The three biggest ACC football question marks of that week. Here we go for Week 1.
Who makes a statement this week?
What a huge week for a bunch of ACC teams. Several ACC teams have games that could change the course of their season. Clemson vs Georgia, Miami vs Florida, TCU vs Stanford, and UNC vs Minnesota. If Clemson beats Georgia, they would be labled a national title contender. If Miami beats Florida, they would be considered one of the ACC favorites, and a playoff contender. Stanford beats TCU and they would be hailed as a real ACC spoiler maybe more. UNC gets by Minnesota what’s to stop them from starting the year 6 or 7-0.
Quick Thoughts on each
Clemson vs Georgia – Pick against Georgia at your own risk. Clemson must absolutely be able to establish a running game.
Miami vs Florida – Florida has lost 4 times in the Swamp in the last 2 years. Let’s not act like winning at Florida is going to be impossible. Difficult yes, but if Miami is the team I think they are then the Gators will have no answer for Cam Ward.
TCU vs Stanford – Stanford could really use a win to jumpstart their season over TCU. I have to see something that makes me believe they could be better than we think. I’m just not there with Stanford.
UNC vs Minnesota – One team has Omarion Hampton and one doesn’t in what might be a sloppy wet weather game. I’ll go with the one with Hampton.
Is Georgia Tech for real?
Georgia Tech played a brilliant game in Ireland to knock the 10th-ranked Florida State Seminole off 24-21. There is a but, there is always a but. Ever since Brent Key arrived mid-way through the 2022 season, Georgia Tech has found a way to beat ranked ACC teams, but sustaining momentum is what the Jackets have struggled to do. They’ve never 3 games in a row under Key, and they’ve only won back-to-back games twice. Last year they lost as a huge favorite to Bowling Green. This year they are big favorites against Georgia State. They can ride that powerful offensive line and ground Georgia State into submission. I think this Georgia Tech team is for real. Saturday will prove the season opener wasn’t just lightning in a bottle.
How does Florida State respond after a week 0 loss?
The college football world was shocked at how Georgia Tech physically pushed FSU around. Boston College is not quite as good as Georgia Tech at the LOS, but they have enough to beat FSU with a repeat of week 0. They almost beat the Noles last year. I think FSU will respond though, especially on defense. If the Noles fail in this one, I don’t see them recovering to win the ACC, and the wheels will totally come off. There’s just too much at stake for the Noles not to rebound.
