Clemson-Miami Will Play Big Role in Deciding ACC Divisions

When all is said and done in the ACC this year, there may not be another game that affects both divisions as much as this one does.

The Miami Hurricanes were the biggest beneficiaries of Georgia Tech's win over Virginia Tech last Saturday night. That evened Miami in the loss column with Virginia Tech. Georgia Tech with one loss is also there. If all three teams win out, Miami will win the ACC Coastal due to the fact the BCS rankings will determine the division winner.

Miami is ahead of Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech right now, and it should stay that way if they all win out. Sorry, Virginia. If you're in the mix, nothing could be worse for the ACC than for a team that lost to William and Mary winning one of the divisions.

Miami has gotten past the most difficult part of their schedule, and there aren't many teams left for the Canes that have a legitimate chance of pulling an upset. The Clemson Tigers are one of those few teams left that could push Miami. How, you ask? It's Clemson's defense.

While I think North Carolina has a tremendous defense, I don't think any team in the ACC is faster sideline-to-sideline than the Tigers. De'quan Bowers and Rickey Sapp had Wake Forest QB Riley Skinner under constant pressure last Saturday in a dominant defensive performance. Earlier this year they held Boston College to 54 total yards. It's a defense that is ranked second in the ACC and 11th in the nation.

I know it was wet in Blacksburg, but the Hokies' defensive front gave the Canes plenty of trouble. Oklahoma as well had some success controlling a potent Miami offense. The Tigers are better that Virginia Tech on defense, and have as much pure talent on defense as the Sooners—though maybe not the depth. This is a team that is 10 points from being 6-0.

The offense of the Tigers also have big-time player C.J. Spiller, who is capable of scoring anytime he touches the ball. Wake Forest is not Miami, but that was the best the Tigers have looked on offense since the second half of the Georgia Tech game.

Andre Ellington and Jamie Harper are starting to look more comfortable running the ball, and TE Michael Palmer has given QB Kyle Parker another option to throw to. After the near-devastating loss to Maryland, the Tigers recovered nicely to play their best game of the season against Wake Forest.

How important is this game to Tigers and the Atlantic Division? The Tigers have two losses in the ACC, and if they get a third they'll have to hope Boston College loses another ACC game. The Eagles' last three ACC games are at Virginia, North Carolina at home, and at Maryland. That isn't murderers' row.

If the Tigers can spring the upset and run the table, they own the tiebreaker over Boston College. With a win here, Clemson is in great position to make a run at the Atlantic Division.

I'm not predicting an upset, but if Arkansas can go to Gainesville and nearly upset Florida, then certainly Clemson can compete with Miami and make a game of it. If Georgia Tech gets by Virginia Saturday at noon, then Yellow Jacket nation will be the biggest Clemson fans around.

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