It's always nice to have possibilities-- even if they're ridiculously far-fetched. The SEC is focused just as much on the divisional rivalries as the national title talk. Same with the Big Twelve (soon to be ten) and Big Ten (soon to be twelve). The Pac Ten has had USC and now Oregon (#1? The Ducks? Really?) in the conversation. Even the Big East has had far fetched moments over the years with Louisville, Rutgers and West Virginia riding into November unblemished. Even last year, Cincinnati was unbeaten and in the national title conversation--albeit as a punchline. But not for the ACC. Once again, National title talk regarding the Atlantic Coast conference is complete before October even ends-- Florida State's loss to North Carolina State gives everybody in the league at least two losses. Say what you will about parity (and it's not just a fulltime resident in this conference, it pays a mortgage and has a summer home as well)... but it's always nice to have a lead dog entering Closing Month.
Alma Mater Update-- one week after emerging victorious from Morgantown, Syracuse's road to redemption continues with a game at defending league champ Cincinnati and Bearcats quarterback Zach Collaros (20 TD passes in two months-- SU's QB Ryan Nassib probably won't get to 20 over his career). Can the Orange remain in Big East contention? And with a two game roadtrip-- when will they roll out a new batch of those Dome Dogs they sell at the stadium (I'm waiting for the tagline-- "NOW WITH MORE MISCELLANEOUS!")
Maryland meets Wake Forest-- one key in the Terps turnaround this fall has been that they are +8 in turnover differential... best in the ACC. The Demon Deacon defense has allowed over 40 points a game during their 5 game losing streak (and coughed up 48 in their lone league win)... why is Danny O'Brien salivating? Terrapins triumph, 45-24.
Virginia entertains Miami-- every year I get seduced by the glare of South Beach... the charm of the Hurricane offense... the speed of the U secondary and the recruiting of Randy Shannon-- only to see it crumble against the Florida States and Georgia Techs of the world. No matter how impressive the Canes may look Saturday against the rebuilding Cavaliers, I must remind myself not to get sucked in-- damn those numerals look rather cool! Cavaliers crumble, 31-12.
Virginia Tech is idle-- Blacksburgians, enjoy some fall foliage... drive up to Washington, VA and COOTER'S FISH FRY (Ben Jones owned and operated, and I once met Sonny Shroyer/Enos there-- he still has the same laugh)... and bask in the fact you have the hottest team in the conference- and may not lose again until the Orange Bowl.
Navy defeats Duke, Georgetown falls at Fordham, Howard slips to Norfolk State, James Madison regroups against UMass.
Last week: 2-5. Overall: 30-17.
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