Around the ACC: Week 4 (Football)

Story posted September 24, 2020 in CommRadio, Sports by Kathryn Tague

It’s no surprise that Clemson and Notre Dame remain on top of the ACC this week, as Heisman Trophy candidate Trevor Lawrence led Clemson to a 49-0 win against The Citadel, and the Fighting Irish demolished South Florida by a final score of 52-0. The two teams are scheduled to face off in early November for arguably the biggest conference game this season.

NC State’s home opener saw a close win against Wake Forest after a great performance by running back Ricky Person Jr., who scored a touchdown with less than six minutes to go in the fourth quarter to put the Wolfpack on top for good. 

Penn State graduate transfer Daniel Joseph finished off the game with a sack against Wake Forest quarterback Sam Hartman, who finished with a solid 236 yards passing. The Demon Deacons showed up offensively but lacked a response defensively to stop Ricky Person Jr. and his teammates. NC State ended up winning 45-42.

North Carolina had to sit out this week due to Charlotte’s inability to field a complete offensive line, as many were put into contact-tracing quarantine. Meanwhile, No. 14 UCF defeated Georgia Tech with ease, resulting in a final score of 49-21. Elsewhere, Boston College beat the Duke Blue Devils 26-6.

In a highly anticipated Saturday night game, Miami defeated Louisville, earning the Hurricanes a 2-0 record to start off the season. Great protection from the offensive line allowed transfer quarterback D’Eriq King to throw for three touchdown passes.

After trailing by a 20-6 score at halftime, the Cardinals gave the Hurricanes a run for their money in a thrilling third quarter after scoring two touchdowns, cutting the lead to seven. But Miami’s two forced fumbles and explosive offense throughout the game were enough to win 47-35.

This week, Louisville will play at Pittsburgh. The Panthers come into this game with a 2-0 record after defeating Syracuse 21-10, but both teams are going to have to clean up defensively to have a chance at winning this game.

No. 20 Virginia Tech hopes to finally start its season after back-to-back cancellations due to the coronavirus. The Hokies are rescheduled to play NC State this weekend after a previous cancellation in the opening week.

Despite his Hokies being favored to win, head coach Fuente Justin said, “We will not have a full roster. I hope we’re able to play.”

Players must receive three negative test results the week leading up to the game in order to be cleared to play, so it will be interesting to see who is able to suit up for Virginia Tech.

Unranked Florida State will head to Miami without head coach Mike Norvell, who tested positive last Friday. FSU will have to rely on star receiver Tamorrian Terry and All-American defensive tackle Marvin Wilson, who blocked two field goals against Georgia Tech, to pull out an unlikely win.

Notre Dame will play at Wake Forest in addition to Georgia Tech at Syracuse, Duke at Virginia and Texas State at Boston College.

 

Kathryn Tague is a freshman majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email kgt5061@psu.edu.