10 quick takes on the ACC after week 7.

Who wants to win the Coastal? Did NC State finally win a conference game after nearly 2 years? It’s time for 10 quick takes on the ACC after week 7.

1) Focused FSU

One thing you have to admire about Florida State is their focus. With all the pressure of being the defending national champion and #1 ranked team in the country they keep winning. With Jameis Winston’s off the field issues, they keep winning. Today, they won again 38-20 against Syracuse to get to 6-0. The Seminoles do have a chance beat another ranked team this year, next week in a monster matchup with top 10 Notre Dame. If they knock off their 3rd ranked team in their first 7 games, doesn’t that count for something? Matt Millen ripped FSU at the half today up 24-6? The distractions, the pressures, the critiscim and the Noles are right whey they want to be going into the 2nd half of the season.

2) 11 games and counting

NC State hasn’t won an ACC Conference game in nearly 2 years. The ACC losing streak has hit 11 games after today’s listless 30-14 home loss to Boston College. All that good will the Wolfpack had after pushing FSU 2 weeks ago? Gone… Dave Doeren please don’t say the ACC was being unfair scheduling Clemson and Boston College in back to back to weeks either. I expected more out of NC State this year, and now they head to Louisville to play some really angry Cardinals.

3) No defense of or for Georgia Tech

Riding high after a 5-0 start, Georgia Tech set out to take control of the Coastal Division Saturday against Duke. They flopped badly in a 31-25 home loss to Duke. There were penalties, turnovers, missed blocks, and now a missed opportunity. Both of Duke first 2 TD drives were greatly assisted by 3rd and 4th down conversions by Georgia Tech penalties. The Yellow Jackets defense which we knew had significant issues gave up 242 yards on the ground to Duke. Frankly it was a total mis-match at the line of scrimmage. The problem for Georgia Tech going forward is if the offense doesn’t play nearly flawless the Yellow Jackets won’t win, because the defense isn’t capable of making stops consistently. That’s what happened today. If Jackets can’t win at UNC next week, their shot at the Coastal Division will be done.

4) Louisville will beat Florida State or Notre Dame

I knew the Cardinal’s defense was legit, but I was very impressed by what I saw against Clemson. That’s a tough physical quick defense. Right now Louisville is missing their starting QB Will Gardner and top WR DeVante Parker. When they get those two healthy, the Cardinals are too good a team not to win one of these high profile games. They nearly beat Clemson without them, and with them they are going knock off either FSU or Notre Dame.

5) Clemson’s defense to the rescue

With Deshaun Watson out for the next 4-6 weeks, the Tigers offense becomes very limited with Cole Stoudt running the show. Stoudt just doesn’t have the athletic ability to be anything more than a game manager. Clemson is going to have to rely on their defense like they did today holding Louisville to 52 yards rushing. The game at Boston College could pose some problems for Clemson, but if they survive that then games with Syracuse and Wake Forest should be manageable. Oh and what’s going on with Clemson inside the 10 yard line? It was a complete fiasco at the end of the first half and on Clemson’s last possession in the 4th quarter.

6) Duke wants to repeat as Coastal Champs

Duke manhandled Georgia Tech upfront today, and David Cutcliffe couldn’t have been happier after his war of words with Paul Johnson this week. The Blue Devils following the loss to Miami rebound nicely today, and with a favorable schedule are right in the thick of the Coastal chase. The Blue Devils sit 5-1 and have a huge matchup with Coastal leader Virginia next week. If Duke beats Virginia, I could certainly see them repeating.

7) Virginia Tech and Pittsburgh didn’t play this week, but Thursday’s game is a big Coastal battle 

The Hokies and Panthers didn’t play this week, but they will hookup Thursday. This is such a big Coastal Division game. Why? The loser will have a very difficult getting back in the Coastal race with 2 losses. I still see the Coastal champs having 2 losses. This is a crucial game for both teams.

8) UNC not quitting

The Tar Heels have a train wreck of season going, but there is still a lot of fight in them. UNC fell to 2-4, but they gave Notre Dame everything they could handle in a 50-43 loss. Look UNC’s defense might be awful, but their offense can some things. They’ve scored at least 30 points in every game they’ve played but one. The Tar Heels aren’t winning the Coastal, maybe we gave up on them too soon. With Georgia Tech’s swiss cheese defense coming to Chapel the Tar Heels have a chance to roll up some huge offense numbers next week. The question is can they slow the TO offense.

9) Miami not quitting either

After last week’s loss Georgia Tech, Miami was left for dead. Fan support for Al Golden was slipping. All the Hurricanes did was destroy Cincinnati Saturday 55-34 in Miami. Miami still has solid skill position talent. There are some weapons there. Like UNC, they won’t be winning Coastal, but they are proving if you come down to South Florida, then you are going to have some problems. I got a feeling Miami will be playing spoiler all year. They don’t play again until October 23rd at Virginia Tech.

10) What do we make of Boston College?

Lose to Pitt at home, the beat USC, then lose at home to Colorado Set, then comeback and have a strong road showing in a win NC State. What are we to make of Boston College? You know I think this is a pretty solid team. They way they rush the ball is very impressive. They lead the ACC in rushing. They’ve taken on the identity of a tough physical team from their head coach Steve Addiazo. I like the way BC is trending even if they have been a little inconsistent. I think they are going to give Clemson a real battle next week.

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