While there is still a long way to go before the 2017 college football season the ACC schedule has already been released and that means we can start looking ahead to the most intriguing matchups on the schedule. The ACC’s rise to prominence over the years means that these games should each have a significant impact not just on the conference standings but on the national rankings and the College Football Playoff outlook in general. Here is a look at the top five games on the ACC schedule for next season.
Florida State @ Clemson – November 11th
Clemson has taken over as the top dog in the ACC after beating Florida State and reaching the national championship game in consecutive seasons, including last year’s national title win over Alabama. This matchup has represented a key point on the road to the College Football Playoff the last two years and that is expected to be the case again come November. The Seminoles won three straight ACC championships from 2012-14 and if they want to re-establish their dominance at the top of the conference they will have to find a way to take down the Tigers.
Miami @ Florida State – September 16th
Miami fans have been hoping and praying for the year that they finally break through versus rival Florida State and while they haven’t been able to get the job done yet they should have a legitimate chance to win this September. The Seminoles have a tough road through the ACC and will likely need a win over the Hurricanes to remain on track to make their playoff debut. A victory in this game would be huge for either team in the Coastal division.
Louisville @ Florida State – October 21st
It should be no surprise that Florida State makes its third appearance in as many matchups on this list as Louisville represents another opponent they will have to take down in order to come out on top in the ACC. Louisville threw them off track in 2016 when Lamar Jackson led the Cardinals to a victory over the Seminoles so FSU will be looking for redemption. This matchup has all of the makings of another classic with Florida State needing to slow down the 2016 Heisman trophy winner Jackson in order to win this game. This will be an important game for Jackson too after he laid an egg in his last showdown with an elite team, the LSU Tigers in the 2016 Bowl Season.
Clemson @ Louisville – September 16th
The Seminoles aren’t the only ACC team facing a tough road to the conference championship game as the Tigers will also need to take down Jackson and the Cardinals on their road back to the playoff. Clemson barely survived a tough test from Louisville in 2016 and it won’t get any easier this time around with the Tigers on the road and without several key pieces lost after last year’s championship run. Jackson and company will be motivated to avenge their loss to Clemson and if they will definitely need to win this game to have any shot at contending for an ACC title and more.
Virginia Tech @ Georgia Tech – November 11th
The first ACC matchup on this list that doesn’t feature either Clemson or Florida State will be a key matchup for both teams involved with Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech both looking to take a step forward this season. The Yellow Jackets finished last season with six wins over their final seven games and they could have enough talent to contend. Meanwhile, the Hokies have enough talent to be in the mix as well and it will be interesting to see if they can take another step forward. This game comes right in the middle of a busy stretch for Virginia Tech that includes three of four on the road with trips to Miami, Georgia Tech and Virginia to close out the season. Meanwhile, the Yellow Jackets get two of their final three at home and it will be interesting to see whether they can stay in the mix in the ACC Coastal after trips to Miami, Clemson and Virginia earlier in the year.
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