ACC Football Week 11 Breakdown
With Clemson and Georgia Tech off last week, some other teams were able to stand in the spotlight. Florida State looked sharp and NC State rebounded. This week there are some interesting matchups and old school rivalries that should be fun to watch.
GAME OF THE WEEK
Virginia Tech versus Georgia Tech
Both teams were off last week, so hopefully they will be fresh and ready for a smash-mouth game. The week before, both won their games. Georgia Tech will be the only one feeling really good about where they are though. They beat the once seemingly invincible Clemson at home handily 31-17. They played their most complete game of the season. They were 50% on third down and won the turnover battle, 4-2. Generally the turnovers are the keys to a game featuring two high-scoring offenses. The real story though was Georgia Tech’s defense. They held Clemson to 95 yards rushing. By stopping a big component of Clemson’s offense, they were able to concentrate on knocking the ball loose or picking them out of the air. It was really an all-around effort.
Virginia Tech did not have quite the total performance Georgia Tech did. They did win the game though. The Hokies have really had a hard time scoring recently. Luckily for them, their defense is playing great football. Their 14 offensive points was enough because the defense held Duke to only 10. They flustered Sean Renfree all day and forced three interceptions. David Wilson was his usual self, rushing for 148 yards to keep the chains moving. Still, the Hokies would like to get more points on the board as they get closer to the post season.
This is going to be a GT offense versus VT defense game. Virginia Tech’s defense is second in the ACC at only allowing 56 yards per game. Georgia Tech averages 328 yards rushing per game. This push and pull will be fun to watch. Also, which inconsistent quarterback plays the best? Logan Thomas has been up and down and Tevin Washington got pulled two games ago for poor play. One of these guys will have to step up and play well for his team to win.
OTHER GAMES
Miami versus Florida State
A good old-fashioned Florida rivalry reignites. This season this game hits when both teams are playing quite well. Florida State dismantled Boston College last Thursday, 38-7. They scored 21 points in the second quarter alone. Their defense again was the story, forcing four turnovers and holding Boston College under 100 yards rushing. E.J. Manuel hasn’t been asked to do too much, and that has really helped this team. He has been efficient and made good decisions. Freshman running back Devonta Freeman is a budding star. His two touchdowns led the way for the offense.
Miami’s Jacory Harris has been playing great lately. In his last two games he has thrown six touchdowns and no interceptions. Once a turnover machine, it looks like now Harris has found his groove. With his weapons in Travis Benjamin and Tommie Streeter, this offense can keep up with anybody. Running back Lamar Miller is having a heck of a year. He has boosted his NFL draft stock with 1,018 yards and eight touchdowns. Florida State has rattled off four straight victories. The Seminoles have the momentum, and all things being equal, more talent. Their defense is stronger than Miami’s, and that should be the difference in this one.
Wake Forest versus Clemson
Clemson is going to be fired up to get back on the field after having their win streak snapped a few weeks ago at the hands of Georgia Tech. Tajh Boyd and Sammy Watkins will be looking to hook up again. They are a dynamite combination through the air in the ACC.
Wake Forest has been an interesting squad this year. After a terrible first-game loss, the Demon Deacons won four straight, including one against Florida State. They proceeded to lose three of their next four, the latest being to Notre Dame. They were in that game as it was very even almost the whole way. Notre Dame just had Michael Floyd on their side to haul in the decisive touchdown. Tanner Price outshined Tommy Rees. That is probably what kept the game so close. Price needs to keep it up against Clemson. The Deacons are young, but they have to find a way to make plays. The last five games that’s what their opponents have done. Clemson will make a few. Wake has to hope they won’t make too many.
Maryland versus Notre Dame
This game is not enticing at all except for the fact that Football University Notre Dame is playing in it. It will certainly bring a lot of publicity to the D.C. area. Maryland has lost its way. After a huge win on Labor Day in front of a national audience, they have won one of their last seven games. For a team that went 9-4 a season ago, it is a head-scratcher. Under their new regime, the Terps are last in rushing defense, scoring defense and total defense. By the end of their games, opposing offenses wear them down. That was evident against rival Virginia last weekend. Virginia had 527 total yards of offense and Michael Rocco looked like a seasoned vet. This week, they play Tommy Rees and Michael Floyd – players that are more highly regarded than almost anyone they’ve played this year. It will be a long day for the Terp defense.
QUICK HITTERS
Virginia versus Duke
Duke is always right there in all of their games, but they can’t seem to find their way to the win column. They have a chance to right things against Virginia. But Mike London and the Cavaliers are on a roll and are bowl eligible. They should find win seven this weekend.
NC State versus Boston College
NC State continued their dominance of North Carolina last weekend by blanking the Tar Heels. Boston College got crushed by Florida State. The Eagles play another good quarterback in Mike Glennon this weekend. Glennon should lead his team to victory.
