It’s FSU week. That is all.
1. Clemson (5-0, 2-0 ACC) (Last Week: 1)
Last Week: vs. Syracuse Orange (4-1, 1-1) – W 27-23
Next Week: at Wake Forest Demon Deacons (3-2, 0-1)
They somehow found a way. When Trevor Lawrence went down in the 1st half with an apparent concussion, the Tigers looked doomed. Kelly Bryant had declared that he was transferring just days before and their backup, Chase Brice, had barely seen any playing time in his collegiate career. Syracuse built up a 16-7 lead heading into the half and the Tigers looked dead on offense. But in the 2nd half, the Tigers defense clamped down and Travis Etienne wore down the Orange defense with 203 yards and 2 touchdowns. Revenge, achieved.
2. Miami (4-1, 1-0 ACC) (Last Week: 2)
Last Week: vs North Carolina Tar Heels (1-3, 1-1) – W 47-10
Next Week: vs Florida State Seminoles (3-2, 1-2)
Miami’s defense looked great against the Tar Heels after UNC walked down the field on their opening drive and kicked a field goal. The Canes caused 6 turnovers and took 3 back for touchdowns as they destroyed UNC in all facets of the game. N’Kosi Perry got the start and looked solid despite almost nothing being asked of him. The Canes had a 33-10 lead heading into the half, which is the main reason why Perry threw the ball only 12 times all games. This week the Hurricanes take on the Seminoles in a rivalry game where Miami has everything to lose and nothing, except bragging rights, to gain.
3. North Carolina State (4-0, 1-0 ACC) (Last Week: 4)
Last Week: vs Virginia Cavaliers (3-2, 1-1) – W 35-21
Next Week: vs Boston College Eagles (4-1, 1-0)
The Wolfpack handled the Cavaliers easily and now face Boston College in a game that should be a whole lot of offense and not much defense. Ricky Person Jr. rushed for a career high 108 yards and Ryan Finley threw for 257 yards and 3 touchdowns in the victory. The defense also turned Bryce Perkins over twice in the game, after Perkins had previously only turned it over twice all season. If the Wolfpack can slow down AJ Dillon, they should be able to outscore the Eagles this week.
4. Virginia Tech (3-1, 2-0 ACC) (Last Week: 7)
Last Week: at Duke Blue Devils (4-1, 0-1) – W 31-14
Next Week: vs #6 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (5-0)
I guess Virginia Tech really was embarrassed last week and, no matter who was starting at quarterback this week, they were going to find a way to win and make a statement in doing so. I gave the Hokies just about no chance going into Duke with Josh Jackson out and Duke’s defense playing really well. But Ryan Willis carved the defense up, throwing for 332 yards and 3 touchdowns, and the Hokies coasted to an easy division victory. That loss to ODU is going to loom large for the Hokies, however, as they have snuck back into the top 25, but with a win against the Monarchs, they could realistically be in the top 10.
5. Syracuse (4-1, 1-1 ACC) (Last Week: 5)
Last Week: at #3 Clemson Tigers (5-0, 2-0) – L 27-23
Next Week: at Pittsburgh Panthers (2-3, 1-1)
That game is going to haunt Orange fans all season long. They were so close to pulling off yet another upset of Clemson, this time on the road, but were outscored 20-7 in the 2nd half, despite Trevor Lawrence being knocked out of the game and replaced by Chase Brice. The Orange had no answer for Travis Etienne, who racked up 203 yards and 3 touchdowns, including the final one with just 41 seconds left on the clock. Eric Dungey and the offense looked lost in the 2nd half, with their only touchdown coming after Clemson turned the ball over on the Tigers’ own 10-yard line.
6. Boston College (4-1, 1-0 ACC) (Last Week: 6)
Last Week: vs Temple Owls (2-2) – W 45-35
Next Week: at #23 NC State Wolfpack (4-0, 1-0)
BC bounced back after their ugly loss to Purdue with a relatively easy, but less than convincing, win against Temple. In the game, AJ Dillon went down with an ankle injury after rushing for 161 yards and 2 touchdowns. There is still no word on whether or not he will be ready to go for this weekend’s matchup against NC State. The Eagles will be hoping he’s ready, as a solid run game against NC State may be the only way to keep Ryan Finley off the field and off the scoreboard.
