ACC Week Nine Preview
The last time Clemson (6-1, 3-1 ACC) traveled to Wake Forest (4-3, 2-3 ACC) for a Thursday night game, the Demon Deacons upset the Tigers 12-7 in 2008. This time around, Clemson boasts the ACC’s top-ranked passing offense (301 ypg). Wake has played well at home against its Atlantic Division foe, however, winning three of the last five in the series at BB&T Field.
Duke (6-2, 3-1 ACC) is bowl eligible for the first time since 1994 after beating rival North Carolina last week. The Blue Devils accounted for 510 yards of offense against the ACC’s third-ranked defense in the 33-30 win. Florida State (7-1, 4-1 ACC) increased the nation’s longest active postseason appearance streak by becoming bowl eligible for the 31st consecutive season.
North Carolina (5-3, 2-2 ACC) meets NC State (5-2, 2-1 ACC) in the oldest rivalry in the ACC. The Wolfpack has won five-straight against the Tar Heels, tying its longest win streak in the series since it began in 1894. State’s defense will be tested in its bid for a sixth-straight win by the ACC’s leading rusher Gio Bernard (132.5 ypg).
Boston College (1-6, 0-4 ACC) welcomes Maryland (4-3, 2-1 ACC) to Chestnut Hill having won three of the last four against the Terps. Maryland’s defense has been stingy, ranking second in the ACC and 11th nationally by holding opponents to 288 ypg. BC will be clad in specialized Under Armour “Freedom Jerseys” to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.
BYU travels east to face off with Georgia Tech (3-4, 2-3 ACC). The Yellow Jackets rank third nationally in rushing offense, racking up 340 ypg. Senior Tevin Washington is second in the country with 15 rushing TDs, the most of any FBS quarterback.