ACC Wrap Up Week 9

                                                  ACC Wrap Up Week 9
 
By Rafael Garcia
Sr. Contributing Writer
Southeast Region
assisted by
William Queen
Football Reporters Online
 
 
 
NORTH CAROLINA – 20 VIRGINIA TECH – 17
Virginia Tech came into this game as heavy favorites, but left as just another inconsistent team in the ACC. Big names such as Tyrod Taylor fooled fans into believing it would be a high scoring affair. However, early on, it proved otherwise. Holding Taylor to only 161 yards and no touchdowns through the air, UNC’s defense proved to be very strong against the pass. They also prevented the big play from happening; both of the Hokies touchdowns came off 1-yard runs. On the other side of the ball, UNC quarterback TJ Yates threw for a mere 131 yards, but managed a crucial two touchdowns through the air. Two turnovers also spurred UNC to victory, including a recovered fumble at the Hokies 24-yard line with only 50 seconds left. Off the turnover, sophomore kicker Casey Barth chipped one through the uprights for the win. Not only did Virginia Tech practically lose their chances at the ACC title, but they also ruined a potential 10-2 season. These games show just how unpredictable the ACC can be. One week, North Carolina has their heads down due to a blown lead and the next thing you know, they’re upsetting the #13 team in the country.
 
MIAMI – 28 WAKE FOREST – 27
In my mind, the Hurricanes established themselves as another one of those feast-or-famine teams. When they show up to play, they’re one of the best teams in the country. But on other days, such as this one, they don’t quite get their message across. Now I know they won, and boy were there some stats. Miami quarterback Jacory Harris threw for 330 yards and 3 touchdowns, as his opposition Riley Skinner threw for 349 yards and 2 touchdowns. However, Miami didn’t win this game, Wake Forest lost it. Winning 17-0 midway through the second quarter, the Deacons looked to pull off a tremendous upset. Though, once again, turnovers plagued the hopes of Wake Forest ever winning this game. Two missed field goals and an interception in the fourth quarter alone; they practically gave the game to Miami. Honestly, I couldn’t believe how badly Miami played. There’s really no specific area. They couldn’t take advantage of turnovers like I’m used to seeing them do, their defense was running in circles and they nearly lost to a .500 team. Unfortunately, Miami is currently third in the costal division of the ACC and looks to be on the outside looking in at the ACC championship game.
 
DUKE – 28 VIRGINIA – 7
I never thought I would get to say this, but Duke’s on a run! This win makes it their third straight ACC victory this season, something that the Blue Devils haven’t done in 10 years. Now as for the game, there was the 343 yards through the air by Duke Quarterback Thaddeus Lewis He has gone for 300+ yards in five games this season, leading the Blue Devils to an impressive 5-3 record. Posting a 9-3 score at the half implied a low-scoring affair, however it proved wrong, as Duke exploded for 19 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to seize the victory. Usually, it’s Duke’s offense that does the work, but what really surprised me was how well Duke played on defense. Allowing a meager 196 yards of total offense, the Blue Devil’s defense played one of their best games all year. Virginia quarterback Jameel Sewell threw for only 86 yards and back Rashawn Jackson rushed for only 83 yards. Virginia was embarrassed on third downs. But in the end, all this mess equals the Duke Blue Devils being at the number two spot in the Costal division of the ACC. One more win and they’re bowl eligible, two wins and they’ve secured a bowl trip and if they win out then they’re ACC champions. Duke controls their destiny. 
 
FLORIDA STATE – 45 NC STATE – 42
Can we get some defense? NC State quarterback threw for 349 yards and 5 touchdowns and Seminoles quarterback threw for 277 yards and one score, both offenses drove all over the field the whole game. The game-winning score came from Bert Reed on a 3-yard reverse, giving Florida State their second in-conference victory.
 
GEORGIA TECH – 56 VANDERBILT – 31
An impressive win over an SEC team, Georgia Tech improved to 8-1 on the season.  They scored 56 points, along with 597 yards of total offense, the Yellow Jackets offense didn’t disappoint. Georgia Tech’s defense locked up the second half, holding Vandy to just 3 points.
 
BOSTON COLLEGE – 31 CENTRAL MICHIGAN – 10
Going up against perhaps the best the MAC has to offer, Boston College didn’t let anyone down. Eagles running back Montel Harris helped the offense with his 136 yards rushing, as the defense did its part with two forced turnovers.
 
CLEMSON – 49 COSTAL CAROLINA – 3
Possibly the easiest game of the year so far for Clemson, the Tigers scored 49 unanswered points over a three quarter span. No real impressive stats, as playing time was distributed between players evenly, giving them a chance to look ahead to next week’s ACC showdown vs. the Seminoles.