After watching Clemson's offense falter against the vaulted Yellow Jackets does a team not from Clemson SC has a real shot of winning the Atlantic Coast Conference. Do I think its gonna happen but we can all agree that Clemson offense is awful and it may be the fault of Tony Elliot. Im sure Dabo will figure things out sooner than later but from what we have seen so far the Tigers do not look good offensively. I think a team like Carolina realistically has the best shot they have a great offense and an ok D which might just be enough to beat the tigers, but im curious to hear yalls thoughts.
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Without Jurkovec, the chances of BC giving Clemson a potential loss dropped significantly. The chances of NC State beating Clemson dropped significantly after watching them get stonewalled by Miss State. I hope NC State beats them this weekend, but I'm not holding my breath.
That leaves their biggest chance at a loss coming from Wake later in the year (plays to Clemson's adv, more weeks to "get right"), or the ACCCG against UNC or VT. Again, the additional get-right time makes either team's chances less likely.
The other issue is if someone in the Atlantic does beat them, it's unlikely Clemson loses another regular season ACC game, and that puts the onus on that team who won to only lose 1 or fewer games.
Despite this Clemson team being "get at-able" I think the conference is so weak this year nobody will take advantage of it.
Until someone in the Coastal beats us, we're the best hope for that. Doubt anyone in the Atlantic can but I guess NC State has a real chance...or Wake.
Just to elaborate... I think DJ and the Clemson offense will continue to find their stride as the season progresses, and their D will remain lights out. Too much talent over there.
The defense... will remain lights out as long as they continue to play teams who refuse to test their secondary.
This is the same secondary last year that looked completely out-classed athletically against Ohio State and even struggled to defend UVA, BC, and Notre Dame through the air at times. Except... they are actually weaker at corner this year. Goodrich is a downgrade from Derion Kendrick who is now starting for UGA. Mukuba has been playing a lot at safety in lieu of Clemson's injured starters, and is an athletic upgrade, but still this team can be got at. Georgia played a sandbox game against them with with their top 4-5 receiving options out injured or playing hurt. The FCS SC State and GT simply didn't have the dudes out wide to pressure them. Venables' does a good job of shielding his Mike and Will (Skalski and Spector/Bentley, respectively) by constantly blitzing them, having them aggressively fit gaps, but when you get those guys in coverage there is something to exploit there as well. It will be interesting to see how their season plays out. They look to have all year to "get right," which is particularly annoying to me, because I think if they had to play even an Ole Miss or Florida type team last week they already have their second loss and would be out of the playoff picture, but instead they have... the ACC.
I feel like this is the appropriate place to have the one and a million talk. If we manage to survive the coastal I see the Tigers trying to put 100 on us to get back into playoff discussion...
What are the odds that Clemson scores 100 points total this season?
Obviously that's hyperbole, but not like much hyperbole. Putting up 14 on GT is not good.
That GT front has some dudes who will give us some issues. Not saying they are world beaters, but they've gotten some pretty good talent in there, and their back 7 has a few dudes who can play. SP+ has their defense around 35th if I remember right. If their offense was worth a damn they'd win 7-8 games this year.
I would like to reevaluate my opinion of Clemson hanging 100 on us...
Yes they look more beatable this year than any time in the past decade. As to who does it, no idea from the Atlantic. I still think NC State can do it.
From the coastal, anybody with an passing offense can do it. I think UNC would blow the doors off of them. Pains me to say it, but I think UVa would beat them too. Pitt could beat them. I have no idea how we would against them.
So you're saying there's a chance....
Clemson is lucky in a sense that what looks like their worst team in a while comes during a season in which the rest of the conference is also down. That said, if I were betting man I would put odds on the field over Clemson... barely. They're still the single most likely team to win, by a lot.
Can it happen?
Sure
Will it happen?
Very slim chance
Given their talent, staff, and track record of winning the ACC, it's hard to argue against them being the favorites. I'd give them a 75-80% shot at winning it right now based on what I've seen; mostly because a clear #2 hasn't really stepped up as of yet. In terms of other teams...
