Three Impact Games in the ACC Coastal: Week 5
“What is it that binds us to this place as to no other? It is not the well or the bell or the stone walls. Or the crisp October nights or the memory of dogwoods blooming. Our loyalty is not only to William Richardson Davie, though we are proud of what he did 200 years ago today. Nor even to Dean Smith, though we are proud of what he did last March. No, our love for this place is based on the fact that it is, as it was meant to be, the University of the people.” – Charles Kuralt
I felt that quote, which you will hear at every football and basketball game, was the perfect start to the first October games of the season. As the season progresses we will continue to learn more about this Coastal Division and after the first game last week, we will get two more this Saturday. So with the latest rankings published, it is time for three impact games in the Coastal Division.
North Carolina at Georgia Tech (Saturday Oct 3rd @ 3:30pm)
After losing at Duke last week, Georgia Tech is looking to rebound against a Tar Heels team that has won three straight while averaging 47 points a game. A loss here and Georgia Tech will no longer be considered a real contender for the Coastal. A loss for UNC and questions will once again be raised on how good this team really is against quality competition.
Things going for the Tar Heels: Georgia Tech is on a two game losing streak coming into this game. They have not been able to stop the run, which bodes well for Williams and Elijah Hood. The Heels also just had their most yards in a game this season last week. The defense is also holding teams to just a little over 14 points a game which is a far cry from last years nearly 40.
Sep 26, 2015; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels linebacker Jeff Schoettmer (10) intercepts the ball as linebacker Shakeel Rashad (42) helps defend in the first quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Things going for the Yellow Jackets: Georgia Tech is 2-0 at home this season and this game just happens to be in Atlanta, where the Heels haven’t won since 1997. Also this will be the first game outside the state of North Carolina for UNC and their last “road game” was a 17-13 loss to South Carolina. Plus, even though Fedora has said that Williams is the starter, UNC could be looking at a QB controversy if Williams struggles and Fedora has to put Trubisky in the game. Add in the fact that Carolina has struggled against the run and gave up over 250 yards to FCS Delaware last week and one might see why this might be the tonic Georgia Tech has been looking for.
The biggest question in this game is who are the real Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets? Is it the team that started 2-0 crushing everything in sight? Or is it the team that went 0-2 against Power 5 schools and couldn’t muster up 200 yards rushing let alone 30 points a game? We should all know more after Saturday. This will be the first real test for the new Carolina defense. Though they are not as legit as that of the Irish or Blue Devils, they have shown improvement. If they can force the Yellow Jackets to punt and get some turnovers, Carolina could run away with this game. If they can’t, look for another high scoring affair where the team with the ball last probably wins.
Pittsburgh at Virginia Tech (Saturday Oct 3rd @ 12pm)
The second Coastal game on this list features two teams coming off road losses. Pitt had a bye this past week while Virginia Tech lost for the second time this year. Both teams were considered dark horses this season and neither has looked great due to injuries. Can either pull off the win and position itself for a chance to steal the Coastal Crown?
Things going for the Panthers: Tyler Boyd is the best WR in the ACC. The Hokies just lost star corner back Kendall Fuller for the season. If one plus one equals two, this looks like an easy two for Pittsburgh. Plus Virginia Tech just gave up over 150 yards rushing to a backup QB at ECU. The backup QB at Pitt is also a runner. Some teams are just not good matchups for others.
Things going for the Hokies: This is Pitt’s third straight road game and even with a bye that can be tolling on any team. Also without James Connor, the Panthers have struggled to find a running game.
This game has toss up written all over it. On the one hand the Panthers have Tyler Boyd. On the other hand the game is in Blacksburg. Neither team looks great. However, if Boyd continues to have the season he has been having, the Hokies defense no longer looks like the unit that can carry a team. If this is true, expect the Panthers to be victorious.
Boston College at Duke (Saturday Oct 3rd @ 3:30pm)
Duke is coming off a huge win against preseason Coastal favorite Georgia Tech. Boston College is coming off a win against a Northern Illinois team that almost beat Ohio State. Both teams have strong defenses. The question really is which offense can do enough to win?
Things going for the Blue Devils: Again, Duke’s defense is legit. They have shut down every team they have played including Northwestern, who beat them. They have also just played their second straight home game against a ranked team and went 1-1, so the Eagles should be a nice change of pace.
Things going against the Blue Devils: Boston College’s defense is also legit. So far through 4 games they have given up 184 yds total on 112 carries. That’s less than 62 yards a game. That’s less than 2 yards a carry. Also while the Blue Devil’s defense is legit, the offense is not. Thomas Sirk has looked horrific the last two games passing. Actually, the only thing Duke has done well is run the ball. This is only a problem if you’re playing a team that held FSU stud Dalvin Cook to 54 yards, which unfortunately they are. Plus the Eagles are starting some kid named Flutie. The last time that happened they won the national championship on one of the greatest Hail Mary’s of all time.
This game screams defensive slugfest, the kind of game where the scoreboard operator falls asleep due to lack of action. This could all come down to who can make field goals. That would seem to favor Duke, who’s kicker is 6 for 6 on the season, though wasn’t trusted to put the game away against Georgia Tech on a 4 and 1 call. The game is in Durham so it would seem the Blue Devils have the edge, but tight games like this often come down to luck, field position, and execution at the end.
One to keep an eye on: Miami at Cincinnati (Thursday Oct 1st @ 7:30pm)
Update: Cincinnati won this game 34-23
This is a Thursday night game so depending on when you read this, it may have already happened. Miami will be coming off a bye. Cincinnati will have had a week to prepare having played the previous Saturday against Memphis. Cincinnati will be without star QB Gunner Kiel who was injured the week before. Miami will be playing a game outside of Florida for the first time this season. Will the Canes get the win and stay undefeated? Or will the Bearcats get the upset and get revenge against a former Big East rival?
Once again that does it for the week as Virginia is on bye. With the conference season getting under way there will be fewer games to choose from, but that doesn’t mean things aren’t heating up. So get a drink, some food, and friends and enjoy the games as the rains wash this season into October.