Around the ACC: Week 11

The ACC has been a conference full of ups and downs this season, and despite the inconsistency, it still has a fantastic shot of one of its teams making the College Football Playoffs.

Recap of Week 10:

No. 4 Florida State 24, Pitt 7

Pitt came out of the gates strong in this game and held a dynamic Florida State offense to no points for the first 25 minutes. With the Seminoles struggling, the Panthers got on the board after a nine-yard Bub Means touchdown reception.

Up 7-0 early on, quarterback Christian Veilleux hit Konata Mumpfield down the field for an 82-yard reception. However, the Panthers gave the ball up after Fentrell Cypress II forced a fumble and recovered it in the endzone for a Florida State touchback.

The Seminoles controlled the entire second half on the back of quarterback Jordan Travis to escape the potential upset and keep their playoff hopes alive.

Clemson 31, No. 15 Notre Dame 23

Notre Dame has had a rollercoaster of a season. After blowing out Pitt 58-7 the week before, the Irish came out flat against Dabo Swinney and Clemson.

Quarterback Sam Hartman threw two bad interceptions in the game, and once Notre Dame entered the red zone, it could not cash in for six on the board.

On the other hand, Clemson took advantage of all the Fighting Irish mistakes, and the Tigers took a 24-9 lead into the half.

In the second half, the Tigers’ offense gave Notre Dame every opportunity to come back into the game, but Clemson’s defense held on, giving up zero points in the fourth quarter.

A look ahead:

Miami at No. 4 Florida State

Since Miami suffered a horrendous loss to Georgia Tech, the Hurricanes haven’t looked the same. However, Mario Cristobal could shock the world this weekend against the No. 4 ranked Seminoles.

For the Hurricanes to win, their defense needs to play noticeably well, but Florida State has a very explosive offense, especially in the passing game. Wide receivers Keon Coleman and Johnny Wilson will be trouble for the Miami secondary.

The Hurricanes need to win this game at the line of scrimmage, especially with their dominating pass rush. Freshman defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. currently leads Miami in sacks and ranks 24th in the country with five solo sacks. He will need to have a day for the Hurricanes to win.

Duke at No. 24 North Carolina

The Blue Devils started the season hot after upsetting Clemson at home in Week 1. During its early success, Duke quarterback Riley Leonard and the defense played lights out. The Blue Devils went 4-0 earlier in the season.

Duke then had to go through a gauntlet of a schedule facing No. 11 Notre Dame, No. 4 Florida State and No. 18 Louisville in three of four games. The Blue Devils dropped those three games, but now they face their long-time rival North Carolina.

The Tar Heels season started hot like the Blue Devils, but a loss against Virginia led to a two-game losing streak, essentially eliminating North Carolina from the playoff.

North Carolina still has a lot to play for because quarterback Drake Maye has the potential to lead this team to an ACC Championship, and it could spoil Florida State’s dream season.

Ethan Bell is a third-year majoring in public relations. To contact him, email epb5391@psu.edu.