ACC Football Week 3 Breakdown
Call it “Put Up or Shut Up Week” for the ACC. The conference could use a boost in its public Q rating with a win over at least one of the quality opponents challenging them this weekend. It will be a battle to save their collective football face. No pressure.
GAME OF THE WEEK
Florida State (7) vs. Oklahoma (2)
Without question, this is the game to lead all games. Two top ten teams jockeying for position in the race to the BCS title game. Florida State’s resurgence under Jimbo Fisher has been fast-moving. Recruiting, the offensive scheme under Fisher, and a typically stout defense have helped Florida State climb back into national relevance. Quarterback E.J. Manuel is expected to propel the Seminoles to the top of the ratings in his first full season as a starter.
Unfortunately, in their way are the Oklahoma Sooners, a perennial power ready to recapture title glory. The Sooners are loaded. They have two pre-season All-Americans taking the field in quarterback Landry Jones and wide receiver Ryan Broyles. A strong defense is playing with added fire after losing their teammate, Austin Box, in the offseason. Oklahoma has the look of a team ready to play for it all.
Last year in Norman, Florida State got destroyed 47-17. With an improved team in just about every area, the Seminoles are looking for redemption in Doak Campbell Stadium. Hopefully, this game lives up to its billing. Will home field be the difference? We’ll see. The ACC could use a high profile win. This should be a great one.
OTHER GAMES OF NOTE
Miami vs. Ohio State (13)
Call it the Infraction Bowl. Two supreme programs that have fallen on hard times have another meeting, this time in Miami. Ohio State beat Miami in Columbus last season, 36-24. Miami returns some players that were suspended in the first game because of violations stemming from the Nevin Shapiro accusations. Jacory Harris will be back at the helm for the Hurricanes. Will he make a significant difference?
Miami coach Al Golden hopes the reinfusion of talent will help his team rebound after their week 1 defeat to Maryland. Statistically, Miami could improve in a lot of areas, but could have a star in sophomore running back Lamar Miller, who had a great performance last weekend with 119 yards and a touchdown. Ohio State does not have the same caliber team fans are used to in Columbus. If Jacory Harris can make smart decisions and that offensive line can continue to stand tall in the run game, the Hurricanes can find a way to turn around a poor start in 2011.
Maryland (20) vs. West Virginia (18)
A long-time rivalry back in full swing. In the early 2000s, Maryland had control of this series, and then Rich Rodriguez built a spread offense that tormented the Terps toward the end of decade. Last year, West Virginia continued their strong play against their Maryland counterparts. There has been change on both sides even from last year. New head coaches provide for an unpredictable matchup, both coaches are about tempo and scoring points. It will come down to which defense can go toe-to-toe with these fast-paced offenses. WVU still has dynamic offensive players in quarterback Geno Smith and running back Noel Devine. Maryland has a star on defense in safety/linebacker Kenny Tate. Whoever wins this game makes their new head coach the toast of the town.
Clemson vs. Auburn
Tiger versus Tiger. Another SEC matchup for Clemson. They have not had much success against the SEC in recent years, especially early in the season. Auburn lost nearly a dozen starters from last year’s undefeated championship team, including Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton. Though they do not pack the same punch they did last season, they are still undefeated to this point. Clemson struggled to beat Wofford last weekend. Dabo Swinney and the Clemson program have taken a lot of heat in the last few years for underachieving each year. Part of the reason is laying an egg against top opponents early on. Clemson can get off of the snide with a victory on Saturday. They have a real chance to reverse recent history.
Georgia Tech vs. Kansas
This is a rematch of last year’s contest that Kansas won late in Lawrence. Kansas has tried to remain a consistent contender in the Big 12 North under Turner Gill, who has really hit the recruiting trail hard to try and restore confidence and relevance to the Jayhawk program. This 2011 version of KU-GT stands to be quite different from what Kansas saw last year. Georgia Tech is top 25 in the country in passing yards this year, which is typically almost a non-stat under Paul Johnson. Tevin Washington and Synjyn Days combine to create a two-headed monster that can attack teams through the air. The jarring part is that the Yellow Jackets have only attempted 26 passes in two total games. Yet they’ve thrown for 579 yards. It will be interesting to see if they keep mixing up the offense to keep defenses off balance. The Kansas defense should be on notice.
Virginia vs. North Carolina
The Cavaliers picked up a road win last week at Indiana to start off 2-0 under 2nd year coach Mike London. He looks to be building something in Charlottesville. However, it’s hard to imagine Virginia’s streak continuing after this weekend. Virginia travels to Chapel Hill to battle a Tar Heel defense that’s stacked with talent.
Two first year quarterbacks go head-to-head as Michael Rocco tries to outplay Bryn Renner. Last week against Rutgers North Carolina barely held off Rutgers at home, as Renner regressed from his first game as a starter. He threw three interceptions against the Scarlet Knights. Meanwhile, most of Virginia’s offense came from its special teams. Kicker Robert Randolph hit 4 field goals to help beat the Hoosiers. He may continue to be a key this week. Ultimately, the first year starter at QB that can make smart decisions and move the ball down the field will come away with the victory.
OTHER GAMES
Boston College vs. Duke
A game between two teams struggling to get anything going. Chase Rettig and Sean Renfree are talented quarterbacks. They are leading teams that haven’t found their way yet. The winner still has a chance to turn their season around with a victory in their first conference game.
Virginia Tech vs. Arkansas State
Virginia Tech with another soft opponent in the early part of their schedule this season. They will be 3-0.
Wake Forest vs. Gardner-Webb
Wake Forest had a strong win against NC State last week. Quarterback Tanner Price proved he’s the most valuable player to this team after returning from injury from the previous week. This should be nothing more than a tune-up for the Deacs.
NC State vs. Southern Alabama
A rebound game for the Wolfpack after losing to Wake Forest. This would be a good time for QB Mike Glennon to start clicking with this offense.
Football Week 3 Breakdown Page
