The College Football season is less than a week away. You read that right, in a week we can push all expansion talk, NCAA investigations, player arrests out of the forefront and get to the business of playing football. There will be plenty of time for that anyways down the road. I want to talk what to look for in the ACC in week 1.
First though, there were two big announcements by the ACC this week. There was the release of the 2011-2012 basketball schedule and the posting of the ACCNetwork’s expanded coverage of the ACC. There will be more coverage of the ACC then at any other time in its history.
Let’s check out the Week 1 ACC schedule and what to watch for…
| 09/01/11 | Western Carolina @ Georgia Tech | Atlanta, Ga. | ESPN3.com | 7:30 p.m. ET Gametracker |
| Wake Forest @ Syracuse | Syracuse, N.Y. | ESPN3.com | 8:00 p.m. ET Gametracker |
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| 09/03/11 | Northwestern @ Boston College | Chestnut Hill, Mass. | ESPNU | 12:00 p.m. ET Gametracker |
| Appalachian State @ Virginia Tech | Blacksburg, VA | ACC Network | 12:30 p.m. ET Gametracker |
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| James Madison @ North Carolina | Chapel Hill, N.C. | RSN | 3:30 p.m. ET Gametracker |
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| Troy @ Clemson | Clemson, S.C. | ESPN3.com | 3:30 p.m. ET Gametracker |
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| ULM @ Florida State | Tallahassee, Fla. | ESPNU | 3:30 p.m. ET | |
| Liberty @ NC State | Raleigh, N.C. | ESPN3.com | 6:00 p.m. ET Gametracker |
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| William & Mary @ Virginia | Charlottesville, Va. | ESPN3.com | 6:00 p.m. ET Gametracker |
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| Richmond @ Duke | Durham, N.C. | ESPN3.com | 7:00 p.m. ET Gametracker |
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| 09/05/11 | Miami @ Maryland | College Park, Md. | ESPN | 8:00 p.m. ET Gametracker |
Game of the Weekend…
Miami vs Maryland
The Hurricanes still don’t know if Sean Spence or Jacory Harris will be available. They are among 8 Miami players that are currently ineligible for the game. Al Golden if he hasn’t enough to deal with must prepare for the ACC’s best returning QB in Danny O’Brien. Maryland and new head coach Randy Edsall can make an early ACC statement if they win this game. Frankly it would be understandable if Miami isn’t quite ready to play. The Terrapins must win this game if they are to be considered a threat in the ACC Atlantic. There are lots of subplots in this one.
Players I’m ready to see in a real game.
QB Mike Glennon, NC State
Tom O’Brien thought enough of Mike Glennon to show Russel Wilson the door. I’m ready to see if Glennon is the real deal.
QB Logan Thomas, Virginia Tech
Thomas has to replace ACC player of the year QB Tyrod Taylor, no pressure.
WR Sammy Watkins, Clemson
The reports coming out of Clemson are that Watkins is the most gifted freshman receiver the Tigers have had maybe ever.
Don’t sleep on this opponent.
James Madison vs North Carolina
Appalachian State vs Virginia Tech
One year ago James Madison walked into Blacksburg, VA and knocked off the Virginia Tech Hokies. North Carolina has upcoming NCAA investigations, and a new coach. The Heels should win, but can’t take James Madison lightly. Speaking of the Hokies they open with one of the better FCS teams for 2011 Appalachian State. You don’t think App State is eyeing this game? I work with a Michigan alum who attended the game the Wolverines lost to the Mountaineers. He said it was his worst football day ever.
Do the ACC Proud
Boston College vs Northwestern
Northwestern is a team with some offensive weapons from the Big 10. Boston College is looking to get the season started right. The ACC needs some notable non-conference wins this season. This would be a good start.
Wake Forest vs Syracuse
This game is on the road for the Deacs. The Orangemen are a contender in the Big East. If Wake Forest pulls this upset off, it would defiantly be a bonus.
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