Here is a preview of the ACC’s Week 2 games.
Wake Forest @ Boston College (Friday)
This all-ACC affair will push one team to .500. Alex Amidon from Boston College and Jonathan Williams of Wake Forest were both hot receivers in Week 1 with 18 catches, 289 yards and a touchdown between them. It will be interesting to see which can lift their team to a win.
No. 12 Florida @ Miami
Miami had a strong win over Florida Atlantic in Week 1, capped by the impressive performance from dynamic running back Duke Johnson. The sophomore had 168 yards on the ground and 38 yards through the air as the combination of Johnson and hopeful senior quarterback Stephen Morris is beginning to turn heads. The U will need both playmakers to be on top of their game if they are to threaten SEC powerhouses Florida.
Middle Tennessee @ North Carolina
North Carolina didn’t disgrace themselves against South Carolina last Thursday, but Bryn Renner and the Tar Heels’ offense didn’t cover themselves in glory either. Expect to see Renner come out the blocks much faster against Middle Tennessee as he pushes to raise his draft stock. Tight End Eric Ebron will also bounce back after a frustrating opening game.
South Carolina State @ No. 4 Clemson
Clemson’s annual beat-down game in 2013 comes against South Carolina State. The game will serve as an opportunity for Tajh Boyd and Sammy Watkins to boost their Heisman campaigns, as a victory of up to 60 points will be in the offing.
Western Carolina @ Virginia Tech
Logan Thomas had a torrid time against Alabama and a home tie against Western Carolina is just what he needs to kick-start his season. While Thomas finds his rhythm the Hokies will lean on freshman running back Trey Edmunds who had a stand-out performance against the Crimson Tide, rushing for 132 yards on 20 carries. The Virginia Tech defense kept A.J. McCarron and T.J. Yeldon in check for most of the game and will be the backbone of the team.
No. 2 Oregon @ Virginia
A touchdown with three minutes to go raised Virginia over BYU last Saturday. Oregon scored 66 points in Week 1, albeit against Nicholls State, they have started the season firing on all cylinders. The misfiring Cavaliers will need to up their game considerably to keep the score respectable against the high-octane Ducks offense.
Old Dominion @ Maryland
Maryland got off to a terrific start in Week 1 against Florida International with all the offensive weapons looking in mid-season form. Quarterback C.J. Brown completed all but three of his 23 pass attempts for 281 yards and three touchdowns, as well as rushing for 105 yards and another two scores. Junior wide receiver Deon Long and sophomore receiver Stefon Diggs caught 14 of those passes for 208 yards and two touchdowns. Old Dominion will struggle to contain the explosive Terrapin offense and a comfortable victory is in store.
Duke @ Memphis
The Duke Blue devils are in shape to start 2-0 for the first time this millennium thanks to impressive head coach David Cutcliffe. Memphis didn’t play Week 1 and will need to shake off the early season rust, while Blue Devils quarterback Anthony Boone will build on his solid performance against NC Central.
Richmond @ North Carolina State
North Carolina got their season off to a strong start with a win over LA Tech in Week 1 and while Richmond are no pushovers, I expect Week 2 to be more of the same. Junior quarterback Pete Thomas had a wobbly start as Mike Glennon’s replacement, Richmond will be his last warm-up game before the Wolfpack host Clemson. Expect freshman running back Matt Dayes to get more carries as he builds on an impressive Week 1.
Syracuse @ No. 19 Northwestern
Syracuse suffered a tough loss to Penn State in Week 1 and will do well to rebound against a well-rounded Northwestern side. Quarterback Drew Allen had a torrid time in Week 1 and will be determined to rebound against the Wildcats. The ‘Cuse’s impressive run defense will need to be on top form to slow down the impressive Treyvon Green.