The three biggest ACC football questions of the week. Here we go for Week 9.
Can Miami’s defense get things together against Florida State?
Miami’s offense and Cam Ward are incredible, but that defense is giving up 39 points a game in their last 3 outings. Eventually, that will catch up with the Canes if they don’t get things fixed. Florida State’s offense is a trainwreck. If Miami struggles with this offense, it’s hard to see them be successful against any functional offense. This could also be the catalyst to build confidence in that unit. I think you’ll see Miami play their best defensive game in weeks.
Can SMU continue its rise against Duke?
It’s two 6-1 teams playing in prime-time when SMU and Duke matchup in Durham, NC. The ACC needs these games in late October, and it isn’t the only one. Can SMU keep rising against Duke? I really don’t like the matchup for Duke. Duke is solid defensively, but inconsistent at best on offense ranking 112th in the country. SMU hasn’t scored less than 34 points in any of their last 4 games, and I don’t think Duke will be able to keep up.
Will Pittsburgh be 7-0 after their Thursday night game with Syracuse?
The ACC is having two games this week with playoff and ACC championship playoff for all 4 participants, and none of them have Clemson or Florida State in the games. 6-0 Pittsburgh vs 5-1 Syracuse at Pittsburgh is must-see TV. The Panthers are ranked 19 and the Orange are just outside the top 25 as two of the most surprising teams in the ACC. I’m expecting a highly competitive entertaining game, but one where Pitt at home wins in a close one. Then you’d have a top 20 matchup the next week at SMU between the Mustangs and Panthers, with the possibility of game day heading there. How huge would that be?
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