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Sitting 2 games back in the ACC Costal going into week 10, the Miami Hurricanes have to rely on other teams to make it back into the race for the ACC Championship Game begins now.
Week 10 features 7 ACC games, including two with major implications for the Miami Hurricanes. Those two games will play a major role in where the Hurricanes sit following the conclusion of the week.
With such, let’s get into who Hurricanes fans should be rooting for in week 10.
Friday, November 2nd
Pittsburgh Panthers (4-4, 3-1 ACC) @ Virginia Cavaliers (6-2, 4-1 ACC), 7:30 PM, ESPN2
The game between Pittsburgh and Virginia will have the most implications in where Miami will sit in the ACC Coastal at the end of the season.
Sitting at 6-2, Virginia have been one of the most surprising teams in the college football season. They have not lost in three straight games and are one of three teams to defeat the Miami Hurricanes. Currently, they sit atop the ACC Coastal.
On the other hand, Pittsburgh is a middling team in the ACC. At 4-4, Pittsburgh have had their moments of brightness but ultimately, it has been an inconsistent season for the Panthers. The Panthers are coming off a intense win in the final seconds to Duke and defeated Syracuse earlier in the season.
Who to root for: Overall, a win for Pittsburgh would benefit the Hurricanes the most because they still play Pittsburgh to finish the season.
Saturday, November 3rd
Louisville Cardinals (2-6, 0-5 ACC) @ Clemson Tigers (8-0, 5-0 ACC), 12 PM, ABC
If Virginia has been one of the most surprising teams in the ACC, then Louisville have been one of, if not, the most disappointing team in the ACC. Currently, the sit at the bottom of the ACC Atlantic and have not won a game in the conference yet.
It won’t get any easier for them this week, as they have to face off against the undefeated Clemson Tigers in Death Valley. If Louisville wants to defeat Clemson, they will have to limit the Tigers’ offense that has scored 44 points per game.
Who to root for: Clemson
Syracuse Orange (6-2, 3-2 ACC) @ Wake Forest (4-4, 1-3 ACC), 12 PM, Regional
Syracuse has been one of the few teams to keep it close with Clemson and for that reason, it’s no surprise that they are competing in the ACC Coastal. They currently sit in third place in the ACC Atlantic division and have looked good in Eric Dungey’s senior season.
Wake Forest, on the other hand, have been poor in the conference. The Demon Deacons have only won one game in the conference (against Louisville). Should the Demon Deacons win this game, it will be on the back of their strong rushing attack that ranks 18th in the country.
Who to root for: Syracuse
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (4-4, 2-3 ACC) @ North Carolina (1-6, 1-4 ACC), 12:15, Regional
Known for the triple-option attack, the Yellow Jackets hold the nation’s best rushing attack in terms of yards and is one of the few teams the Hurricanes have yet to play. Last week, the Yellow Jackets were able to defeat Virginia Tech on the road in dominating fashion.
On the other side, North Carolina have been the worst team in the ACC this season. They have won just 1 game this season and are currently riding a 4-game losing streak. Miami has already played them this season and defeated them with 3 defensive touchdowns.
Who to root for: North Carolina
Florida State Seminoles (4-4, 2-4 ACC) @ North Carolina State Wolfpack (5-2, 2-2 ACC), 3:30 PM, ABC
There’s trouble brewing in the capital of Florida. Sitting at 4-4, the Seminoles have to play 4 teams ranked in the College Football Playoff poll, including the number-4 ranked Notre Dame. Should the Seminoles make a bowl game, it will have to come with two upsets and strong play on their struggling offense.
On the other side, the Wolfpack have had no issues on offense, at least through the air. Although the Wolfpack are riding a two-game losing streak, they hold the one of the nation’s best passing offenses with Ryan Finley, a legitimate NFL prospect.
Who to root for: We don’t love FSU here at the State of the U, so root for NC State.
Boston College Eagles (6-2, 3-1 ACC) @ Virginia Tech Hokies (4-3, 3-1 ACC), 3:45 PM, Regional
The second most important game for the Canes take place in Blacksburg, Virginia. Currently, the Hokies sit above the Hurricanes in the division and win here for Virginia Tech could really harm the Hurricanes chance to make the ACC Championship Game.
The opponent for Virginia Tech is Boston College, who the Hurricanes were defeated by just last week. The Eagles have been carried by AJ Dillion, who has 800 yards and 7 touchdowns this season, even with injuries to his legs.
Who to root for: With so much riding on this game, the Hurricanes would really benefit rom a Virginia Tech loss. Root for Boston College.
Duke Blue Devils (5-3, 1-3 ACC) @ Miami Hurricanes (5-3, 2-2 ACC), 7:00 PM, ESPN2
Even with one of the best defenses in college football, the Hurricanes have not been able to get anything going on offense. Whether it has been with Malik Rosier or N’Kosi Perry, the Hurricanes have scored 30 points in just one conference game (North Carolina) and in the last two, the offense failed to score over 20 points.
For Duke, the Blue Devils have failed to win in their last two games and have just 1 conference win to Georgia Tech. If Duke wants to defeat Miami, they’ll need to rely heavily on Daniel Jones, who is also a legitimate NFL prospect.
Who to root for: This is State of the U, root for the Canes.