Despite UNC being 3-1, many feel that the Tar Heels are headed in the wrong direction.
FSU, meanwhile, is no longer winless, but …
The Seminoles finally got a win Saturday night, beating Cal 14-9 in the Golden Bears’ ACC debut.
But the win didn’t exactly serve notice that FSU has turned the corner on the 2024 season.
Seven sacks by the Seminoles defense, and a couple of missed field goal attempts by the Bears, was the difference.
Florida State misfired on offense all evening; the Seminoles were outgained 412-289.
FSU led the ACC in scoring a season ago, but this year, it’s been a different story for coach Mike Norvell’s team.
After scoring three times in the season opener against Georgia Tech, the Seminoles have not scored more than two touchdowns in a game since.
Offense isn’t a problem around the league
ACC teams were lighting up the scoreboard Saturday.
Seven teams scored more than 40 points; Carolina scored 50 in a 20-point loss.
Pitt was the most explosive in its 73-17 win.
The Panthers are now 4-0 and surpassed their win total from last season.
Pitt rolled up 644 total yards offense in essentially three quarters.
ACC newcomer SMU won the Iron Skillet that goes to the winner of its cross-town rivalry against TCU, crushing the Horned Frogs, 66-42.
Talk about a coach being demoralized: former SMU coach and current TCU coach Sonny Dykes was ejected after receiving two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties.
Clemson continued its scoring onslaught with a 59-35 win over NC State. The game wasn’t that close as the Tigers led 59-14 after three, before the Wolfpack scored three window-dressing TDs in the fourth quarter.
Clemson put up 66 points last week against Appalachian State.
Have the Tigers awoken after their season opening loss to Georgia?
Miami also hit the 50-point mark, but it took about three quarters to distance themselves from cross-state foe South Florida, winning 50-15.
Hurricane QB Cam Ward enhanced his Heisman candidacy, throwing for 404 yards and three scores.
What do we know about the ACC?
Still, we don’t know about the conference.
Earlier, I asked if Clemson had shaken off its opening-game loss to Georgia. That remains to be seen, as the competition since facing the Bulldogs has been lame for the Tigers. “White Meat,” as former legendary Clemson coach Frank Howard described weak opponents.
For now, Clemson, Louisville and certainly Miami are the head of the class in the conference.
Syracuse, BC, GT and Virginia are showing signs of life, but the second half of the season will be telltale for all.
Boston College got a huge win Saturday over Big 10 foe Michigan State.
The ACC newcomers have been strong. Cal has already made two East Coast trips, winning at Auburn.
Meanwhile, NC State, Virginia Tech, FSU and UNC (after Saturday) have been disappointing.
All four of the schools were thought to be in contention for a CFP run.
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Chris Graham
