But that game isn't for another week, so I don't want to peak my excitement too soon. I never wrote down any thoughts after the Duke game, but I guess I'll just chalk it up to the same lethargic energy that the Hokies showcased on Saturday. Maybe there has been something in the water on the east coast. I could yell about how closely they were playing with fire, or I could try to spin it into an overly optimistic cover-up. My honest opinion though is it was a trap game that also came at the end of eight straight weeks of play. Then the team played to that script perfectly. That's my grand analysis. Moving on.
Gimme Games
None
Upset Watch
FSU over Boston College
Maryland over UVA
UNC over NC State
Miami over Duke
Notre Dame over Wake Forest
50/50 Games
None
If Florida State plays like they did a week ago, this could be one of those Thursday night games ESPN wish they hadn't scheduled so far in advance. Of course it isn't ESPN's fault that Boston College has been cursed with more injuries, and therefore losses, than most teams in the country. Just because it isn't ESPN's fault though, that won't help pick up the ratings. After last week however, and the fact that this is still the ACC, anything can happen.
Maryland might be my vote for biggest disappointment in the conference this year. I've said it before, and perhaps had they not upset Miami in Week 1 I wouldn't feel the same, but I don't understand what has happened to the Terps since then. And while we're on the topic of disappointments, let's talk about UVA after big wins. Last year it was the downfall after the Miami win, then this year it was the loss following a GT upset. Until they prove they can win consistently, I'm picking against the Hoos after a big win.
UNC and NC State might be the game of the week in the conference, which is part me being a homer for my home state (even though I don't care about either team) and partly because there are no great games in the ACC this week. Ever since UNC thought they would be as relevant in football as they are in basketball with the hiring of Butch Davis, the Pack has won every year. We'll see if that trend can continue or not this Saturday.
Both Duke and Miami are coming off disappointing losses, but for different reasons. Duke wanted to get that big win to define where the program wants to go. Miami didn't want to lose to a team like UVA for the second straight year, on their home field, in front of a national audience. And they thought the Shapiro mess was embarrassing. Miami should win this one easily with talent, but Duke has the desire that a team with too much talent sometimes lacks. It wouldn't be as big as taking down the Hokies would have been, but a win against "Da U" would be a good win for this team.
How many people are going to watch the thriller that will be Wake Forest against Notre Dame this Saturday at 8? Anyone who said yes to that is a liar. In fact the only reason I would believe an Irish fan who said yes is because of how far their heads are up their own asses still thinking they're a relevant program. After all the hype that is being created over the LSU/Bama matchup, that game can only come up short of expectations, but it will still be more enthralling than any scenario that can play out between the Deacs and Irish. Not to mention the fact that even if the "Game of the Century" is lacking, there will be another top-15 matchup, and a top-10 game being played as well. Even though no one will see or care, it would make me ecstatic if the Deacs can pull of the upset.
H-O-K-I-E-S HOKIES!!!
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