drops its last two contests.
After a slow start to the season, Louisville sits with a 5-2 conference record. Winners of four in a row, it'll have a lot of confidence heading into Heinz Field in Pittsburgh.
Expect this to be a close, hard-fought contest. It truly will be a battle of Pitt's physicality against an athletic Louisville squad.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
