PASS: Clemson, Louisville, Georgia Tech, Boston College, Virginia Tech
Clemson saved the country from endless speculation and insanity by coming back late to beat Florida State in a back and forth game on the road. It was Clemson's first win at Florida State since 2006, and Clemson was largely though to be under the gun going into this game. Clemson never gave up on this night, and four team playoff with all four being undefeated stayed intact.
Louisville stayed in pace with Clemson, but the Cardinals got no favors in this week 9, having been challenged by Virginia every step of the way in a 32-25 win. Lamar Jackson had his customary big day, but was also sacked 5 times and was frustrated at times. Stil, the Cardinals win makes them a palatable choice for the playoff if someone should lose to make way for them.
Georgia Techstarted off quickly, but had to hold off a Duke rally at the end to win 38-35 at home. The Yellow Jackets need one more win to be bowl eligible, but this win probably cooled things off for Paul Johnson, who has come under criticism of late by some corners.
Boston College snapped a 12 game conference losing streak and used a trick play to steal a win over NC State on the road in a 21-14 victory for the Eagles. BC held the Wolfpack to just 31 yards rushing in the win, and is now 4-4, just 2 wins short of being bowl eligible.
Virginia Tech found themselves in a shoot out with Pitt, which has become customary for the Panthers this season, but the Hokies had more bullets in a 39-36 wild win on the road this week. The Hokies own the tie breaker in the Coastal Division, and are now 6-2 on the season. Should they win out, they will play for an ACC title in Justin Fuente's first season.
FAIL: Florida State, Virginia, Duke, NC State, Wake Forest, Miami, Pittsburgh
This was a terrible week in the ACC, as the conference finished 5-7 overall, and lost both their non con games this week, with Wake Forest falling to Army at home, and Miami losing at Notre Dame. Wake Forest fell short of qualifying for a bowl this week with their loss at Army, which drops them to 5-3 overall. Miami fell to just 7-18 all-time against Notre Dame, and blew a late 27-20 lead in a 30-27 loss to the Irish. Miami has fallen to just 4-4 on the season, and only boasts a 1-3 record in ACC play. The loss was the 4th in a row by the Canes after starting 4-0.
Florida State completely blew a chance at beating Clemson at home in a 37-34 loss to the Tigers, the first loss to Clemson at home in 10 years. FSU had a 34-29 lead late in a wild 4th quarter, but horrible blocking on offense, and even worse play by the secondary on defense doomed the Noles to fall to just 5-3 this season, and they are now just 2-3 in ACC play.
Virginia earned some respect, but not a win against Louisville today. With the loss, UVA falls to just 2-6, and are a loss away from losing out on a bowl.
Duke has been a mess this season, and fell to 0-4 in ACC play, and just 3-5 overall with their loss to Georgia Tech. They fell to the bottom of the Coastal, in sole possession of last place, and are the only team in the conference without at least one win in conference play this season.
NC State has now lost 4 straight games this season, with the latest coming at home against Boston College, who has not won in ACC play in forever. Ryan Finley has tossed 6 picks in the last 3 games, and the run game has fallen off the grid.
Pitt has not played defense all season, and Pat Narduzzi is a defensive guru. The Panthers have been a mess on defense all season long, and there seems to be no end in sight there. They completely allowed a major shot at a win against Virginia Tech to slip through their fingers this week.
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