I guess I was wrong about the ACC– on many levels. It’s a much stronger college football conference than I thought. Much better. And it’s not Florida State who’s the national title contender this year. The winner of the Clemson Tigers vs. Virginia Tech Hokies game will advance to the national title consideration discussion.
Loser…gets to find solace in fighting on for a ACC conference title.
Clemson Analysis:
They beat Auburn pretty solidly, and notched a very solid decision over a very good Florida State team. But this will be their first road game. QB Tajh Boyd is a major star in the making. How far you think this team can go depends on how much you believe in him. Thus far he leads the ACC in total offense with 1,255 yards and 13 TDs.
WR Sammy Watkins has impressed with a 29-433-6…Biletnikoff Award numbers thus far. Andre Ellington, Mike Bellamy and D.J. Howard have looked running the rock.
First-year offensive coordinator Chad Morris has been a regular guru of go this fall, as he’s quickened the tempo, and utilized the Tiger speed more effectively. He’s got them converting a lot more on 3rd down, and that’s been a critical key to their extreme improvement over last year; after Clemson’s offense took a major step down from the 2009 conference championship team. One thing’s for sure this is not a 6-7 team.
For the full Clemson season preview go here
Virginia Tech Analysis:
RB David Wilson has looked really good replacing stud back Ryan Williams; who is unfortunately out for the season for the Arizona Cardinals. Wilson has over 500 yards and 5 TDs already. Josh Oglesby also has five rushing TDs, on close to 5 yards a carry.
Logan Thomas is no Tyrod Taylor, but he’s bigger and stronger. In his first five starts, his numbers are serviceable, but not impressive. Tech has won big, but not really played anyone yet. So Hokie fans would feel a lot better if he had statistically feasted on the weaklings.
This will be their first test, but I also feel the Tech defense is pretty solid; strong enough to keep the Tigers from running wild.
For the full Va Tech season preview go here
Prediction to be taken with an entire truckload of salt, not a grain of salt: Va Tech 27, Clemson 20 (2010-11 prediction record 25-12)
In 2006, the Tigers were undefeated and ranked #10 when they traveled to Blacksburg. They got their asses handed to them 24-7, and their season went straight downhill from there. This game will be much more competitive, and when Clemson loses this time, it won’t have long lasting effects.
This Clemson team will end up much better than the 2006 version.
Paul M. Banks is CEO of The Sports Bank.net, an official Google News site that generates millions of unique visitors. He’s also a regular contributor to Chicago Now, Walter Football.com, Yardbarker, and Fox Sports
He does regular weekly radio spots in Chicago and Cleveland and has appeared on live shows all across the world from Houston to New Zealand. The President of the United States follows him on Twitter (@Paul_M_BanksTSB) You should too.
