ACC Saturday: What is at Stake

by Kartik Krishnaiyer
Canes Rising Staff

The ACC Championship race is wide open right now.

North Carolina and Wake Forest control their own destinies, but Florida State has proven to have the best team in the league since they returned their numerous suspended players in week four.

Duke @ Clemson

This game doesn't have a bearing on the ACC title race, but does on whether either team can become bowl eligible. A bowl game could potentially be more of a nuisance for Clemson whose Athletic Department and overbearing boosters seems to have checked out on Dabo Swinney even though he certainly seems to have the players attention.

Wake Forest @ NC State

The Deacons control their title destiny but this is a classic trap game. Tom O'Brien has the Wolfpack playing better even if they are not winning games, and this could represent a major breakthrough for them. Wake on the other hand does not even resemble the team that won the ACC two years ago and was the league's second best team a year ago. Turnovers, penalties and bonehead plays were never part of Wake's performances the last few seasons but now all of a sudden seem to dominate their performances. I think NC State wins this game.

North Carolina @ Maryland

The Canes need a Terp win but honestly it is not going to happen. The Tar Heels are playing lights out right now while Maryland's run defense has looked suspect of late. TJ Yates is healthy again but why would you bench Cam Sexton if you are Butch Davis? A Carolina loss gives Virginia Tech control of the Coastal Division, with first place Miami finishing the season with two tough road games.

Boston College @ Florida State

BC has done little to prove that they can contend against better ACC teams away from home post Matt Ryan graduation. The Eagles were torched defensively by North Carolina and Clemson on the road. Florida State, despite numerous suspensions for continued bad behavior by Seminole players, should have little trouble crushing the Eagles. A Wake loss will give FSU the Atlantic Division title assuming the Noles can handle stumbling Maryland next week.