With just a couple of weeks until the college football season, let’s take a brief look at the ACC’s most intriguing OOC games. The ACC has to win their fair of these games, as we move towards an expanded playoff where football SOS will be more valuable than ever.
Let’s rank the top 10 most intriguing OOC conference games, starting with 6-10.
Most intriguing OOC conference games 1-5
6) Clemson at South Carolina – November 25, 2023
In a game largely controlled by Clemson, the Tigers last season got beat 31-30 by South Carolina with a 4th quarter collapse marked by bizarre offensive play calling, defensive lapses, and a South Carolina team that wouldn’t quit. It was devasting home loss for the Tigers to a Gamecock team that ended the season with 5 losses. This season this game is ramped up, as the Gamecocks have proved they can once again beat the Tigers. Oh if Clemson loses this one, it could create a tidal wave of questions about where the Clemson program is should they lose back-to-back games to a middle-of-the-road SEC team.
7) Pittsburgh at West Virginia – September 16, 2023
There is just something about a classic rivalry game. The Backyard Brawl between Pittsburgh and West Virginia is one of those games that should be played every single year. Last year’s 38-31 win for Pittsburgh set Thursday night viewing records. I expect this year’s game at West Virginia to have an electric fun atmosphere between the two, and Pittsburgh could build a ton of momentum with a win over the Mountaineers.
8) Kentucky at Louisville – November 25, 2023
Louisville just had a senior class that never beat in-state arch-rival Kentucky. The Cardinals have lost in total 5 of their last 6 games to the Wildcats. For the Cardinals football program to truly get back on track, they must not keep losing to Kentucky. It’s one of the ACC/SEC rival games that should be much closer in nature. There’s not a game on Louisville’s schedule including Notre Dame, that Cardinal fans want to win more. This could be two pretty good teams going at it.
9) Florida State at Florida – November 25, 2023
Typically, you’d have the Florida State vs Florida higher on any list of OOC games for an ACC team. Frankly, this game will always be intriguing due to the nature of the rivalry, but going into the season I’d consider the Noles at least a TD favorite even on the road. FSU is a top 10 pre-season team and Florida looks like a SEC also-ran. That said last year was still a competitive stirring game, and you never know what can happen in a rivalry game, especially on the road. FSU could come in with 10+ wins and Florida fighting for a bowl game, and you better pay attention to this one.
10) Purdue at Virginia Tech – September 9, 2023
Provided that Virginia Tech gets by Old Dominion which is no guarantee, that will set up Virginia Tech with one of their most pivotal OOC games in a long while. Purdue is coming off a Big 10 Divisional Title but is breaking in a new coach. They should be decent, but not great. This is a huge opportunity for the Hokies to start the year 2-0, and who knows what they could do with that? Brent Pry and Virginia Tech need a win to show there is progress being made. At Lane Stadium, against a decent opponent, and a chance to really jump-start the season. Yes, this is a game I’m keeping an eye on.
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