In the latest episode of This Week In The ACC, Jeff and Matthew were thrilled to welcome Sam Jesse from Sons of Saturday, a Virginia Tech-centric platform. Sam, a self-proclaimed analytics nerd and co-host of the Too Deep Hokies Podcast, brings a wealth of knowledge about college football, particularly within the ACC. This week, we delved into the unexpected twists and turns of ACC football, highlighting both the disappointments and triumphs of the season.
Cards Stumble, While Heels Continue To Stride Forward
One of the key discussions revolved around Louisville’s surprising defeat at Stanford. Despite a promising start to the season and a significant win against Clemson, Louisville faltered, raising questions about their consistency and potential. Conversely, North Carolina has quietly been making strides, achieving bowl eligibility amidst adversity, including injuries and the tragic loss of a teammate. Their resilience has gone largely unnoticed, but Sam made a compelling case for their commendable performance this season.
As we looked ahead to week 13, Sam expressed his excitement for the Virginia Tech vs. Duke matchup. While not a headline-grabbing game in terms of ACC standings, it’s a pivotal moment for Virginia Tech’s head coach, Brent Pry. The outcome could significantly impact the future direction of the program, making it a must-watch for fans and analysts alike.
Does The New CFP Hurt Conferences Like The ACC?
The conversation also touched on the broader challenges facing college football, particularly with the expansion of conferences. Sam argued that the current structure, with some conferences ballooning to 16 or more teams, is unsustainable. It complicates scheduling and championship scenarios, often leading to unfair comparisons and evaluations. This sentiment echoed throughout our discussion, emphasizing the need for a reevaluation of conference dynamics.
Stepping outside the ACC, we previewed the national FBS landscape, focusing on key games like Ohio State vs. Indiana. Sam’s insights into these matchups provided a broader context for understanding the shifting dynamics of college football this season.