7. Duke (4-1, 0-1 ACC) (Last Week: 3)
Last Week: vs Virginia Tech Hokies (3-1, 2-0) – L 31-14
Next Week: Bye
What in the world was that? This seemed like a best-case scenario for Duke: Josh Jackson out, a home game, their own starting quarterback, Daniel Jones, back in the lineup after missing three games with a broken clavicle. But instead, Duke looked terrible. The offense struggled, being shut out for the 2nd and 3rd quarters, as the defense, which has been solid all season, gave up touchdown after touchdown. Heading into the 4th quarter, it was 24-7, and even after Deon Jackson scored to cut the lead to 10, there was no question that the Blue Devils weren’t going to be able to score again. David Cutcliffe’s pregame speech aired on ESPN; in it he stressed that he was tired of hearing about Virginia Tech. Unfortunately for him, it’s all he’s going to be hearing about for a while.
8. Virginia (3-2, 1-1 ACC) (Last Week: 8)
Last Week: at NC State Wolfpack (4-0, 1-0) – L 35-21
Next Week: Bye
Last week, I mentioned that Bryce Perkins had only turned the ball over twice all season, a number he matched against the Wolfpack on Saturday. The turnovers were deadly, as the defense didn’t have an answer for Ryan Finley or Ricky Person Jr., who rushed for a career high 108 yards. This team isn’t the most talented bunch, but Bronco Mendenhall’s guys fight to stay in games. They get a bye this week before they welcome Miami into town.
9. Wake Forest (3-2, 0-1 ACC) (Last Week: 9)
Last Week: vs Rice Owls (1-4) – W 56-24
Next Week: vs #4 Clemson Tigers (5-0, 2-0)
Sam Hartman threw for 4 touchdowns (all to Greg Dortch) as the Demon Deacons routed an inferior Owls team. Dortch finished with 11 catches for 163 yards to go along with the 4 touchdowns. I said it last week and I will say it again: Wake Forest is destined to win the games they’re supposed to while also losing every game they’re supposed to.
10. Florida State (3-2, 1-2 ACC) (Last Week: 10)
Last Week: at Louisville Cardinals (2-3, 0-2) – W 28-24
Next Week: at #17 Miami Hurricanes (4-1, 1-0)
Deondre Francois and the Seminoles found a way to do just enough right to stage a late 4th quarter comeback against a Cardinals team that is in a lot of trouble. That’s 2 straight wins for FSU, and while neither was convincing or against a talented opponent, they are feeling good about themselves heading into their rivalry matchup against the Canes. A win in Miami would go a long way in getting the bad taste of the season out of FSU’s mouths.
11. UNC (1-3, 1-1 ACC) (Last Week: 11)
Last Week: at Miami Hurricanes (3-1, 0-0) – L 47-10
Next Week: Bye
Springing an upset is never easy when you turn the ball over 6 times and give up 3 touchdowns to the opponent’s defense. On top of that, after the Tar Heels went down to the Hurricanes, Nathan Elliott was benched for Chazz Surratt. In relief, Surratt went 4/10 for 10 yards and 3 interceptions, including one of the worst throws you may ever see, which led to a Miami defensive touchdown. At least the Tar Heels have a week to ponder life before they welcome the Hokies to Chapel Hill.
12. Pittsburgh (2-3, 1-1 ACC) (Last Week: 12)
Last Week: at UCF Knights (4-0) – L 45-14
Next Week: vs Syracuse Orange (4-1, 1-1)
Pittsburgh had two drives of over 6 minutes that resulted in 0 points in Saturday’s blowout against UCF. They also intercepted the Knights in the red zone and returned it all the way to UCF’s 3-yard line, before seeing a flag on the field for a very questionable roughing the passer call. Things just aren’t going the Panthers’ way right now.
13. Georgia Tech (2-3, 0-2 ACC) (Last Week: 13)
Last Week: vs Bowling Green Falcons (1-4) – W 63-17
Next Week: at Louisville Cardinals (2-3, 0-2)
The Yellow Jackets rushed for 372 yards and scored at least 14 points in all 4 quarters, as they decimated Bowling Green on Saturday. Georgia Tech’s two wins this season have come at home over Alcorn State and Bowling Green, which were probably good warmup games for a slightly tougher Louisville team. If the Yellow Jackets want to make a bowl this season, this weekend’s game is pretty much a must win.
14. Louisville (2-3, 0-2 ACC) (Last Week: 14)
Last Week: vs Florida State Seminoles (3-2, 1-2) – L 28-24
Next Week: vs Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (2-3, 0-2)
Louisville lost the battle for the Atlantic basement (or did they win it?) when they fell to the Seminoles at home on Saturday. The Cardinals led 24-14 heading into the 4th quarter before giving up 2 touchdowns to secure defeat. Did anyone else see the game winning touchdown pass from Deondre Francois to Nyqwan Murray? A simple, shallow cross, that left the Cardinals defense incapable of tackling. While last week they played for the Atlantic basement, this week’s matchup against Georgia Tech could decide who finishes last in the ACC overall. How does Louisville keep getting themselves into such big games?
