We already saw the ACC game of the year
Cam Ward magic and the Hail Mary that wasn't
Only 12 of the total 68 ACC games have been played, but I’m willing to anoint last week’s VT-Miami classic as the game of the year. It had everything: Cam Ward Heisman moments. A 10-point fourth quarter comeback. Cousin QBs. Ghosts of Beamer Ball. A WR catching the ball from his back. A Hail Mary. Oops, actually no, no Hail Mary. A ref controversy.
VT could have pulled a huge upset and used the win to start looking their preseason billing as a dark horse ACC contender. Instead, they’re 2-3 and Brent Pry is left fuming at the refs. But he should turn the criticism on himself, as his attempts to channel quintessential Beamer Ball — particularly aggressive, game-changing special teams plays — opened the door for Miami’s comeback.
After bombing a 57-yard FG with 20 seconds remaining in the first half, Tech squibbed the ensuing kickoff, allowing Miami to return the ball near midfield before knocking in a 56-yard FG to cut the VT lead to 7 at half. Had Tech kicked the ball deep, Miami would’ve had to drive 37 yards to get in range
After intercepting Cam Ward and returning the ball to the Miami 10, VT faked a FG on 4th down. They got stuffed, and Miami drove for a TD on the subsequent possession, cutting VT’s lead to 3
In a 4-point loss, those 6 points would obviously flip the outcome. Even changing one of those decisions means Pry and the Hokie offense would only need a FG on their last drive, rather than relying on a miraculous attempt and controversial review1.
Monte vs Mo
The Vibes
VT fans have the most sour taste in their mouths this week, but fans in Tallahassee, Chapel Hill and Winston-Salem should be looking forward to basketball season already2.
FSU: 🔽 At 1-4 and a game vs Clemson this week, the Noles will have to fight for bowl eligibility. The DJ U era looks to be over as he deals with a broken finger.
SMU: 🔼 Kevin Jennings didn’t play too big a part in the 66-point effort two weeks ago, but he starred in the 42-point scoring against FSU
Lville: ➡️ A tough battle against Notre Dame on the road doesn’t impact their ACC standings and shows they can go toe-to-toe with the big boys
Duke: 🔼 5-0 and a win against their rival means Duke looks like a contender in an open ACC race
UNC: 🔽 The 20-0 UNC team looked like a team ready to come together and turn the page after the JMU embarrassment. After allowing a 21-point comeback to rival Duke, UNC looks like a team ready to fold
Wake: 🔽 Wake saw all the fun that UNC had with a home loss to a Sun Belt team and decided to join the party
The Model
Clemson is approaching 1-in-2 odds of making the ACC championship game and 1-in-4 odds of claiming the title. Other preseason favorites — namely FSU and NC State — have faded fast, while Louisville and SMU have moved up. Duke is trending up, as well, although their big underdogs against GT this week.
Week 6 Preview
The conference schedule is picking up, with eight games this week. We’ve learned enough to dismiss FSU’s title hopes, but most teams have only played one conference game, so the coming weeks could bring clarity. Or in typical ACC fashion, chaos.
Wake @ NC State
Model Favorite: NC State (81.4%)
Vegas Line: NC State -5
VT @ Stanford
Model Favorite: VT (77.5%)
Vegas Line: VT -8.5
Pitt @ UNC
Model Favorite: UNC (72.9%)
Vegas Line: Pitt -3
SMU @ Lville
Model Favorite: Lville (62.8%)
Vegas Line: Lville -7
Duke @ GT
Model Favorite: Duke (66.8%)
Vegas Line: GT -8
Clemson @ FSU
Model Favorite: FSU (57.9%)
Vegas Line: Clemson -14.5
Miami @ Cal
Model Favorite: Miami (60%)
Vegas Line: Miami -10
BC @ UVA
Model Favorite: BC (58.7%)
Vegas Line: UVA -1
Not that my opinion matters, but I think the pass was incomplete. Either (or both) the receiver didn’t control the ball long enough or he/someone touching the ball was out of bounds when he landed. But I don’t think there was indisputable evidence to overturn the call on the field
I’m a college basketball sicko, but even last week’s schedule release hardly crossed my radar. There’s still too much meat left in football season