ACC Week Seven Preview
Florida State has matched its best start since 2005 (its last ACC Championship season), despite its first loss at NC State last week. The Seminoles look to improve to 6-1 when they face off with Boston College in Tallahassee. FSU linemen Bjoern Werner and Tank Carradine rank first and second in the ACC in sacks, and they will look to disrupt Eagles QB Chase Rettig, who threw for 234 yards and two scores in a three-point loss to Army. RB Andre Williams was also impressive against the Black Knights, rushing for a career-high 191 yards. Florida State, however, boasts the conference’s best rushing defense, holding opponents to just 71 yards a game.
Duke, perhaps the biggest surprise in the ACC this season, needs only one more win to become bowl eligible for the first time since 1994. The Blue Devils aim for their sixth victory against Virginia Tech on Homecoming at Lane Stadium. The Hokies, however, haven’t lost to the Blue Devils in 30 years and look to extend an 11-game winning streak.
The ACC’s second-ranked scoring defense and the conference’s leading passer meet at Sun Life Stadium when North Carolina clashes with Stephen Morris and Miami. Despite a lopsided loss to Notre Dame in Chicago, the Hurricanes still sit atop the Coastal Division. Al Golden’s squad will be tasked with stopping Tar Heels RB Gio Bernard, who rushed for a career high 262 yards in last week’s win over Virginia Tech.
Virginia looks to snap a four-game losing streak when the Cavaliers welcome Maryland to Scott Stadium. The Cavs average almost 300 yards a game through the air but are also immersed in a quarterback controversy. Alabama transfer Phillip Sims took over for incumbent starter Michael Rocco two weeks ago, yet head coach Mike London has not confirmed the move is permanent. On the Terrapins’ side of the ball, WR Stefon Diggs is quickly becoming the face of Maryland’s passing game. The electrifying true freshman has racked up more than 100 yards receiving in each of his last two games.