This past weekend, the ACC saw several big matchups, including Boston College at Clemson, Louisville at Florida State and Pittsburgh at Georgia Tech.
Perhaps one of the more anticipated games was the matcup of the ACC’s No. 1 ranked defense and one of the conference’s more explosive offenses.
No. 5 Clemson’s juggernaut offense looked to prove something against the stout Boston College defense. The game was close at the half as Clemson took a 17-10 lead heading into the locker room.However, it was Clemson’s defense that surprised in the second half, as the Tigers walked away from this one with a 34-17 win.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson propelled the Tiger’s offense with a total of 420 yards and three touchdowns. Boston College is now 3-4 for the season as they prepare to take on Louisville this week. Clemson is 6-0 on the season and will travel to Miami on Saturday.
Staying in the Atlantic Division, No. 11 Florida State welcomed the Louisville Cardinals into Doak Campbell Stadium this past Saturday. Louisville’s defense held the Seminoles in the first half to just six points, as they went into the locker room up 7-6.
After some halftime adjustments, FSU’s offense came out blazing in the second half, propelling the ‘Noles to a 41-21 win. The Seminoles were led by Everett Golson who finished with 372 passing yards and three touchdowns while running back Dalvin Cook contributed 163 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Next week Louisville takes on Boston College while Florida State will travel to Atlanta to take on Georgia Tech.
The Pittsburgh Panthers took on a tough Georgia Tech team this past weekend in Atlanta. The game was tied at 21 at halftime but the Panthers ultimately edged out the Ramblin’ Wreck with a final score of 31-28. The Panthers were led by quarterback Nathan Peterman who threw for 162 yards and three touchdowns.
The Panthers, who lead the ACC Coastal Division, will face Syracuse this week.
Some key games to look forward to this next weekend include Clemson traveling to Miami to take on the Hurricanes and Duke traveling to Blacksburg, Va., to take on Virginia Tech.
Clemson should be able to handle the Hurricanes, even though the game is taking place at SunLife Stadium in Miami, Fla. Expect the Tigers offense, led by Watson, to overpower an average Miami defense, while Clemson’s staggering defensive line dismantles Miami’s rushing attack, leaving the ‘Canes only hope in the skills of sophomore quarterback Brad Kaaya. Clemson will win this one with ease.
In an ACC Coastal matchup, No. 23 Duke takes on the Hokies of Virginia Tech. Expect this to be a great game that pits a good Duke offense against a talented VT defensive front.
This will be a close game played in front of an electric crowd at Lane Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
