The ACC had a chance this weekend to gain some respect from the rest of the country. Several big games gave the conference the opportunity to shake the reputation of being a “cupcake conference” for Clemson to roll through every year en route to the College Football playoffs. For the most part, it was a wasted opportunity.
Florida State hosted former Clemson QB Zerrick Cooper and the Jacksonville State Gamecocks. The Seminoles were a 27.5 favorite after coming off a 41-38 overtime loss to Notre Dame the week before. MacKenzie Milton’s comeback story was supposed to continue as he was named the starter. The game didn’t turn out exactly like FSU fans expected, losing to the Gamecocks 20-17 on a hail-mary 59 yard TD pass with no time left on the clock. FSU, who put up 442 yards against Notre Dame, could only muster 335 against Jacksonville State, at home. The Noles still have a long way to go.
NC State travelled to Mississippi State with high hopes. Ever tried watching a game in Starkville, Mississippi? You have to cut the sound off as the continuous “cowbell ringing” drives you nuts. Imagine the players listening to it all game. The Wolfpack held their own, outgaining MSU 335-316, allowing only 22 yards rushing but three turnovers played a big part in the loss. Still, it’s a loss the rest of the country just views as the ACC being little brother to the SEC.
Unfortunately, Syracuse is still Syracuse. Coach Dino Baber, as hard as he tries, just can’t seem to get it done. The Orangemen hosted Rutgers out of the B1G, and lost a boring game 17-7. Baber’s charges have no offense to speak of. After beating Ohio University in week 1 pretty handily, 29-9, there was high hopes that the Orangemen would be better this year. They could only muster 258 yards of total offense, having three turnovers. There is that curse word “turnovers”. On the other hand, Rutgers only managed 195 total yards, but had zero turnovers. Missed opportunity. Both of these teams are in the bottom tier of their conference.
On a positive note, the Pittsburgh Panthers rolled into Knoxville, Tennessee, as a 3 point favorite and left victorious, 41-34 over the Volunteers. Kenny Pickett had a great day throwing the ball, completing 24-36 for 285 yards and two touchdowns. The key to the game? Turnovers. Pittsburgh had zero turnovers while Tennessee coughed it up three times. It makes a difference and Pitt took advantage of it.
Miami averted a disaster, needing a go-ahead FG with 2:04 left in the game to escape Appalachian State 25-23 in Miami. The Mountaineers have been known to upset teams in the past, and, led by former Clemson quarterback Chase Brice, almost pulled out another one. The Hurricanes pulled it out in the end and have a long way to go to be able to challenge UNC and VT in the Coastal Division of the ACC.
The rest of the conference took care of business as they were all expected to win and win big. Week 3 will provide more tests for this conference, hungry for recognition as more than just a “cakewalk for Clemson” conference.
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