The dream ACC Championship moves one game closer. Clemson clinched the ACC Atlantic beating Wake Forest and moves to 9-1. Virginia Tech controls their own destiny and also sits 9-1 after they defeated Georgia Tech Thursday. Primetime 8 PM, sellout, two top 10 teams… yep unless you are playing one of these teams or like Virginia you can still win your way into the ACCCG, you should be rooting for this matchup. So let’s check out the awards…
The Good
Champions Again
The Clemson Tigers nearly went down to Wake Forest in what would have been an epic meltdown in Death Valley. The Tigers overcame a 28-14 deficit and an injured Sammy Watkins to pull out the win 31-28. If you are Clemson fan you had to visions of past inexplicable losses, but it didn’t happen to the relief of 80,000 in attendance. The Tigers won the ACC Atlantic for the 2nd time in 3 years and can start making reservations for Charlotte.
Closer and Closer
What’s as predictable as the sun coming up the next day? Its Frank Beamer’s Virginia Tech Hokies getting better as the season continues. The Hokies went to Georgia Tech and faced a fired up dangerous Yellow Jacket team and came away with a 37-26 win. QB Logan Thomas wow what a load, anything less than 2 yards is automatic with this guy on a sneak. Thomas also is much more poised in the pocket than he was earlier in the year. Win out and they’ll be playing Clemson in the ACC Title game.
Pride
The award goes to two teams. Let’s start with Wake Forest… the Deacs didn’t win when they visited Death Valley, but they gave Clemson everything they could handle and in many respects outplayed and outcoached the Tigers. Following a Bye week, Senior Day, and the ACC Atlantic Division Championship on the line the Deacs were certainly up against it, but at one point held 2 TD lead in the 3rd qtr only to fade late. Jim Grobe continues to amaze with what he manages to squeeze out at Wake Forest, and QB Tanner Price is a player.
Boston College has won 2 of their last 3 games. Let that sink in… Going into the final week of October BC did not have a win over a Division 1 team, and now they have two after a surprising 14-10 over NC State. I don’t know if this saves Frank Spaziani’s job, but I do know his kids haven’t quit on him, and that says something. The defense finally played like a typical Boston College defense holding the Pack to 267 total yards.
Streaking
Florida State won their 5th straight win. This time it was arch rival Miami 23-19. This was odd game that left many Nole fans infuriated with the officiating. FSU moves to 7-3 and left Florida State in prime position for a quality bowl. A very intriguing game for the Seminoles is next week against an underrated Virginia Team.
I’m still here
On our way to the Clemson Virginia Tech ACCCG re-match, there’s a little hang-up. Actually a pretty significant hang-up, it’s the Virginia Cavaliers, who control their own destiny. They beat Duke 31-21, and if they could somehow win at Florida State next Saturday, they’d set up one of the biggest games ever in Charlottesville where they would face Virginia Tech for the Coastal Division championship. It’s a tall order and I don’t expect Virginia to win next week, but I wouldn’t be all that shocked either if they did.
The Bad
Penalties like Turnovers.
Georgia Tech had just taken the lead on Virginia Tech. The score was 26-21 late in the third quarter. The defense had struggled all night, but had just come up with huge 3rd and 19 stop. The momentum was in the Jacket’s favor, the stadium was in a frenzy, and then it all stopped on disastrous penalty. LB Jeremiah Attaochu arguably Georgia Tech’s best defensive player punched Hokie QB Logan Thomas in the head during said 3rd and 19 play. That knocked the wind out of the team and stadium. The Hokies took advantage and the Jackets never recovered. It was as pivotal a penalty as you’ll find, and I’d equate it to a red zone turnover.
Bowls what bowls
Miami and NC State entered the weekend with a chance to solidify their bowl status. Miami was playing at red hot Florida State, made a late run but lost 4. They can be forgiven. The Canes are still looking to get bowl eligible and need that 6th win. A tricky road game at South Florida is Saturday, then Boston College.
NC State though doesn’t get forgiven. After shutting out UNC last week, they flat didn’t show up in a 14-10 loss at Boston College. This isn’t what you do when you are trying to qualify for a bowl. With Clemson next followed by Maryland, they better beat Maryland. Who am I kidding the Terps have quit, the Pack will qualify for a bowl just barely.
The more things change the more they stay the same
Duke lost another close game 21-31 to Virginia. They aren’t going to a bowl game. What else is new? I was listening to the announcers say Duke is building. This is what we’ve been hearing for years. Yes the Blue Devils are competitive, but the program is stuck in neutral. If Georgia Tech is unfocused they could give the Jackets trouble next week.
The Maryland
That’s so Maryland
Until Maryland wins another game might was well replace the Ugly award and just call it the Maryland award. The Terps fell to 2-8 after 45-21 loss to Notre Dame that I stopped watching 5 minutes into the 2nd quarter. The Terrapins had a few decent moments, but for the most part played the uninspired poorly coached football that we’ve seen all year. All you can really say is Edsall will have alot of work to do in the off-season. Oh yeah QB Danny O’Brien is out for the season.
Leave a Reply