Predicting ACC football scores in Week 2: Georgia Tech has pivotal game vs. Tennessee
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The ACC didn’t fare overly well in Week 1 of the college football season. The conference went 7-7 in Week 1 — not counting Week 0 play.
They are hoping to fare better this weekend and there are three matchups we are going to preview before hitting the rest of the slate as a quick-hitting formate.
MORE: 3 biggest takeaways from new AP Top 25 college football rankings after Week 1
Cal vs. Syracuse
Syracuse was dominant in Week 1, but the Orange were playing New Hampshire, in which they won 66-3. As for Cal, the Bears started 0-1 after a tough 45-24 loss to UCLA.
Two entirely different games and it’s hard to judge just how good these two teams are after one week. Cal played a formidable opponent and ended up losing by a bigger margin than many expected. Syracuse was expected to win big, and it did its job. Steve Angeli was masterful, throwing for 263 yards and three TDs in the game.
Cal is probably the better team and has more talent, led by QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, but his interception issues are concerning. With the Orange being the home team, expect a close win.
Final score: Syracuse 31, Cal 27
Duke vs. Illinois
The Duke Blue Devils remain a good defensive team, allowing Tulane to score three points in Duke’s 17-3 win last weekend. While the Blue Devils can play defense, there is a major concern regarding their offense. San Jose State transfer Walker Eget threw for 131 yards in the win, completing just 50% of his throws.
Illinois enters the game, playing better on offense than expected. The Illini beat UAB 42-23 and transfer Katin Houser tossed three touchdowns in the win — one being a Hail Mary. Illinois could take a step back defensively this season, but Duke’s lack of offense is too concerning to predict the Blue Devils to win on the road.
Final score: Illinois 24, Duke 10
No. 18 Tennessee vs. Georgia Tech
It was an odd start for Georgia Tech last Thursday, losing at home against Colorado 14-13. The Yellow Jackets’ defense held the Buffaloes’ high-octane offense down, but Georgia Tech struggled to move the football. Transer RB Justice Haynes was held down after a nice first drive.
As for Tennessee, 5-star QB Faizon Brandon had a tremendous start. Despite playing Furman, Brandon did everything Tennessee fans wanted to see. He threw for 226 yards and three TDs, while rushing for 68 yards and scoring two more TDs on the ground.
The Vols’ defense should be good once again, and Tennessee could be very good if Brandon can play to that level every week. This will be his first test, and after seeing both offenses last week, the edge is with the Volunteers.
Final score: Tennessee 31, Georgia Tech 17
The rest of the games will be quick-hitter style
- No. 7 Miami 56, Florida A&M 3
- No. 24 Louisville 45, Villanova 6
- No. 25 Virginia 48, Norfolk State 7
- NC State 31, Richmond 10
- Boston College 20, Rutgers 13
- North Carolina 34, East Tennessee State 13
- Virginia Tech 38, Old Dominion 14
- Wake Forest 27, Purdue 24
- Pitt 31, UCF 24
- No. 17 SMU 51, UC Davis 6
- Clemson 48, Georgia Southern 10
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