These are the 5 most intriguing ACC out of conference games.
@Clemson vs Texas A&M – September 7, 2019
Clemson vs Texas A&M is one the best college football games of the year. They had a riveting game last season in College Station, and this figures to be one of Clemson’s toughest tests of the regular season. Aggie Kellen Mond lit up Clemson’s All-Star defense last season. What will he do to a much more inexperienced group? That said Texas A&M doesn’t exactly look equipped to stop the most talented offense in college football. This has the feel of a 41-35 type game.
Florida State vs Boise State – August 31, 2019
There might not be a more important early season game for an ACC team than this one for Florida State. Willie Taggart came in with a lot of fanfare and promptly led FSU to their worst season in over 30 years. Jimbo Fisher should take plenty of blame for leaving Taggart a mess. FSU fans knew that, and while frustrated weren’t ready to turn on Taggart yet. Boise State is a dangerous opener, but win this game and it could a long way to restoring faith in Taggart and could lead to an 8 or 9 win season.
NC State vs @West Virginia – September 14, 2019
Dave Doeren definitely has NC State trending in the right direction. From 3 wins in in 2013 to back to back to 9 win seasons in 2017 and 2018. Remember that great win over? Well there hasn’t been one, and that’s where I’m still a little skeptical about Doeren. In six years what is NC State’s signature non-conference win? A game at West Virginia in 2019 may not be a truly signature win. WVU will be with new coach and new QB, but it would still be a pretty note-worthy victory on the road and lead to a likely 4-0 start.
Miami vs Florida – August 24, 2019
Miami is going to be an underdog in this one, but as Manny Diaz’s first game as Canes head coach we’re going to find out exactly how much work he has to do. There’s talent on Miami’s team especially on the defensive side of the ball. Last year was a huge flop with blowout losses to LSU and Wisconsin OOC. If Diaz can steal a victory or at least have the Canes competitive it would give Miami fans a lot hope. The last time they played in 2013, Miami beat a #12 ranked Florida team 21-16.
North Carolina vs South Carolina – August 31, 2019
Clemson has owned South Carolina, and Virginia thumped them 28-0 in the Belk Bowl last season, but they are 3-1 against ACC teams not named Clemson the last 5 years. I’ll always remember how a 3-9 South Carolina beat a UNC team that got to the ACC Championship game 11-1. That was ugly look for the Heels. They can exact some revenge for that game and give their season a real jump start with a winnable game over South Carolina. UNC has been bad themselves, but you don’t want to start the season with a loss to a team that will probably go 4-8 or 5-7.
Other games to keep an eye on
@Louisville vs Norte Dame – September 2, 2019
Louisville was an embarrassment last year. The Scott Satterfield era starts against 2018 playoff participant Notre Dame
Syracuse vs @Maryland – Septemember 7, 2019
Dino Babers has a top 25 caliber team, but don’t go losing this early season game.
Georgia Tech vs @Temple – September 28, 2019
GT head coach Geoff Collins goes back to his former school. A win or loss here may decide if Georgia Tech goes bowling.
Pittsburgh vs @Penn State – September 14, 2019
I don’t think this will be a very competitive game, but it is intriguing because we may not these rivals play again for a long time.
Virginia vs @Notre Dame – September 28, 2019
Could Virginia be 4-0 heading to Notre Dame on September 28? The Bryce Perkins vs Ian Brook QB matchup is sneaky good.
Virginia Tech vs @Notre Dame – November 2, 2019
If Virginia Tech has anything on defense, they could be anywhere from 5-2 to 7-0 going to Notre Dame which could setup a big game.
Florida State vs @Florida – November 30, 2019
If the Noles season has went sideways, a year-ending loss to Florida could really land Willie Taggart on the hot-seat at Florida State.