1. Clemson (5-0, 2-0 ACC) (Last Week: 1)
Last Week: vs. Syracuse Orange (4-1, 1-1) – W 27-23
Next Week: at Wake Forest Demon Deacons (3-2, 0-1)
They somehow found a way. When Trevor Lawrence went down in the 1st half with an apparent concussion, the Tigers looked doomed. Kelly Bryant had declared that he was transferring just days before and their backup, Chase Brice, had barely seen any playing time in his collegiate career. Syracuse built up a 16-7 lead heading into the half and the Tigers looked dead on offense. But in the 2nd half, the Tigers defense clamped down and Travis Etienne wore down the Orange defense with 203 yards and 2 touchdowns. Revenge, achieved.
2. Miami (4-1, 1-0 ACC) (Last Week: 2)
Last Week: vs North Carolina Tar Heels (1-3, 1-1) – W 47-10
Next Week: vs Florida State Seminoles (3-2, 1-2)
Miami’s defense looked great against the Tar Heels after UNC walked down the field on their opening drive and kicked a field goal. The Canes caused 6 turnovers and took 3 back for touchdowns as they destroyed UNC in all facets of the game. N’Kosi Perry got the start and looked solid despite almost nothing being asked of him. The Canes had a 33-10 lead heading into the half, which is the main reason why Perry threw the ball only 12 times all games. This week the Hurricanes take on the Seminoles in a rivalry game where Miami has everything to lose and nothing, except bragging rights, to gain.
3. North Carolina State (4-0, 1-0 ACC) (Last Week: 4)
Last Week: vs Virginia Cavaliers (3-2, 1-1) – W 35-21
Next Week: vs Boston College Eagles (4-1, 1-0)
The Wolfpack handled the Cavaliers easily and now face Boston College in a game that should be a whole lot of offense and not much defense. Ricky Person Jr. rushed for a career high 108 yards and Ryan Finley threw for 257 yards and 3 touchdowns in the victory. The defense also turned Bryce Perkins over twice in the game, after Perkins had previously only turned it over twice all season. If the Wolfpack can slow down AJ Dillon, they should be able to outscore the Eagles this week.
4. Virginia Tech (3-1, 2-0 ACC) (Last Week: 7)
Last Week: at Duke Blue Devils (4-1, 0-1) – W 31-14
Next Week: vs #6 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (5-0)
I guess Virginia Tech really was embarrassed last week and, no matter who was starting at quarterback this week, they were going to find a way to win and make a statement in doing so. I gave the Hokies just about no chance going into Duke with Josh Jackson out and Duke’s defense playing really well. But Ryan Willis carved the defense up, throwing for 332 yards and 3 touchdowns, and the Hokies coasted to an easy division victory. That loss to ODU is going to loom large for the Hokies, however, as they have snuck back into the top 25, but with a win against the Monarchs, they could realistically be in the top 10.
5. Syracuse (4-1, 1-1 ACC) (Last Week: 5)
Last Week: at #3 Clemson Tigers (5-0, 2-0) – L 27-23
Next Week: at Pittsburgh Panthers (2-3, 1-1)
That game is going to haunt Orange fans all season long. They were so close to pulling off yet another upset of Clemson, this time on the road, but were outscored 20-7 in the 2nd half, despite Trevor Lawrence being knocked out of the game and replaced by Chase Brice. The Orange had no answer for Travis Etienne, who racked up 203 yards and 3 touchdowns, including the final one with just 41 seconds left on the clock. Eric Dungey and the offense looked lost in the 2nd half, with their only touchdown coming after Clemson turned the ball over on the Tigers’ own 10-yard line.
6. Boston College (4-1, 1-0 ACC) (Last Week: 6)
Last Week: vs Temple Owls (2-2) – W 45-35
Next Week: at #23 NC State Wolfpack (4-0, 1-0)
BC bounced back after their ugly loss to Purdue with a relatively easy, but less than convincing, win against Temple. In the game, AJ Dillon went down with an ankle injury after rushing for 161 yards and 2 touchdowns. There is still no word on whether or not he will be ready to go for this weekend’s matchup against NC State. The Eagles will be hoping he’s ready, as a solid run game against NC State may be the only way to keep Ryan Finley off the field and off the scoreboard.
