Top ACC Games of 2010

The 2010 ACC Football season is shaping up to be a battle royal, particularly in the Coastal Division. The Techs of both Georgia and Virginia are considered the front runners but both Miami and North Carolina are in position to make a serious run. The Atlantic Division is a little more cut-and-dry, with Florida State and Clemson the clear favorites. (*Note – ONLY if the Tigers manage to have QB Kyle Parker back. Otherwise, this division is the Seminoles to lose).

1.) Georgia Tech at Virginia Tech, Nov. 4th
2009: GT 28, VT 23
The battle of the Techs will be MASSIVE this season. Both squads will likely be undefeated in conference play coming in. They have split the last 2 meetings, with both contests being close (5 and 3 point margins of victory respectively). Expect another tight one this year with both teams returning their signal callers. Georgia Tech might be at a slight disadvantage offensively with the loss of their starting runningback to the draft, but with the skill Johnson recruits, they should be fine. All bets are on this one determining the Coastal Division champ.

2.) Florida State at Miami, Oct. 9th
2009: Mia 38, FSU 34
Last seasons 38-34 win by the Hurricanes was an instant classic and typical of this series. In the last 8 meetings, neither team has won by a larger margin than 8 points, and that could actually be considered a blowout. The other 7 had an average margin of just 3 points. Don’t expect any different this year with both squads sporting All-ACC caliber QB’s.

3.) Virginia Tech at Miami, Nov. 20th
2009: VT 31, Mia 7
Hokies have taken 3 of the last 4, including last years 24 point thumping. One can only imagine the Canes have vengeance in mind, and it’s a plus this is a home contest. This one is huge considering both teams are legitimate contenders in their division.

4.) Georgia Tech at Clemson, Oct. 23rd
2009: GT 30, CU 27; GT 39, CU 34 (ACC Title Game)
Probably the most underrated rivalry in all of college football. This game always seems to come down to the final minutes. Last year alone saw Tech squeak out a 3 point win in Atlanta, followed by a 5 point win in the ACC Title game. Assuming QB Kyle Parker is back, this one should be once again a barn burner. The Tigers defense is loaded, and should matchup well against Tech’s offense.

5.) Miami at Clemson, Oct. 2nd
2009: CU 40, Mia 37
Last 3 contests have gone into overtime, with the road team coming out on top. If Clemson QB Kyle Parker plays in 2010 opposed to bolting early to play Major League Baseball, and RB Andre Ellington can put together a decent rushing attack, fans could see a fourth straight nail-biter. The ‘Canes are looking good for ’10 considering they have a majority of their playmakers back, including Heisman hopeful QB Jacory Harris.

6.) Clemson at Florida State, Nov. 13th
2009: CU 40, FSU 24
Should wind up determining the Atlantic Division Champion. Last seasons contest was close – until the 4th quarter, where the Tigers outscored the Noles 19-0 to walk away victorious and all but seal a trip to Tampa. New defensive coordinator in Tally could be the spark the defense needs to get back on track.

7.) Miami at Georgia Tech, Nov. 13th
2009: Mia 33, GT 17
The Yellow Jackets lone conference loss came at the hands of the Canes last year, which could almost be considered a fluke considering Tech had won the previous 4 meetings. The Canes are a lot more experienced, and have QB Jacory Harris back. Tech lost RB Jonathan Dwyer and a few key players, but this is a Paul Johnson ran program.

8.) North Carolina at Miami, Oct. 23rd
2009: UNC 33, Mia 24
The Tar Heels defense was lights out for the most part last season, finishing 6th in the nation in total defense and 13th in scoring – and it should be even stingier this year. Matching them up against what should be a high-powered Hurricane offense is the perfect recipe for a fantastic finish.

9.) Georgia Tech at North Carolina, Sep. 18th
2009: GT 24, UNC 7
Just like the UNC/Mia matchup, this is going to be a battle of high octane offense versus shutdown defense. The Tar Heels highly acclaimed front line will need to consistently breakup the option (much how Miami did last year) for this one to stay within reach.

10.) Clemson at Boston College, Oct. 30th
2009: CU 25, BC 7
Aside from last years 25-7 thumping by Clemson, this series is usually an exciting one to the end. The previous 4 meetings were determined by a an average of a mere 3 points and this seasons matchup looks to be the same. Although Clemson and FSU are the early favorites to win the Atlantic, if the Eagles pull this win off they might just find themselves in position to make a run.

The out of conference slates for 2010 are top of the line, to say the least. The Boise State/Virginia Tech and Miami/Ohio State are both national title caliber games. Florida State at Oklahoma should be a good one, two history rich programs looking to rebound after off seasons. The LSU/North Carolina matchup is intriguing with the prospect of two dominating defenses showing off. The Clemson/Auburn game should be a thriller; last time these teams met, the Tigers of Auburn won a bowl game in OT. Finally, this might be the year Florida State takes one from the Gators. The game is in Tally, and the Gators are Tebow-less for the first time in 4 years.

5 Best Out-of-Conference Games
1) Sep 6: Boise State at Virginia Tech
1) Sep 11: Miami at Ohio State
3) Sep 11: Florida State at Oklahoma
4) Sep 4: LSU at North Carolina
5) Sep 18: Clemson at Auburn
5) Nov 27: Florida at Florida State