2010 College Football Predictions: Week Two ACC Preview
The ACC posted a 10-2 mark on opening weekend, with both losses coming down to the closing minutes against Top 25 opponents.
Virginia Tech rebounded from an early 17-0 hole to lose 33-30 to a Top 5 Boise State team and a heavily undermanned North Carolina squad had two game winning TD passes dropped with under a minute to go in a 30-24 loss to LSU in Atlanta.
The defeats definitely did nothing to bolster the conferences image, but at the same time, didn't really diminish it either.
Week two offers an even bigger opportunity to make a statement.
Miami, now the leagues highest ranked team, travels north to take on No. 2 Ohio State. This, much like the Virginia Tech/Boise State battle, has game of the year written all over it.
Further west, the Canes instate rival, Florida State, travels to Oklahoma to take on a Sooner squad that has rolled off 31 straight home victories.
The Seminoles and Hurricanes aren't the only ACC team on the road in out of conference action. Georgia Tech drops in to play Big XII opponent Kansas, NC State hits the sunshine state to take on a better-than-expected UCF team, and Virginia does it up Hollywood style, taking on USC.
Obviously a clean run of the table would do wonders for the conference, but let's get real. NC State and Georgia Tech are as close to gimmes as we can get. Virginia likely doesn't stand a chance against the Trojans.
So again, it all comes down to the big boys. The ACC needs a win in at least one of these two games to help reestablish some credibility.
What to Watch for in ACC Football in Week Two
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- Duke and Wake Forest may actually combine to hit 100 points because both teams are defensively weak where their opponent is strong.
Duke is actually leading the conference in offense after week one (no, hell hasn't frozen over—yet) and Wake found a steady running game in their blowout win. Both teams were suspect on defense though, even to inferior competition.
- Clemson QB Tajh Boyd—Clemson should get a full second half to get a peek at how Boyd has developed. Starter Kyle Parker will likely be pulled at halftime, avoiding any unnecessary injuries, assuming the Tigers are up big, of course.
- The Miami D-Line vs the Ohio State O-Line—The Canes recorded eight sacks in a 45-0 win last week against FAMU.
They'll be tested against a veteran Buckeyes line that provided plenty of time and running room last week when they rolled up over 500 yards of offense. This matchup may ultimately determine the outcome of the game. If Pryor has no time to throw, and they can't establish a run game, Miami wins BIG.
- The Florida State Passing Game vs The Oklahoma Defense—QB Christian Ponder showed why Seminole nation is excited about 2010, as he was nearly perfect in their 59-6 win against Samford last week.
The Sooners typically staunch defense allowed over 400 yards of offense to Utah State, including 341 yards through the air.
If they don't find a way to lock down the Seminole passing game, it'll be a long day in Norman.
- NC State on the road—Normally a matchup against a Conference USA opponent isn't a big deal, but the Wolfpack aren't exactly a powerhouse and their facing a UCF team that is expected to put up one of the better defenses in the nation this year.
QB Russell Wilson has All-American talent, but if he's locked down all day the ACC gets one hell of a black eye here.
- Virginia at USCThis is purely in jest. But how awesome would it be to see the Cavs beat the Trojans in L.A.?
Duke (1-0) at Wake Forest (1-0)
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Duke (1-0) at Wake Forest (1-0)
In years past, a Duke-Wake Forest matchup to open the conference season wouldn't excite many people.
Heck, most folks in North Carolina wouldn't even care. But the recent success of Coach Grobe at Wake and the slow ascension of Duke from the basement of the ACC thanks to Coach Cutcliffe adds a bit of intrigue to this one.
Both teams rolled in their openers.
Duke lit up Elon to the tune of 542 yards and 41 points. QB Sean Renfree showed what the preseason hype was about, completing 31 of his 39 pass attempts on his way to 350 yards and 2 TD's.
But as good as the offense looked, the defense was average at BEST. Elon racked up 27 points and over 400 yards of offense.
Coming into 2010, it was a known fact that defense could be the one thing that keeps the Blue Devils from even thinking about being bowl eligible.
Wake Forest was supposed to be completely anemic on offense this year without QB Riley Skinner running the show.
I don't think anyone could foresee what took place in their opener against Presbyterian. When it was all said and done, the Deacs had tallied 53 points and 415 yards rushing (yes, four hundred and fifteen).
The downside was their passing defense. The Blue Hose passed for nearly 300 yards. Things need to get anchored down quick, especially with Renfree coming to town.
Key to the Game: Duke Passing Offense vs Wake Passing Defense; Wake Rushing Offense vs Duke Rushing Defense
My Prediction: Duke 38, Wake Forest 34
Georgia Tech (1-0) at Kansas (0-1)
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Georgia Tech (1-0) at Kansas (0-1)
While it doesn't carry the hype of a Miami-Ohio State matchup, taking on Kansas is still an important out of conference game against a Big XII opponent.
The Jayhawks are coming off an embarrassing 6-3 loss to FCS North Dakota State in Head Coach Turner Gill's debut. Rumor has it they are switching out QB's and have been game planning for this Tech offense all off-season, but I'm not sure it will matter.
