Monday, October 30, 2017

Conference Title Chase Updates: ACC

It seems like most of the drama has been settled in the ACC, with former front runners Louisville and Florida State both falling flat this season. In all, we are down to five possible contenders left in the conference race right now as we head into November.

Atlantic Division: NC State, Clemson
NC State: The Wolfpack took themselves out of playoff consideration for now with a loss to Notre Dame last week, but it was not a game they had to win. The Pack now must get themselves together, as Clemson is coming up this week. That is a must win, and if the Pack can win it, and then hold on, they win the Atlantic Division in a major upset for 2017.

Clemson: The Tigers are hanging on, but they are still barely getting by. The Tigers, by way of a loss to Syracuse, must win out, and stay ahead of a tie with the Orange, as the Orange could edge out Clemson for second place with two losses in ACC play, if Syracuse wins out. In the meantime, the upcoming game between the Tigers and Wolfpack is the game of the year in this division.

Coastal Division: Miami, Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech
Miami: The Canes are the unbeaten team that nobody seems focused on nationally, but they are sitting at 7-0, with a game cancelled earlier this season. If Miami can hold on, they are in great shape to steal the ACC Coastal. Miami has already beaten Georgia Tech, but this week's game with Virginia Tech should make the decision for the potential division title. The Canes should be huge favorites in their remaining conference games with Virginia and Pitt after a non con game with Notre Dame, but Miami has to win this week before breathing easy.

Virginia Tech: The Hokies are in a two week playoff mode coming into this week with a date with Miami, followed by a must win game against Georgia Tech. The Hokies must win both to stay alive, as, like Miami, they close with Pitt and Virginia in conference play. Everything at this point is must win for the Hokies.

Georgia Tech: The Yellow Jackets are also in must win mode, but they need Virginia Tech to beat Miami this week to get into a position to steal the division crown. The Jackets need two Miami losses, they need to beat the Hokies, and then win out against Virginia and Duke, which are pretty much doable items right now.

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