Big 12 & ACC Preview – Week Seven
In the seventh week of the college football season, members of the Florida Citrus Sports Team Selection Committee are making visits throughout ACC and Big 12 country, meeting with fans across both conferences in advance of the Russell Athletic Bowl on December 29th.
USC at Notre Dame – 7:30 p.m. on NBC
The 87th meeting between the Trojans (3-2, 1-2 Pac 12) and the Fighting Irish (5-1) looks to be another classic matchup. Notre Dame is averaging over 500 yards per game in total offense, the first time they’ve reached that mark since 1970. USC has won 10 of the past 13 meetings and look to rebound after their second home conference loss last week.
#19 Oklahoma at Kansas State – 3:30 p.m. on ABC
The good news for the Sooners (4-1, 1-1 Big 12) is that the visiting team has won the last four meetings in their series against the Wildcats (3-2, 0-2 Big 12), and that they’ve won 34 consecutive regular season games following a regular season loss.
Virginia Tech at Miami – 3:30 p.m. on ESPNU
After two-straight road losses, the Hurricanes (3-2, 0-1 ACC) return home where they have won 15 of their last 18 games. The Hokies (3-3, 1-1 ACC) have allowed just 15.0 points per game and recorded eight sacks so far in ACC play this year.
West Virginia at #2 Baylor – 12:00 p.m. on FOX
The Bears (5-0, 2-0 Big 12) lead the FBS in margin of victory (42.0), and their 321 points through their first five games this season is the highest total by any school since 1937. The Mountaineers (3-2, 0-2 Big 12) lead the nation in interceptions (13) and have held their opponents to under 300 yards passing 12 of their last 18 games.
Syracuse at Virginia – 3:30 p.m. on ESPN 3
Both the Orange (3-2, 1-0 ACC) and the Cavaliers (1-4, 0-1 ACC) look to rebound after losses in their first meeting as members of the ACC. Syracuse has scored on 15 of their 16 red zone opportunities so far this season.
Boston College at #5 Clemson – 7:00 p.m. on ESPNU
The Tigers (5-0, 2-0 ACC) have won six of seven meetings against the Eagles (3-3, 0-3 ACC) since Dabo Swinney took over the program in 2008. Six of their ten ACC contests have been decided by a touchdown or less.
Pittsburgh at Georgia Tech – 12:30 p.m. on ESPN 3
The Panthers (4-1, 2-0 ACC) are eyeing their first 5-1 start since 2009, while the Yellow Jackets (2-4, 0-3 ACC) look to stop their four-game losing streak. Pitt ranks sixth nationally in rushing defense (84.8 yards/game) while on the other side of the ball Tech is ninth in the nation in rushing (271.7 yards/game).
Wake Forest at North Carolina – 7:00 p.m. on ESPN 3
The Tar Heels (4-1, 1-0 ACC) are hoping for the first 2-0 start in ACC play since 1997, and are seventh in the nation with a 51 percent in third down efficiency. The Demon Deacons (3-3, 1-2 ACC) have won three of the last four meetings, and six of the last ten.
Here are the rest of the ACC and Big 12 games:
#3 TCU (6-0, 3-0 Big 12) at Iowa State (2-3, 1-1 Big 12) – 7:00 p.m. on ESPN2
Louisville (2-3, 1-1 ACC) at #11 Florida State (5-0, 3-0 ACC) – 12:00 p.m. on ESPN
Texas Tech (4-2, 1-2 Big 12) at Kansas (0-5, 0-2 Big 12) – 12:00 p.m. on FOX Sports 1
All times listed are Eastern Time Zone (ET), and all games are on Saturday unless otherwise listed.