Many prognosticators saw the Yellow Jackets lacking offensive firepower in 2010 because of the losses of RB Jonathan Dwyer and WR Demarius Thomas, but the Tech offense we saw in their 41-10 opening weekend blowout of S.C. State looked no different than years past.
QB Joshua Nesbitt finished the day with 130 yards rushing and 3 TD's, showing why he is considered a dark horse in the Heisman race if Tech can replicate last years success.
In the backfield, Anthony Allen was expected to replace Dwyer, but only managed 28 yards on 6 carries. Roddy Jones had a decent day, going for 45 yards and 2 TD's on only 4 carries.
With studs Derrick Morgan and Morgan Burnett gone, not much is expected from the defense.
They kept the Bulldogs in check the entire game but how much can we really tell against a team like that? This weeks game against the Jayhawks will provide a much better measuring stick.
Key to the Game: Clock control.
My Prediction: Georgia Tech 31, Kansas 17
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James Madison (1-0) at Virginia Tech (0-1)
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James Madison (1-0) at Virginia Tech (0-1)
I would hate to be James Madison.
The Hokies are coming off a gut wrenching 33-30 loss to Boise State in what was the most watched football game in television history. I won't recap much, if you missed that game then turn in your football fan card now.
QB Tyrod Taylor showed the improvement to his passing game we heard about all off season. Even more impressive was his ability to make play after play with his feet. He actually finished the game as Techs leading rusher, averaging nearly 5 yards per carry.
The dynamic duo of RB's Ryan Williams and Darren Evans need this game to get going after they combined for only 56 yards on 24 carries.
The youth and inexperience on the Hokies defense was exposed by Boise. Time after time, Bronco receivers were wide open, allowing QB Kellen Moore to throw for over 200 yards and 3 TD's.
This will be a much needed tune up game before opening conference play next week.
Key to the Game: Getting the running game back on track.
My Prediction: Virginia Tech 48, James Madison 3
Kent State (1-0) at Boston College (1-0)
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Kent State (1-0) at Boston College (1-0)
The Eagles won their opener in somewhat dominating fashion. I guess.
BC racked up 38 points and over 400 yards of offense, but it was the combination of shaky play at QB and a lackluster performance by the defense that has people a little concerned.
In 2009, the offense suffered because QB Dave Shinskie just couldn't seem to get things rolling.
The 2010 version didn't look much better.
He completed only 50% of his passes, for 2 TD's and 2 INT's. The ground game looked solid as ever though. RB Montel Harris went for 115 yards on 19 carries with 1 TD.
I'm not sure giving up 20 points and almost 400 yards of offense to Weber State was in Coach Spaz's gameplan. They did force 3 turnovers and held the Wildcats to just over 100 yards on the ground, but QB Cameron Higgins picked them apart for 234 yards and a TD.
With conference play against Virginia Tech looming next week, the Eagles need to use this game to quickly iron out the kinks.
Key to the Game: Solidifying QB play before next week vs Virginia Tech.
My Prediction: Boston College 35, Kent State 17
Florida State (1-0) at Oklahoma (1-0)
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Florida State (1-0) at Oklahoma (1-0)
Upset alert of the week with this game.
I know, I know, the Sooners haven't lost at home in 31 games.
But last weeks game against Utah State showed massive problems in the secondary. The defense forced four turnovers but allowed 421 total yards, including 341 through the air.
Florida State possess' the offensive firepower to exploit this. QB Christian Ponder was nearly perfect in limited action as the Noles rolled 59-6 over Samford.
On the flip you have the Oklahoma offense vs the Seminole defense.
The Seminoles looked great against the Bulldogs, but how much can you really tell against an inferior opponent?
Oklahoma QB Landry Jones has the ability to put up massive numbers despite what we saw last week when he looked flat out, well, flat, posting a completion percentage below 50% and 2 INT's.
Thank God they had DeMarco Murray.
Don't be surprised to see this turn into a shootout, with both QB's picking on each other's questionable secondary. I can easily 300+ yards for both guys.
I think this game comes down to two players in particular—Florida State CB/PR Greg Reid and Oklahoma RB DeMarco Murray.
If Reid manages an INT or actually fields a punt you have instant scoring threat. If Oklahoma creates lanes for Murray, he could see another dominant performance.
Key to the Game: The impact of Greg Reid vs the impact of DeMarco Murray.
My Prediction: Florida State 38, Oklahoma 34
Presbyterian (0-1) at Clemson (1-0)
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Presbyterian (0-1) at Clemson (1-0)
After a sub-par defensive performance in their 35-10 win against North Texas, I wouldn't be surprised to see a fire lit under the asses of the Clemson defense.
The Mean Green went off for over 450 yards of offense on a Tiger D that was supposed to be one of the best in the conference, if not the nation.
The inexperienced linebacking corp will get a full games worth of experience again, as starter Brandon Maye is likely out again in hope that he'll be one hundred percent for next weeks showdown at Auburn.