VT - I think we have a real shot. The defense looks light years ahead of where we were last year, which is the biggest difference-maker. The offense under Fuente/Corn has basically always averaged about 30-35 PPG, and I think (and hope) we'll get there this year once we get some kinks worked out (red zone efficiency, consistency, etc.). We just can't have any injuries because depth is a huge question. Having an early win against UNC obviously helps our chances dramatically at getting to Charlotte.
UNC - Basically the opposite of VT. The offense is starting to hit its stride, but the defense still has question marks. The loss to VT obviously hurts their chances, but they still have potential to finish 6-2/7-1.
Miami - Question marks all over the place, but they do have a lot of talent. They've looked subpar in all 3 games, but haven't played an ACC game yet, which probably is a good thing for them.
NC State - They're the wild card to me. They're catching Clemson at a great time, and at home. They looked awful in the one game I watched, but if they're able to squeak by Clemson, and then finish 6-2/7-1, there's no reason they couldn't go to Charlotte and compete with anybody in the Coastal. The tough part for them is their crossover games are @ Miami and vs UNC - that's tough.
BC/WF - They both have to play at Clemson, and I don't see either of them winning that game. The injury to BC's QB is a killer.
UVA - I hate to say it, but their downfield passing game was really impressive. Their defense just looked pathetic (gave up 60 points to a team we just gave up TEN to???). They're another wild card. Losing to UNC may have been a death sentence, though, unless they're able to win out, which I don't see them doing with that D.
Pitt - Honestly haven't watched them yet. I don't know what happened against WMU, but if they clean up the defense, they could definitely be in the mix. The downside for them is a brutal stretch beginning in October: @VT, Clemson, Miami, @Duke, UNC with no byes in there.
Louisville/Syracuse/FSU/Duke/GT: Don't see it happening.
My only thing about us beating them is I don't see how we move the ball. Everyone talks about their offense but ignores that their front 7 is godly. Have they given up an offensive touchdown yet? We need to run the ball in order to score and I just don't see us moving it against them consistently.
UNC with a figured out offense might have the best all around chance, but I don't really see them getting to CLT. Figure they lose at least one more in conference game, and then we basically have to lose 3 which I don't really see. Us getting them game 1 was a huge favor to us IMO. I'll be interested to see how their offense does against GT this week, but their front 7 is actually pretty legit and if you make DJ throw nonstop they might have a shot.
UVA and Pitt might score a billion points on them but I don't see either having the ability to get stops. UVA in particular. Their back 7 is a bunch of bums. Miami is already quitting, and NC State just doesn't do it for me.
Long story short they are vulnerable, but I don't see a clear challenger due to the flaws of the top 2 coastal teams (we haven't run the ball yet, UNC has a loss and their receivers might still be iffy).
They need 2 losses on their schedule, for someone else to usurp them. NC State and Pitt might do it. All depends on the consistently inconsistent ACC.
I think NC State has the best shot to go 7-1, maybe even Wake.
If Clemson does get to Charlotte, UNC could unseat them. But I have no idea who out of the Coastal could realistically win it. UNC has at least 2 more losses. I have no idea about us. If we scored on all 3 red zone trips last week, I'd feel better about our chances. Maybe UVA?
Clemson may look vulnerable, but they still haven't given up an offensive TD in 3 weeks. They remind me of 2007 VT (not from a scheme perspective; just from a strengths/weaknesses perspective). They're still really good (not playoff good, but still really good). Teams will still need to beat them in all 3 phases in order to get a win.
Friday night, Oct 15th, Clem vs syr.
Not likely, but I believe the Carrier dome was built on an Indian burial ground and is cursed; so you never know.
Didn't Clemson lose the last time they played there?
2 times ago: 2017.
clemson lost 24-27
Ok so the best way for a team to win the ACC over Clemson is to either:
a) be in the Atlantic Division, beat Clemson head to head, and be good enough to not lose to other intradivisional teams; or
b) be in the Coastal Division and beat Clemson in the ACCCG.
