Around the ACC: Week 3
The ACC is now down to two ranked squads, No. 21 North Carolina and No. 9 Clemson, with the latter of which looking awfully vulnerable to start the season. As conference play begins to heat up, which team will separate itself from the pack?
Here’s the latest from the along the East Coast.
Clemson survives low-scoring struggle against Georgia Tech
Coming into Saturday night, the No. 9 Clemson Tigers were 27.5 point favorites at home against the Georgia Tech Yellowjackets. The game proved to be a low-scoring slugfest, with Clemson winning 14-8. Clemson opened the scoring with a touchdown drive in the first quarter, but its offense disappeared for most of the game.
Thankfully for the Tigers, Georgia Tech’s offense also struggled and had to settle for two short field goals. The difference in the game was the Yellowjackets having to settle for field goals, whereas Clemson turned in two red zone touchdowns.
Clemson’s running game was solid, gaining 158 total yards, but the passing game with D.J. Uiagalelei left a lot to be desired. The Tigers’ defense definitely deserves credit for the win, especially after a goal-line stand in the final minute of the fourth quarter.
Next week, the Tigers will meet the NC State Wolfpack and aim to find much more offense, while Georgia Tech will look to force an upset against No. 21 North Carolina.
Miami and Virginia Tech upset, tumble out of Top 25
The Miami Hurricanes and Virginia Tech Hokies entered Saturday ranked No. 24 and No. 15 respectively; one day later, neither were ranked.
Miami hosted the Michigan State Spartans, who topped the Canes 38-17. The game was closer than the final score indicated, with Miami being down by only seven with four minutes to play. The big issue for Miami was struggling to stop the Spartan offense. Running back Kenneth Walker gashed Miami for 172 yards on the ground, while quarterback Payton Thorne tossed four touchdowns. Miami just couldn’t match this production offensively.
For Virginia Tech, it was a game that they let get away. A slow start allowed the West Virginia Mountaineers to jump out to a 24-7 halftime lead. The Hokies clawed back into the game, but two fourth quarter red zone turnovers - a strip-sack and an interception - proved to be costly.
Virginia Tech quarterback Braxton Burmeister looked electric in the second half as the Hokies stormed back, but his efforts just were not enough in a frustrating loss.
West Virginia will look to rebound against Richmond, while Miami will face Central Connecticut State.
What is wrong with Florida State?
Are the Florida State Seminoles going to win a game this season? That sounds like an absurd question for one of college football’s most storied programs, but after three straight losses, the Noles have some work to do.
Spirits were pretty high in Tallahassee after the opening game, a nail-biting 41-38 loss against Notre Dame, but things have gone south in a hurry. First, and most egregiously, the Seminoles lost at home 20-17 against Jacksonville State - an FCS team that was hammered by UAB a week prior. Last week did not go great either, ending with a 35-14 loss against Wake Forest.
Florida State will continue conference play this weekend against Louisville, which has won two straight games. Looking ahead, the Noles have a very challenging schedule that includes Clemson, Florida and North Carolina. Their Week 8 game against UMass looks like their best chance to earn the ever-elusive first win.
Change needs to be made very quickly if FSU wants to salvage its 2021 season.
Sam Woloson is a first-year majoring in journalism, to contact him, please email skw5753@psu.edu.