The first team offense will get a few quarters to get the passing game on track. QB Kyle Parker didn't look like his 2009 self, going just 9 of 17 for 170 yards, most of which came on a 70-yard TD pass to WR Brandon Clear.
One positive was the running game. RB's Andre Ellington and Jaime Harper both topped 100 yards and had plenty of room to run behind an offensive line that created hole after hole.
This one will be over early, so expect Dabo to send in the second stringers in the second half (most importantly QB Tajh Boyd).
Key to the Game: Keeping the starters healthy for next weeks trip to Auburn.
My Prediction: Clemson 41, Presbyterian 3
Miami (1-0) at Ohio State (1-0)
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Miami (1-0) at Ohio State (1-0)
The ACC will be involved in what I feel are the two best games of the season—last week we had Virginia Tech and Boise State and this week it's Miami vs Ohio State.
Both teams come in boasting Heisman quality QB's that are true game changers.
Both Miami's Jacory Harris and Ohio State's Terrelle Pryor had stellar opening weekends, albeit Pryor had a little bit tougher competition. The key to either QB's success is their offensive line (duh!).
Miami has the weaker of the two, but I'm not sure exactly how solid the Buckeye defensive line is.
They got constant pressure on Marshall's QB, but the Hurricanes obviously offer more talent to go against.
Getting pressure on Pryor won't be any easier. Ohio State has one of the better offensive lines in the country, so it'll be tough even for a Cane defensive line that has the likes of Allen Bailey.
These teams are so evenly matched it's scary.
I'll be completely honestthis is a coin flip to pick a winner. If I had to though, I'll go with home field advantage and the Buckeyes.
Key to the Game: Miami Defensive Line vs Ohio State Offensive Line.
My Prediction: Ohio State 24, Miami 21
Morgan State (1-0) at Maryland (1-0)
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Morgan State (1-0) at Maryland (1-0)
No one in their right mind expected Maryland to beat Navy last week. Color me embarrassed because I had them losing by 10.
A superman play and a goal line stand later, the Terps walked away winners, 17-14.
From a statistical standpoint, the Midshipmen DOMINATED. They nearly doubled Marylands time of possession and total yards and almost tripled their first downs.
Kudos go out to Coach Friedgen, who basically used Navy's offensive scheme against them—run, run, run the ball. Maryland racked up 261 yards rushing, and two key TD's in the first quarter.
But after the first quarter it was the Maryland defense that stepped up. They allowed a ton of yards but got the stops and turnovers when they needed them.
Most impressive was the goal-line stand when Navy, for reasons unknown, decided against kicking the game tying field goal.
I know it's only Morgan State, but I need a dominating game before I even cast a glance at Maryland as an ACC player.
Key to the Game: Keeping the momentum going from the big win against Navy.
My Prediction: Maryland 34, Morgan State 17
NC State (1-0) at UCF (1-0)
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NC State (1-0) at UCF (1-0)
When you think ACC vs Conference USA, it's an automatic reflex to think the big boy conference wins.
Not so fast.
Think back to 2007. UCF came to NC State and absolutely punched them in the mouth, up 25-3 going into half. A second half where the Pack outscored them 20-0 wasn't enough, as the Knights walked away with the 'W.'
The 2010 version won't feature RB Kevin Smith for UCF, who topped 200 yards in that game; but the Knight defense is no joke. In fact they're projected to be one of the Top 15 in the nation this year.
It'll be a tough task for the Pack.
They need to maintain momentum from last weeks 48-7 blowout where QB Russell Wilson was his usual stellar self, going 21 of 31 for 306 yards, 4 TD's and most importantly no INT's.
Their running attack will be crucial. They need someone to step up big. Dean Haynes did a decent job last week, running for 69 yards on 13 carries and one score.
Key to the Game: NC State Passing Game vs UCF Passing Defense.
My Prediction: NC State 21, UCF 17
Virginia (1-0) at USC (1-0)
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Virginia (1-0) at USC (1-0)
New Head Coach Mike London looks like a miracle worker after Week one.
The Cavs stomped a decent Richmond squad last week 34-13.
Coming into 2010, their biggest concerns were the QB slot and their defense.
QB Marc Verica looked stellar, going 24 of 35 for 283 yards and a score. Their rushing attack looked even better. Keith Payne (above) stepped up with 114 yards and 4 TD's.
Defense was a slightly different story. While they didn't look terrible, the Spiders still rolled up over 300 yards of offense which has to have USC drooling.
I think Virginia can hang for a bit, the Trojans don't have a great defense but their offense is GOOD.
Key to the Game: Stopping the USC passing attack.
My Prediction: USC 45, Virginia 24
Deuces! Don't Forget The Live Chat!
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This easily has to be one of the best weekends in college football in a long, long time. Enjoy it guys.....cheers!
And don't forget the live chat I'll going tomorrow starting at 3:00 for the Miami/Ohio State, Florida State/Oklahoma and Clemson/Presbyterian games (check the main page of ACC Blitz).
Harlon Jordan,
ACC Blitz
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