After an embarrassing weekend of football, the ACC is preparing to pick up the pieces with several games within the conference. Completing the week five slate, Maryland, Miami, Virginia, North Carolina and Duke jump out of conference while Florida State has a bye week to regroup from two consecutive losses. In this week’s round up, Technician assesses upcoming games and the state of all 12 conference teams via music.
ATLANTIC DIVISION
Boston College (1-3, 0-1 ACC): “The Way We Were” – Gladys Knight
Looking to avoid its first losing season since 1998, the Eagles are trying to rekindle a traditionally strong defense. After a difficult start to the season, BC desperately needs a win against Wake to keep the streak and the bowl hopes alive.
Next Game: vs. Wake Forest (10/1, 12:30 p.m.)
#13 Clemson (4-0, 1-0 ACC): “The New Kid in Town” – The Eagles
Up next for the current toast of the ACC is a trip to Blacksburg to take on the Hokies of Virginia Tech. Leading the conference in passing with 313 yards per game, Tajh Boyd will try to prove Clemson’s energized start to the season isn’t just a mirage.
Next Game: at Virginia Tech (10/1, 6 p.m.)
#23 Florida State (2-2, 0-1 ACC): “Losing Touch” – The Killers
Following two difficult losses versus top-ranked Oklahoma and No. 21 Clemson, FSU receives a well-deserved good-bye. However, the ‘Noles could be losing touch in the Atlantic division race if they wake up Sunday morning to find division rival Clemson has upset Virginia Tech.
Next Game: at Wake Forest (10/8, 12:30 p.m.)
Maryland (1-2, 1-0 ACC): “You Don’t Know Me” – Ben Folds
In the span of three weeks, the Terps have gone from realistic Atlantic division contenders to owners of the ACC’s worst loss of the season to date – a 38-7 humiliation at home against Temple. Despite two consecutive losses, can Randy Edsall show which Maryland team will show up in conference play?
Next Game: vs. Towson (10/1, 3:30 p.m.)
North Carolina State (2-2, 0-1 ACC): “Help is on the Way” – Rise Against
Despite early-season injuries magnifying a difficult start to the year, State is still well within range of competing for what appears to be a wide-open division title. Reinforcements on the defense could possibly return, and the Pack desperately needs it – Georgia Tech is averaging 9.4 yards per play four games into the season.
Next Game: vs. Georgia Tech (10/1, 3:30 p.m.)
Wake Forest (2-1, 1-0 ACC): “You’re Gonna Go Far, Kid” – The Offspring
Young quarterback Tanner Price can make a case for being the most improved signal caller in the ACC, and he has the Deacons in position to challenge for a bowl game. Price and the rest of a youthful Wake squad are currently third in the ACC for both total defense and total offense as they head to Chestnut Hill.
Next Game: at Boston College (10/1, 12:30 p.m.)
COASTAL DIVISION
Duke (2-2, 1-0 ACC): “It’s Now or Never” – Elvis Presley
While the Devils will remain on top of the Coastal division whatever its result this weekend in South Florida, the nonconference road trip to FIU is an absolute must-win. Coming off of two consecutive victories, Duke needs four more victories to become bowl eligible, and three currently ranked opponents are still on the schedule.
Next Game: at Florida International (10/1, 7 p.m.)
#21 Georgia Tech (4-0, 1-0 ACC): “No One Knows” – Queens of the Stoneage
Running (and passing) over everything in sight, no one knows exactly how to contain the Rambling Wreck’s prolific offense. When the nation’s top-ranked offense faces the nation’s no. 93 defense, the Yellow Jackets hope to keep the opposition’s confusion alive.
Next Game: at North Carolina State (10/1, 3:30 p.m.)
Miami (1-2, 0-1 ACC): “Wake Me Up When September Ends” – Green Day
From national ridicule because of an off-the-field debacle to a heartbreaking loss at home to Kansas State, the Canes are ready to flip the calendar. Miami should have no problem with an FCS opponent before trying to play spoiler at Virginia Tech.
Next Game: vs. Bethune-Cookman (10/1, 3:30 p.m.)
North Carolina (3-1, 1-1 ACC): “Escape” – Metallica
A dangerous match-up for Everett Withers’ UNC team, the Heels will do everything they can to escape Greenville with a victory. Although Dominique Davis and ECU have been quiet early on in the season, the Pirates’ pass defense has skyrocketed from 107 in the country last year to 17 in the country this season.
Next Game: at East Carolina (10/1, 8 p.m.)
Virginia (2-2, 0-1 ACC): “A Shot in the Arm” – Wilco
No one in the conference needs a jolt quite like the Cavs do – a loss at home to an average Southern Miss team has dampened bowl hopes and put UVA behind the eight ball. With an easy nonconference game before jumping into ACC play, the Cavs will try to lean on its defense (first in the conference in tackles for a loss) to make some noise.
Next Game: vs. Idaho (10/1, 3:30 p.m.)
#11 Virginia Tech (4-0, 0-0 ACC): “Let’s Get It Started” – Black Eyed Peas
Not only is conference play finally getting started for the Hokies, but the competition has been drastically ratcheted up after a soft nonconference docket. Ranked seventh in the country for rushing, dark horse Heisman candidate David Wilson will look to damage Clemson’s No. 86 rush defense.
Next Game: vs. Clemson (10/1, 6 p.m.)
