Which ACC teams will challenge themselves out of conference?

By Lee Roberts  |   Thursday, June 11, 2009  |  Comments( 2 )

College Football
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Last season, many college football pundits regarded the ACC as one of the weakest conferences in the BCS. With only one team reaching double-digit wins, the ACC was out of the national conscience all season. It didn’t help the conference that Clemson was blown out by Alabama in the season opener on national television. Despite Clemson’s woes that followed that game, these types of made-for-TV matchups can only help the conference and the teams that play them. Of course, you have to win a few of them occasionally. With that said, let’s take a look at the five best nonconference matchups for the 2009 season in the ACC.

Virginia Tech vs. Alabama – Once again, Alabama kicks off the season against the overwhelming favorite to win the ACC. Last year, it embarrassed Clemson. Don’t expect the same thing to happen to Virginia Tech, however, as the Hokies return all of their key playmakers on offense and their defense is always stout. Alabama will be in a bit of rebuilding mode, on the other hand; this should be a fierce, defensive-minded battle. The ACC needs Virginia Tech to win this game.

Florida State vs. BYU – The Seminoles have their traditional matchup with Florida, but the trip to Provo will tell us much more about how good FSU can be this season. BYU is expected to once again challenge for the Mountain West title with rival Utah. Aside from going to Florida, traveling to BYU is as tough a road trip as the Seminoles will face all year.

Miami vs. Oklahoma – There’s been a lot of turmoil surrounding the Miami program this offseason, but nothing will snap you into focus like playing the defending national finalist with the defending Heisman winner at quarterback. Oklahoma steamrolled opponents last season and Sam Bradford is only going to get better. Miami’s defense better come ready to play or the Canes might have 60 points hung on them.

Maryland vs. Cal – Maryland has been one of the most inconsistent teams in the ACC over the past few years, losing games to teams like Middle Tennessee State. The Terrapins seem to lose focus from time to time, and playing a game on the West Coast at what amounts to a 10:00 a.m. kickoff will test their focus. Add in a top 20-caliber opponent, and you have a recipe for disaster for Maryland. It could be a very long flight home to College Park.

North Carolina State vs. South Carolina – Last season, South Carolina’s defense knocked freshman Russell Wilson out of the game and shut the N.C. State offense down. However, it was the Wolfpack who finished the season strong while South Carolina stumbled down the stretch, losing big to Clemson and Iowa. The key difference: quarterback play. Wilson turned into one of the premier quarterbacks in the ACC while South Carolina’s troupe of passers turned in one inconsistent performance after another. Something tells me Wilson can’t wait for this game to start.
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About Lee Roberts

Born in Richmond, Va, I moved south to UNC-Chapel Hill for college and received a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. I currently live in Charlotte, NC and cover Auburn, LSU and the ACC.
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