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If Week 0 is any indication, the race for the ACC is wide open.
No. 10 Florida State, who was picked by the ACC media to win the conference ahead of the season, was knocked off 24-21 by an unranked Georgia Tech team in Dublin, Ireland. The Yellow Jackets won the battle in the trenches all afternoon, and on both sides of the ball.
Former Clemson QB DJ Uiagalelei made a couple of key throws on a game-tying drive in the fourth quarter and didn’t turn the ball over, but the Seminoles offense looked rather pedestrian for most of the contest, with the passing game lacking any kind of real explosiveness. Add in the fact that Florida State also struggled running the ball, and Mike Norvell has a lot of work to do if the Seminoles are going to live up to the preseason hype.
Although, one of the biggest stories just might have been how Tech was able to neutralize what was supposed to be one of the best defensive fronts in the country. All offseason that front four has been touted as elite and the Yellow Jackets gashed it to the tune of 190 rushing yards, continuously using misdirection to keep the ‘Noles on their heels.
Brent Key’s team, who was picked to finish ninth in the ACC, looks much improved, especially on defense. The Jackets are going to give teams fits all season.
However, Norvell’s team was not the only ACC program that failed to live up to expectations on Saturday. SMU, who was picked to finish seventh, had to overcome a late deficit to get by Nevada 29-24. Mind you, the Mustangs were a 27.5-point favorite.
While SMU’s opener was not a conference game, it very well could be a sign of things to come for Rhett Lashlee’s team as they navigate their first season in the ACC.
Maybe those first two games were just an example of some of the craziness we have seen in season-openers over the years. Or maybe, it’s a sign that the ACC is more wide open than originally believed by some folks in the media.
No. 14 Clemson, who kicks off its season in Atlanta on Saturday against top-ranked Georgia, was picked to finish second in the league. While the result of that contest will have no impact on the league standings, it is likely to tell us a lot about this Tigers’ team and how they stack up against what many believe is the best team in the country.
With Florida State losing already, Clemson will have a leg up on the Seminoles when they open up ACC play on September 21 at home against NC State.
With the ACC having scrapped the Atlantic and Coastal divisions in football, the top two finishers in the league will secure spots in the ACC Championship Game. And the race to lock up those spots is on, as the conference champion will not only be guaranteed a spot in the College Football Playoff, but also a first round bye.
A limited number of signed footballs from Clemson’s 2022 class are still available. Get yours while supplies last! Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!
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