By: Aaron J. Bass (ACC Aaron)
Another week of ACC football is in the books as much more about has learned about the ACC and her schools. So, what have we learned in this week’s ACC recap?
ACC Recap – Week 2
Starting off in the Atlantic, not much too surprising to be honest. Clemson is still looking like the best team in the conference. Syracuse’s defense is still behind the curve; and Florida State is buns.
What can I say about Florida State? To begin, everything I said last week still remains true today. The players don’t want it, the fans don’t deserve it, and Willie Taggart is a bum.
For the second week straight we’ve seen FSU look like a new team. Offense is firing, defense is playing strong , and the coaches are actually coaching. Then seemingly after the half they fall off the rails. I mean, how can you come so close to losing to Louisiana Monroe and still say “it’s a process”? FSU’s mantra this week was “Find a Way to Beat ULM” well; they did. It only took a missed PAT for that to happen.
Where FSU left significant doubt in their abilities, Clemson and Syracuse did not. Clemson rolled Texas A&M on the backs of stellar performances from the defense and Trevor Lawrence. As they have shown the country once again the Tigers are still hungry.
Syracuse as well left no doubt on the board, but unlike Clemson it was not for the better. ‘Cuse had a terrible defensive outing that left them 63-20 losers on the road at Maryland. An inability to run the ball and stop explosive plays proved to detrimental for the Orange. The only bright spot in the spanking was QB Tommy Devito. Devito accounted for 330 yards and all of ‘Cuse’s 3 TDs. Syracuse needs to button up quick, because they have Clemson rolling into town. And unlike 2017 this isn’t Friday the 13th.
The other four Atlantic teams were also in action this past week as we saw Boston College get a dominant win over Richmond. I would’ve liked to see do a better job in the air, but RB Zay Flowers had a phenomenal game along with the BC secondary who created two more interceptions. Bringing their season tally already up to five. Good beans BC. Wake Forest and NC State also both had good outings.
Wake proved to be a head turning team as they were dominant in their win over Rice. Newman (QB) and Washington (WR) both broke onto the scene this season with career performances. However the defensive side of the ball though is where both teams shined. NC State held the Catamounts of Western Carolina to 106 total yards of offense. While Wake’s defense demonized Rice with 4 sacks and 8 TFLs.
Congratulations to Louisville and Scott Satterfield on getting their first dub in their newly founded partnership. The Cards did a phenomenal job on the ground as they had over 300 yards rushing. The passing game in Jawon Pass needs to be a bit more explosive but they are making progress none the less.
Now lets turn our focus to the other side of the ACC; The Coastal. With another week in the the rear view mirror all I can say for sure is “I don’t know who’s gonna play Clemson in Charlotte this year.”
Virginia is still looking like the favorites as they had a blowout win over inferior William and Mary. Perkins had some struggles in the air but that Wahoos defense is looking strong this season as the experience showed. However don’t count your chips just yet.
It seems UNC is also gunning for a bid to the Queen City. A huge division win Miami has put the Heels in a prime spot to compete. With great QB play from true freshman Sam Howell it seems all UNC needs to truly compete is better defensive play. Expect Mack Brown to come down on the defense as they face in state opponent Wake Forest.
The fourth and final North Carolina team, Duke did something many teams fail to do. They didn’t lose to ‘Bama twice. What do I mean? Well if you look at teams who play Bama you can see a common trend of those teams losing the following week/game after they play the Tide. Many attribute it fatigue but I just say its low moral. Whichever it may be it was apparent Duke and Quentin Harris did have a problem.
The reigning ACC Coastal champs in Pitt seem to have a third-down problem. Just like your ex it seems Pitt can’t get passed third down. It’s hard to score points when you struggle to move the chains, but on the bright side. WR Maurice Ffrench had a breakout game. So maybe he can continue on that trend or that film can help other player slip through the cracks and produce. Offensive production is seeming to be an issue for other teams too.
Georgia Tech is having the problem all of the country knew they would have. Their offense has no productivity and they are relying too much on their defense. I have real trouble seeing this Jackets team doing a whole lot this season, but that’s what happens when you leave your parents house at 40.
Another Tech that’s got alot to work on is Virginia Tech. It appears the Hokies have abandoned Nike as their glove provider as they have gone in a new direction. It seems Butterfinger is supplying the gloves in Blacksburg. If Tech can not hold on to the ball it’s gonna be more than likely a bowl game will slip through their fingers too.
Week two showed us alot about the ACC and her teams. From bottom of the barrel in FSU, to new a contender in UNC; it’s exciting to see where conference play will lead us. With three conference games going this week on one surprise can change the complexion of the season. Are you ready?