7. Duke (4-1, 0-1 ACC) (Last Week: 3)
Last Week: vs Virginia Tech Hokies (3-1, 2-0) – L 31-14
Next Week: Bye
What in the world was that? This seemed like a best-case scenario for Duke: Josh Jackson out, a home game, their own starting quarterback, Daniel Jones, back in the lineup after missing three games with a broken clavicle. But instead, Duke looked terrible. The offense struggled, being shut out for the 2nd and 3rd quarters, as the defense, which has been solid all season, gave up touchdown after touchdown. Heading into the 4th quarter, it was 24-7, and even after Deon Jackson scored to cut the lead to 10, there was no question that the Blue Devils weren’t going to be able to score again. David Cutcliffe’s pregame speech aired on ESPN; in it he stressed that he was tired of hearing about Virginia Tech. Unfortunately for him, it’s all he’s going to be hearing about for a while.
8. Virginia (3-2, 1-1 ACC) (Last Week: 8)
Last Week: at NC State Wolfpack (4-0, 1-0) – L 35-21
Next Week: Bye
Last week, I mentioned that Bryce Perkins had only turned the ball over twice all season, a number he matched against the Wolfpack on Saturday. The turnovers were deadly, as the defense didn’t have an answer for Ryan Finley or Ricky Person Jr., who rushed for a career high 108 yards. This team isn’t the most talented bunch, but Bronco Mendenhall’s guys fight to stay in games. They get a bye this week before they welcome Miami into town.
9. Wake Forest (3-2, 0-1 ACC) (Last Week: 9)
Last Week: vs Rice Owls (1-4) – W 56-24
Next Week: vs #4 Clemson Tigers (5-0, 2-0)
Sam Hartman threw for 4 touchdowns (all to Greg Dortch) as the Demon Deacons routed an inferior Owls team. Dortch finished with 11 catches for 163 yards to go along with the 4 touchdowns. I said it last week and I will say it again: Wake Forest is destined to win the games they’re supposed to while also losing every game they’re supposed to.
10. Florida State (3-2, 1-2 ACC) (Last Week: 10)
Last Week: at Louisville Cardinals (2-3, 0-2) – W 28-24
Next Week: at #17 Miami Hurricanes (4-1, 1-0)
Deondre Francois and the Seminoles found a way to do just enough right to stage a late 4th quarter comeback against a Cardinals team that is in a lot of trouble. That’s 2 straight wins for FSU, and while neither was convincing or against a talented opponent, they are feeling good about themselves heading into their rivalry matchup against the Canes. A win in Miami would go a long way in getting the bad taste of the season out of FSU’s mouths.
11. UNC (1-3, 1-1 ACC) (Last Week: 11)
Last Week: at Miami Hurricanes (3-1, 0-0) – L 47-10
Next Week: Bye
Springing an upset is never easy when you turn the ball over 6 times and give up 3 touchdowns to the opponent’s defense. On top of that, after the Tar Heels went down to the Hurricanes, Nathan Elliott was benched for Chazz Surratt. In relief, Surratt went 4/10 for 10 yards and 3 interceptions, including one of the worst throws you may ever see, which led to a Miami defensive touchdown. At least the Tar Heels have a week to ponder life before they welcome the Hokies to Chapel Hill.
12. Pittsburgh (2-3, 1-1 ACC) (Last Week: 12)
Last Week: at UCF Knights (4-0) – L 45-14
Next Week: vs Syracuse Orange (4-1, 1-1)
Pittsburgh had two drives of over 6 minutes that resulted in 0 points in Saturday’s blowout against UCF. They also intercepted the Knights in the red zone and returned it all the way to UCF’s 3-yard line, before seeing a flag on the field for a very questionable roughing the passer call. Things just aren’t going the Panthers’ way right now.
13. Georgia Tech (2-3, 0-2 ACC) (Last Week: 13)
Last Week: vs Bowling Green Falcons (1-4) – W 63-17
Next Week: at Louisville Cardinals (2-3, 0-2)
The Yellow Jackets rushed for 372 yards and scored at least 14 points in all 4 quarters, as they decimated Bowling Green on Saturday. Georgia Tech’s two wins this season have come at home over Alcorn State and Bowling Green, which were probably good warmup games for a slightly tougher Louisville team. If the Yellow Jackets want to make a bowl this season, this weekend’s game is pretty much a must win.
14. Louisville (2-3, 0-2 ACC) (Last Week: 14)
Last Week: vs Florida State Seminoles (3-2, 1-2) – L 28-24
Next Week: vs Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (2-3, 0-2)
Louisville lost the battle for the Atlantic basement (or did they win it?) when they fell to the Seminoles at home on Saturday. The Cardinals led 24-14 heading into the 4th quarter before giving up 2 touchdowns to secure defeat. Did anyone else see the game winning touchdown pass from Deondre Francois to Nyqwan Murray? A simple, shallow cross, that left the Cardinals defense incapable of tackling. While last week they played for the Atlantic basement, this week’s matchup against Georgia Tech could decide who finishes last in the ACC overall. How does Louisville keep getting themselves into such big games?