Let's take a look at the candidates:
Atlantic:
Boston Knowledge says no and prayers don't work
Florida Wait until next year because no way they beat anyone with a pulse this year
Boo-eesville doesn't have Lamar Jackson walking through them doors
NC Late to the party might score once in garbage time
Syra-LOSE amiright?
Bake Forest like your school is in Pac12 territory. They got a coach named CLAW, son!
Coastal:
Dook.
Georgia InstiMOOT of Technology cause they ain't worth discussing
Miami. Boats and NOs they ain't beating Clemson
No Carolina teams that aren't private schools have a chance.
PIttsburgh because all they do is PI but Clemson can run.
Hoo gonna beat Clemson? Not LOLUVA
Virginia Tech - hell to the motherf*cking yes
My analysis is complete.
There are only two teams that could either beat Clemson to prevent them from going ot the ACCCG or beat them in the ACCCG, and those two teams are Wake Forest and Virginia Tech. Book it. Charlotte.
Looks like I'm the late one 'cause NC Late broke out!
Clemson can beat Clemson. I am pretty sure Clemsoning is coming back this year.
Winner!
Klempsoning is a beautiful thing.
Looks like the Wake vs NCSU game just became meaningful.
Watching wake destroy loluva, wake might do it.
Might as well spin the ACC Wheel of Destiny, this is anyone's conference.
UNC lost to GT. Maybe GT is the best team in the Coastal
By that logic we might be the best team in the Coastal
Wake right now sits at the top of the Atlantic, Clemson kissed their playoff spot goodbye even if they still manage to win the ACC, the coastal will be chaotic like it always is, UNC with its second loss is looking like they will not be a contender for the coastal crown.
Sure, who do they think they are? Ohio State?
Honestly...I think Wake actually might run the table.
I have a hard time believing any ACC team will finish this season without a loss, but I do think Wake may have a real shot at the Atlantic. They still have to play Clemson, BC, and NC State, and probably need to go 2-1 against those 3. One of those two likely needs to be Clemson still unless they pick up another ACC loss before that game.
The Coastal feels like a true "spin the wheel" type situation. UNC and UVA are looking out of it right now with 2 ACC losses, but it wouldn't shock me if the winner of this division has 3 losses.
Wake is playing good complementary football. If they can keep it up, it wouldn't surprise me if they only have 1 or 2 losses.
I can get behind a 1-2 loss Wake, potentially, I was very much saying I just don't see Wake, or any other ACC team, going undefeated. I think BC is the only remaining undefeated team unless someone is slipping my mind.
Honestly, the most #goACC thing to happen now would be if the Atlantic were to cannibalize itself, let Clemson back into it, and then Clemson somehow wins it again.
Unfortunately, I think this is still the most likely outcome. If Wake can beat Clemson in late November, then I think they might miss out on the ACCCG.
It will be interesting to see how Clemson responds to being basically eliminated from CFP contention so early in this season. Do they have effort issues the rest of the season like we've seen from so many Miami teams over the years once their hype bubble gets popped? Do they play more relaxed with less pressure weighing down on them and look better the rest of the year? Time will tell.
I think the best shot at Clemson losing the ACC would require them not making the ACCCG at all, because I don't feel confident that any Coastal team could beat them on a neutral field.
What a absolutely golden opportunity for VT to reclaim the ACC and of course we're close to the worst we've looked under this staff. I would put a lot of money on the 2011 or 2016 teams to sweep the rest of the year.
Obviously everybody expected the ACC to look like this before the season started.
Clemson's offense is awful. UNC's defense is awful. UVa's defense is awful. Our offense is awful. Miami's offense (with King leading it at least) looks awful and their defense looks average.
WF and Pitt look good and I think that ends up being the title game. I dont mind it as much since Pitt beat Tennessee and I think WF is going to smack Clemson. This is probably the year that ACC is left out of the playoffs (although it would be pretty crazy if WF finishes undefeated and goes) though.
Id also say that I cant remember a year where the traditional powers dont look so dominant. Outside of Alabama, everybody else looks really beatable. Also, total head scratcher how Georgia/Clemson was such a close game given how bad that Clemson offense looks.
