Conference credibility is on the line this weekend for the ACC. For too long, the ACC, outside of Clemson, has gotten a bad rap on being a weak conference. Clemson, Miami and Florida State could change all that this weekend, at least for a little while.
The Tigers, preseason ranked #3, will take on #5 ranked Georgia in what will probably be a stadium packed Charlotte venue. Both teams go into the game with high expectations, and media “experts” claim that the winner of this game goes unbeaten and the loser only has this one loss.
Clemson must replace generational quarterback Trevor Lawrence and top running back Travis Etienne. Sophomore DJ Uiagalelei will fill those shoes and the Tigers look to fill Etienne’s slot with more of a running back by committee. The offensive line will be the key to this game for Clemson. Much is being made about Georgia having one of the top front 7’s in the country. Personally, I don’t see it. Look for Justyn Ross to make a very successful return to the field, and he will be a difference maker.
While the outcome of this game has national implications, there are two other ACC games that will settle the “conference strength” questions.
#14 Miami Hurricanes travels to Atlanta, Georgia, in the heart of SEC territory, to take on #1 Alabama. Pundits call this a neutral venue game but we know it’s not really. Miami fans will travel 663 miles to get to the game while Alabama fans make the 200 mile trek from Tuscaloosa. Having been to games in Atlanta where an SEC team is playing, the “SEC SEC SEC” bandwagon fans will also pile into Mercedes-Benz to cheer for the SEC bellcow.
Alabama must replace three first round draft picks off the offense, but also must replace starting quarterback Mac Jones. The Tide returns only three starters on offense. However, Alabama recruits so well, there are 4-5 star talent ready to take that next step to the starting lineup. Sophomore Bryce Young, who went head-to-head against Uiagalelei for three years in high school, will be the starter at QB. Miami, on the other hand, returns 19 starters, including starting quarterback D’Eriq King. King, a dual threat both through the air and on the ground. Does Miami have enough to surprise the Tide? Saturday will tell this tale.
Florida State was a powerhouse football program for many years, but recently have fallen on hard times. Jimbo Fisher took over when Bobby Bowden retired, and inherited a very talented roster. Fisher had a record of 83-23 over his 8 years at FSU. However, 2017 was the beginning of the end for Fisher and Florida State. The Seminoles opened up the season with a 21-7 loss to Alabama, losing starting quarterback Deondre Francois to a season-ending knee injury. Thus, since that game, and three head coaching changes, the Seminoles sport a 21-26 record. Mike Norvell was brought in from Memphis and he is desperately trying to change the culture and turn this once-proud team around.
The Seminoles host #9 Notre Dame Sunday, and the Irish will be coming in with a new quarterback themselves. Ian Book finally graduated and left for the NFL after it seemed like 10 years. QB Jack Coan transferred from Wisconsin to the Irish and has been named the starter. Notre Dame brings back only 3 starters on offense, including losing 4 along the OL. They also lost 5 starters off the defense. There are holes to fill. Can FSU take advantage?
Thus, three ACC games this weekend are all winnable but they are also losable. How these three teams compete will go a long way in ridding the conference of the “weak” moniker the college sports world has handed to the ACC.
