ACC Championship Pregame: Live from JAX
It’s well after midnight here in Jacksonville, so I’ll make time for a few thoughts on the first ACC Championship Game happening later today at Alltel Stadium between Virginia Tech and Florida State.
Florida State has the top-scoring offense in the ACC for the season, but has not been able to support it with defense; they’ve been mediocre against the run and bad against the pass. If Marcus Vick can find a fix for his inconsistency problems, he can make this game very tough to win for FSU; conversely, a run-it-down-their-throats approach as employed against UNC in the second half won’t get it done, despite Cedric Humes’s recent hot streak. A couple of early mid-range completions for Vick would do wonders.
Whether the Noles can rev that offense will depend on the coherence of their offensive line, ravaged by injuries and suspensions, as well as their general mental state after a three-game slide and a nasty defeat to arch-rival Florida last week. FSU fans hope this report is indicative. Objectively, this team has nothing to lose at this point; no one other than their own coaching staff seems to be giving them any credit. This is a mistake. It’s tempting to read too much into the Florida game, but I think the looming presence of the VT matchup changed the dynamic of that game somewhat: yes, it’s their state rival, yes, it’s pride, but there was one game left the next week with far more direct implications to their bowl future. It’s easier to go all-out when you’re closing out your season; knowing they would have the chance to salvage a major disappointment this Saturday (which this season has been to FSU, regardless of the UF result), I suspect FSU may have subconsciously held something back for Tech.
For the Hokies, the key is staying under control. That goes for everyone, including the coaching staff: don’t panic if things don’t go right early, and don’t get cocky if they do. The most worrisome omen for this Hokie fan is the profusion of articles comparing Tech now to the rising late ’80s/early ’90s FSU, including Bobby Bowden’s own comment that
He’s on the way of doing the same thing. He’s doing the same thing. Frank has been up there a long time … I think he’s there at the same peak we were at. He just needs to get him a couple of national championships, and he’s got it all.
Does this hype remind anyone of any other recent game? Play well and under control, and Tech can win this game, perhaps even should (depending on how much stock you put in FSU’s November slide). But if Tech gets wrapped up in themselves, I’ll be posting a “Tomahawked” analysis Sunday morning.
The game’s at 8 PM ET on ABC and XM 191. Enjoy!
And a special bonus: check out Golden Tornado’s Smurftacular Look Back at the ACC Season for some pregame humor.
3 December 2005 / 1 Comment / Tags: football