This was a complete week of chaos for the Atlantic Coast Conference within the ranks and with teams outside of it. Lets get into how each game shook out in rivalry week:
Virginia Tech 34, Virginia 31 (OT)
Just when you thought Virginia would snap the streak, Virginia Tech takes down the Cavaliers for the 15th straight year. This came from a big performance by Tre Turner, Virginia Tech WR, who had 69 receiving yards and 1 touchdown. The Hokies went into halftime with a 14-0 lead, which came through the air and on special teams. Then the Cavaliers went on a scoring rush, this led to them taking the lead 28-24 late in the 4th. However, a late fumble by Virginia QB Bryce Perkins secured Virginia Tech’s win over Virginia.
Kentucky 56, Louisville 10
The Wildcats never punted the ball once this game. Yes, Louisville ends up a really bad season for the program and will look to move on. They gave up 601 total yards in what was a crazy win for the Wildcats that might earn them a high-tier bowl appearance. Nothing much to say on Louisville’s behalf on the game, except that they better erase this season fast.
Clemson 56, South Carolina 35
Clemson’s defense decided to not show up on Saturday. They gave up 600 total yards to a 6-5 South Carolina team that shouldn’t have even put up 2 touchdowns on the Tigers, let alone 5 of them. Trevor Lawrence erased this less-than-savory go for the Tiger defense when he threw 393 yards and had 1 touchdown. Same goes for Travis Etienne, who rushed for 150 yards and mixed 2 touchdowns in there as well. Look for Clemson to have their way against Pittsburgh next week in the ACC Championship and to move onto the Playoff.
Georgia 45, Georgia Tech 21
Georgia Tech had been nothing more than bullied at the end of the day Saturday. The Bulldog defense had sniffed out the scheme to end the Georgia Tech Triple Option that plagued many teams this season. Also, the Bulldogs took advantage of the weak Georgia Tech secondary that had been weaker of the ACC teams. Look for Georgia Tech to make a mid-tier bowl this post season.
Florida 41, Florida State 14
Florida State’s bowl streak of 36 years is now done. This comes after a blowout by in-state rival, Florida, who just managed to put this FSU team in the dirt. Florida State just couldn’t produce anything offensively or even draw up a defensive scheme to stop this Gator team. Also, the Seminoles couldn’t handle the ball properly with 3 turnovers at the end of the game to add to their sound defeat. The only thing FSU has to look up to is a promising performance from freshman Tamorrion Terry.
Syracuse 42, Boston College 21
Let’s wrap this one up for both teams. Syracuse has made a huge jump with Dino Babers. Also, Eric Dungey made sure that he put on a show for the fans in his last regular season game. I like what this Syracuse team proved rushing-wise too this weekend. On the other hand, Boston College sits at what they always sit at: outside the winner’s club. This Eagle team just cannot find itself in place to beat good teams when needed. It will be fun to see these two in the bowl games they end up in.
Miami 24, Pittsburgh 3
And here comes the Pittsburgh collapse we were waiting for. This happens every year when we think Pittsburgh is getting on a roll, they just seem to fall down. Now I am thinking this ACC Championship game will be a complete blowout. And for Miami, they are looking good as of recently, but will this carry over into next year? It may with Homer. Miami’s QB situation is still a complete mess, but their running game is saving them. Look for Pittsburgh to make a lower-tier bowl and Miami to get a better bid than Pittsburgh.
NC State 34, North Carolina 28 (OT)
For a second we all thought North Carolina would get it done against the Wolfpack. However, NC State made sure to hang on in the end in overtime. Also, this loss by UNC meant the end of the Larry Fedora era that has somewhat plagued this program with injuries and bad players. This one was a great game to watch, aside from the information on how the two have performed this year. Look for NC State to get a high bowl bid for the ACC.
Wake Forest 59, Duke 7
What? These type of games always make me ponder the state of ACC football as a whole. If a team that has under-performed all year in the Atlantic can go blowout their rival in a cross-over game, then do we need a rebalancing of the divisions? We now see a Duke team that has just been bad recently and is prone to turnovers. I think we might see Wake Forest improve next year and maybe in their bowl game. And for Duke, we hope they can get a win in their bowl.
Photo Credits: https://pilotonline.com/sports/college/virginia-tech/football/article_50b63aa8-f1b2-11e8-8257-678470a3dd17.html
