ACC Wrap Up Week 5
By Rafael Garcia
Sr. Contributing Writer
Southeast Region
and William Queen contributing writer
VIRGINIA TECH – 34 DUKE – 26
Coming within 10 points, the Blue Devils nearly pulled off the upset vs. #5 Virginia Tech this weekend. However, Duke couldn’t convert red-zone possessions into touchdowns and had to settle for field goals more often than not. I think this game showed the Hokies true colors and despite the win, may push them down a few spot in the rankings. Duke scored 26 on their defense and really just came to play. But what surprised me the most is that every time that Virginia Tech got a big play, it was a lucky catch on solid man-to-man coverage. I think that the Hokies let their guard down, thinking Duke would be a push over. If the Hokies were playing a slightly more talented team on defense, they would have had no shot.
MIAMI – 21 OKLAHOMA – 20
Perhaps the heart and soul of the team, Miami quarterback Jacory Harris got off to a slow start Saturday, throwing 2 interceptions in the opening 6 minutes. Harris eventually settled down and the Hurricanes defense went to work, ultimately pulling out yet another huge win. The Canes had more turnovers and penalties than Oklahoma, yet the Sooners couldn’t take advantage of early mistakes by Miami and in the end that proved to be the difference maker as the Canes stole a one-point victory. I’ve heard every last Sooner fan complain that the reason that they’re losing is because of Sam Bradford’s injury. But a football team takes a TEAM to win games. Despite one player being out, the next one has to step up and make a play. Landry Jones did just that, going 18-30, 188 yards, and 1 touchdown. You can’t ask much more out of a true freshman.
GEORGIA TECH – 42 MISSISSIPPI STATE – 31
The ball must’ve been awfully slippery Saturday night, as the Bulldogs turned the ball over five times, four of which were fumbles, and one of which were returned for a touchdown. You can’t stress enough how important turnovers are to a ballgame and I guarantee that’s exactly head coach Dan Mullen is telling his team right now. If just a few of those fumbles had been recovered in the arms of the Bulldogs, the score could have very easily been reversed. On a different note, with 226 yards and one touchdown, Georgia Tech surprised many with their passing success. Primarily a run n’ gun football team, the Yellow Jackets haven’t been known for throwing the rock and they certainly proved themselves vs. a tough SEC defense. This game couldn’t have gone better for Georgia Tech, as they have a couple of tough games ahead of them; Florida State, followed by Virginia Tech.
MARYLAND – 24 CLEMSON – 21
The Terps were in need of an ACC win and they got it vs. Clemson on Saturday. Special teams were the story; as both teams returned punts/kicks for touchdowns and 2 missed field goals ultimately spurred Maryland’s dramatic ACC win. Once again, one is never sure which Clemson team is going to show up.
VIRGINIA – 16 NORTH CAROLINA – 3
Inconsistency is the word of the day. The Tar heels started off 3-0 and ever since have lost two very meaningful games. And what’s up with Virginia? After losing to William & Mary, TCU, and Southern Miss, the Cavaliers come back and win over UNC? As I said, inconsistent.
BOSTON COLLEGE – 28 FLORIDA STATE – 21
Eagles running back Montel Harris made the difference in this one, rushing for 179 yards and two touchdowns, one of which proved to be the game-winning touchdown late in the fourth quarter. Boston College has a better record than Florida State, who would have thought?
WAKE FOREST – 30 NC STATE – 24
Both teams turned the ball over three times in this one and it proved to be a game with plenty of ups and downs. Finding the end zone 3 times was Wake Forest quarterback Riley Skinner, as the Wolfpack seemed to have trouble putting points on the score board all night.
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