I know it’s only week 4 in the season leading up to the inaugural college football playoff, but the ACC will reach its crossroads in Tallahassee, Florida on Saturday. Two of the premier programs from the ACC will clash for the opportunity to move forward and position themselves for not only the Atlantic Division of the ACC but also for a shot at being considered for college football’s big prize. Yes, we are talking about Clemson leaving the confines of Death Valley and attempting to compete with Florida State, the reigning National Champions. Doak Campbell Stadium WILL NOT have a sea of Orange on Saturday, nor will there be Howard’s Rock to rub or run down the hill to get the players juiced up. However payback can be a strong motivator and I expect that the Tigers would love nothing better than to dethrone the KING in their own stadium.
As with last year the success or failure of the Tigers will define both teams’ immediate future. The fact that the Tigers failed so miserably last year at home will not help them in front of this hostile crowd. The Seminoles really don’t have a body of work yet to define 2014 as their game against Oklahoma State left more questions than answers. The puff cake game against the Citadel only left the Seminoles with a rash of aches and pains on the defensive side of the ball. The fact that both teams are coming off of weak non-conference tilts and another week’s rest may tip the scales in favor of Florida State as far as preparation is concerned.
FSU has already proven they have the tools to do the job. However, Jameis Winston will be benched for the 1st half for lewd and suggestive behavior including some vulgar remarks. This may be the opening that Clemson could exploit. A team without it’s natural leader sets all kinds of things in motion, like timing plays and the innovation that Winston can bring to the field. If Clemson scores early and often, they could hold off the 2nd half fury that will surely be Famous Jameis when he gets back onto the field. Actually win or lose we will be able to see how quarterback Winston handles a different kind of adversity.
Florida State and Clemson measure favorably on the defensive side of the ball. Where the question marks lie is Clemson’s offense! Cole Stoudt is a fine quarterback and has some tools to work with even though Zac Brooks is lost for the season. The corps of Tiger receivers got some practice time against South Carolina State in the home opener. Wayne Gallman and Adam Choice got some serious on-the-job training against South Carolina State, but will face some serous noise and distractions down in Tallahassee. Stoudt also has a great completion/QB rating, which will come in handy for this jumbo NFL caliber defense that FSU slams into the Tigers’ faces. The ace in the hole might be Deshaun Watson and how coach Dabo Swinney chooses to use him to quiet that fierce Seminoles rush. Offensively, Clemson must make plays to neutralize the speed of the defensive front seven. If Clemson’s defense spends too much time on the field, expect another outcome much like the Georgia game to start the season. Clemson will just flat run out of gas!
Somebody from Virginia Tech might also want to send a message to North Carolina. Watch out for the East Carolina Pirates! The buzz all week has been how poorly the Hokies played against East Carolina. Perhaps it could be stated that the Pirates were opportunistic against Virginia Tech, or are flat out just a better team than we expected. North Carolina travels to Greenville, across the state, and had better be prepared. This is no creampuff game by any means. Quarterback Marquise Williams is a gifted QB, but the Tar Heels will have to be a quick strike offense to match what the Pirates can and will do often…score lots of points quick and fast. The fact that North Carolina played so poorly against San Diego State does not bode well, if they cannot shut down quarterback Shane Carden. This guy is playing at a very high confidence level and has the Pirates believing in what’s cooking in Greenville on Saturday.
Speaking of Virginia Tech, they are hosting the 3-0 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Lane Stadium. I expect the Hokies to be less than gracious hosts and put a stamp on the Coastal Division. The Yellow Jackets have quietly achieved 3-0 status with wins over Tulane, Wofford and Georgia Southern. This soft underbelly may have camouflaged how good the Ramblin’ Wreck really might be. To be sure, a Hokies loss will hurt not only Virginia Tech, but also the status of Ohio State who will not be able to add a quality loss to their resume.
Week 4 is the ACC crossroads indeed.
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