ACC Week Seven Preview
Former Big East rivals square off as Pittsburgh (3-1, 2-1 ACC) travels to No. 25 Virginia Tech (5-1, 2-0 ACC). The Panthers and Hokies met every season from 1993 to 2003 with Pitt winning seven of the 11 matchups. Pittsburgh has won four in a row against Virginia Tech, including a non-conference win last season. Both teams lost their 2013 opener against ranked foes, but have not lost since, going a combined 8-0.
Virginia (2-3, 0-1 ACC) and Maryland (4-1, 0-1 ACC) look to rebound from tough week six losses in College Park. The Cavaliers lost their second-straight game, falling 48-27 to Ball State, while Maryland suffered its first setback of the season, a 63-0 shutout at Florida State. The road team in the matchup has won the last four meetings.
Syracuse (2-3, 0-1 ACC) travels to NC State (3-2, 0-2 ACC) for the first meeting since 1998. The Orange saw their two-game winning streak snapped this past weekend, falling 49-14 at home versus Clemson, while NC State lost 28-13 at Wake Forest. NC State holds a 6-0 record all-time against the Orange dating back to 1972.
No. 4 Clemson (5-0, 3-0 ACC) returns home to face Boston College (3-2, 1-1 ACC). The Tigers continued their perfect start to the season, rolling past Syracuse, 49-14, in week six. QB Tajh Boyd continues to keep his name in the Heisman discussion, tossing for 455 yards and five touchdowns against Syracuse. Boston College snapped a two-game losing skid with a 48-27 win over Army last week. Clemson has won four of the last five in the series.
Two of the nation’s top rushing teams face off as Georgia Tech (3-2, 2-2 ACC) travels to BYU (3-2). The Yellow Jackets (300 ypg) and Cougars (277.8 ypg) rank in the top 15 among FBS teams in rushing yards, while also ranking in the top 25 in scoring defense. Brigham Young ran over Georgia Tech last season, defeating the Yellow Jackets, 41-17.
Duke (3-2, 0-2 ACC) completes its non-conference slate, hosting Navy (3-1). The Blue Devils were idle in week five following a 38-31 over Troy, while Navy defeated Air Force, 28-10. Navy has found success on the ground, rushing for 294.0 yards per game, compared to 109.5 yards through the air. Duke has won two-straight over Navy after dropping four in a row to the Midshipmen.