People keep saying Pitt looks good and I'm starting to think a lot of people missed them giving up 44 points and losing to Western Michigan last week.
Yea...Pitt has thus far been VERY inconsistent. It's almost a case of Jekyll/Hyde on which team shows up week to week.
Eventually the qb at Clemson is going to figure out how to play. He will have to be their running game too...hmmm...sounds familiar.
WF isn't beating Clemson. That O works when the talent is similar or a little difference. They won't be able to block Clemson which will lead to a lot of 3rd and longs. Which will lead to a lot of punts... I say 38-7.... Clemson
are you that confidant that clemson can put up 38 points
No.... but I don't think the outcome would be in question after halftime....
I think next weekend's lineup is going to tell a lot.
UVA @ Miami - Loser is done for the running, officially. The winner stays on life support. Miami wins a close one.
Pitt @ GT - The winner gets the inside track on the coastal title. GT wins by 2 scores.
Duke @ UNC - A Duke win keeps pace for the Coastal and cements UNC's wash of a season; a UNC victory may help to stave off a complete collapse for their season. UNC by 21
Lville @ Wake - Tough one to call here. Dont think Lville has what it takes and Wake wins this one, and starts to make a claim to the Atlantic crown. Wake by 2 scores.
SU @ FSU - SU is battle hardened, and FSU is just battered. Orange walk away with this one, and this will be Norvell's last game coaching the 'noles.
BC @ Clemson - Tough one to call, but I can't favor a team that barely beat a team that lost to Kentucky. Close game, but Clemson rights the ship for one week. They'll give up some points but expect the Tigers by 2 scores... 35-20.
Non-conference lineup:
LaTech @ NCST - Will NC St be hungover? LT is 5 points away from being undefeated... they're also 12 points away from being winless. I think the pack wins, but wins ugly at home. NC St by 3.
All of that said - just about everyone still controls their own destiny. Wake is a team to be taken seriously and for my money is the favorite to be playing in the ACCCG.
I disagree that it's that simple. This is Miami's first conference game, so even with a loss, they'd still be able to run the table and win the division. A win would put them right on top of the division next to VT. uva would be on life support by losing, but even 0-3 still keeps them with an outside chance if the division cannibalizes itself.
Wait...
I thought you couldn't fire a coach until after Season 1a (6).
I want none of this revamped GT team
I prefer all of the revamped GT team.
This weekend's drubbing on UNC looks good in the box score. Watching what I saw live paints a different story. UNC looked disinterested and i'm willing to bet the only game they actually get up for and play to their full potential is going to be against Duke. UNC, now that we have a few weeks of evidence, should never have been ranked in the first place and will struggle to reach .500 this season.
Take that into context, plus a loss to what is quickly becoming the worst Clemson team since Dabo took over, and throw in a loss to Northern Illinois, and this current GT team isn't quite as appealing. I just hope we dont overlook them because they do have a serious threat at QB, but as long as he can be contained GT is going to struggle.
GT, like Pitt already has a headscratcher loss to Northern Illinois....this feels like 2008 where everyone cannibalizes each other and the Coastal champ will have at least two losses.
Agree with the comparisons to 2008. I'm glad someone else sees it too.
Man... i had forgotten about the banner year that Ball St. had, finished with a total thud.
The crazy thing about 2008 was that for all the jokes about the great prophecy that one day the Coastal will have every team finish 4-4 in the same season, the Atlantic in 2008 was
literally one game away from that happening. BC and FSU finished 5-3, and if you had flipped the result between those two teams (A 27-17 BC victory) the entire Atlantic division would have been 4-4.edit: Dummy Chris
wait, wouldn't that make FSU 6-2?
You are correct... I did that in my head way too fast lol. You'd have to change the result of one of each team's games against the Coastal...
Curiously, if you flip the regular season results for both FSU and BC's game against VT then we would have had all 4-4 Atlantic. This may have been solely OUR fault that this magical result didn't happen, and we would have won 12 games to boot.
man, that would've been something