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Contributed by Chase Kuech
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Thursday, 13 October 2005 |
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As the ACC hits the midway point in their season, teams are finally
beginning to emerge as the powers in the division, but much still has
to be decided, as the ACC still features a number of key conference
matchups in the second half of the season. With only five games in the
ACC this weekend, three feature extremely important matchups between
teams vying for power in the conference. Let's take a dive in and see
what we can't discover about what is going to happen as the next few
days unfold.Clemson at NC State, Thursday, 7:30 pm:
This game basically decides
what is going to happen the rest of the season for both teams. Whoever
loses this game is going to face a very uphill battle for the rest of
the season, and probably won't make it to a bowl game. The winner of
this matchup still has a shot to win a few games as the season finishes
and make a splash in the ACC. This game will depend on the Clemson
running game. If NC State can stop Clemson from running the ball, and
make them one dimensional, then the Wolfpack should run away with this
game. I'd expect it to be close, with something in the 20's from each
team, but look for the Tigers to narrowly escape, 25-24. They'll
finally come out on the good side of a close one, and give themselves a
shot at a bowl game this year.
Wake Forest at Boston College, Saturday, 12:00 pm:
Boston College needs
a victory to close the gap on Florida State, but overlooking the Demon
Deacons could result in an upset this weekend at home. The Eagles have
looked strong this year, with a defense second in the ACC to only
Virginia Tech. While Wake Forest tends to be able to find some room
with a very unique running attack, they should have trouble pushing the
big boys on the Eagles around up front, and Boston College should have
no trouble running away with this victory at home. Look for the Eagles
to win, 28-10.
Miami at Temple, Saturday, 1:00 pm:
I'm not really sure why they even
need to play this game, since the Hurricanes are going to destroy the
Owls. Temple has not been close in a game all season, and Miami has
looked good even against good teams. I don't expect the Owls to provide
much of a challenge to the Hurricanes, even at home. Miami should win
this one easy, 63-6.
Georgia Tech at Duke, Saturday, 3:30 pm:
Although Georgia Tech was
upset last week at home against NC State, they shouldn't have any
trouble against Duke. The Yellow Jackets should finally get back on
track this week at Duke, and come away with a big victory, which should
give them some momentum heading into some very important ACC matches
down the road. Duke would like to pull an upset this weekend, but they
haven't looked good in a game yet so far this year, and the Yellow
Jacket defense should have no trouble shutting them down. I'd expect a
score somewhere around 27-10. The Yellow Jacket offense still won't be
up to speed, but Reggie Ball will be able to relax and Calvin Johnson
doesn't have anyone in the ACC who can cover him.
Florida State at Virginia, Saturday, 7:45 pm:
This game should end up
exactly like the Virginia - Boston College game did last weekend,
although Florida State should be able to score a few more points than
the Eagles did. Look for something in the 33-14 range this weekend.
Florida State would like another victory to pull away from Boston
College, but they need to be careful because Virginia has a very
dangerous offense at times. Look for the Seminole defense to dominate
this game, but big play threats and a couple of solid drives will let
the Cavaliers get on the board. I wouldn't expect an upset this
weekend, Florida State's offense is clicking and they won't stop in
Virginia. |
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 13 October 2005 )
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