As we look towards the ACC Football season, what are the most pivotal OOC games scheduled? These aren’t just the most attractive, or the biggest games. They need to be reasonably winnable, and could change the course of a team and possibly the league’s direction for 2021.
1. Clemson vs Georgia (September 4, 2021)
It doesn’t get any bigger than this in college football for 2021. Georgia is trying to get where Clemson is at. The Bulldogs want to be known as one of the truly 3 or 4 premier teams in teams in college football, not just one that recruits like it. Clemson wants to stay atop college where they remain Alabama’s biggest challenger. Clemson has shown subtle signs of slippage, where they once had caught Alabama, they’ve fallen behind them. This game would a long way to establishing the winner as the Tide’s biggest threat in 2021.
A loss for Clemson would require them to run the table to get the playoffs. The Tigers remain the ACC’s by far best chance for playoff team.
2. NC State vs Mississippi State (September 11, 2021)
I consider this such a pivotal game for NC State. If this program is ever going to move from being to decent to top 25 caliber they need to starting winning noteworthy OOC games. Beating a good Liberty team, was a start last year. The Wolfpack need to build off that.
Returning some of the ACC’s best players at RB in Bam Knight, WR Emeka Emezie, and LB Payton Wilson, they can’t be losing games to middle of the road or worse SEC teams like Mississippi State. Dave Doeren did a fine job restoring Wolfpack fans confidence in him, don’t go losing here.
3. North Carolina vs Notre Dame (October 30, 2021)
Last year North Carolina flirted with what top flight college football looks like, but they lack the consistency to be a great team. Great teams don’t lose to teams like 2020 Florida State or Virginia. The Heels also couldn’t cash in on opportunities to make a national splash losing to Notre Dame at home, and letting Texas A&M slip away in the Orange Bowl. Yea they were shorthanded against the Aggies, but a loss is a loss.
Against Notre Dame comes another big chance. The Irish will still be very good, but lose a ton off their offense including star Ian Book. The Heels should enter this game 6-1 or even 7-0 with their Heisman candidate at QB Sam Howell and an offense that should put up tons of points. It’s year 3 of Mack Brown’s tenure and win here will really the progress of the UNC program.
4. Miami vs Michigan State (September 18, 2021)
Miami vs Alabama is probably the bigger national game, but let’s be honest Miami is winning that game. The best case scenario is that they don’t get blown out. The Canes don’t need that game to have a good season though.
Now Michigan State at home – that’s pivotal. If Miami loses to the Spartans that’s 1-2, maybe 0-3 start. Appalachian State is no gimme in week 2. Michigan State has a pretty good name, but they aren’t very good now and won’t be 2021. I can’t see the Canes recovering from a loss to them. This is a must win OOC win for Miami.
5. Boston College vs Missouri (September 25, 2021)
Boston College is a lot like NC State. The team is oozing potential, and faces winnable game against a SEC opponent. The Eagles return a quality QB in Phil Jurkovec, a great WR in Zay Flowers, and a loaded offensive line.
The defense will have holes, but the offense should be able to get BC by most opponents. If they are to have a great season though, it starts with this game which should allow BC to start the season 4-0 before facing Clemson. Missouri will be decent, maybe even fringe top 25. This is a credibility gaining win for BC and the league.
I’ll say it now if Boston College wins this game they will have a 9+ win season.
