With several ACC teams on a bye week this past weekend, the stats were more limited than usual. In addition to that, most ACC teams were facing conference games which provided for some interesting outcomes. For the most part, I think the defenses held their own and forced some teams to abandon the run and also hold some high-powered passing games in check. With those caveats, I now provide the helmet stickers.

University of Miami's QB Jacory Harris (thanks Icon SMI)

 Quarterback

These stats were pretty sparse. Wake Forrest was completely embarrassed by Clemson and with Duke and FSU on their byes, the prolific ACC passers really had nothing to show this past weekend. Josh Nesbitt from GT lead the group as he threw 7 times for 51 yards and an INT, but more importantly rushed 23 times for 122 yards and 3 scores against a very solid Virginia Tech defense. Miami’s Jacory Harris had a solid but unimpressive day against UCF as he we 20 for 26 for 293 yards and only 1 TD. Russell Wilson struggled early on but still managed 243 passing yards on 23 completions, 1 score, and 1 INT. He also added 35 yards on the ground and a TD as well.

Running back:

This group didn’t show a whole lot either this past weekend with the exception of a couple unbelievable games. Montell Harris from Boston College lead all fantasy players last weekend as he rushed 27 times for 264 yards and 5 TDs. Clemson was able to put their game on the back of CJ Spiller as he tore through the Wake Forrest defense for 106 yards on 9 carries and 2 scores. Lastly, Ryan Williams from Virginia Tech continued his breakout campaign as he rushed 14 times for 100 yards and a score while also hauling in 2 passes for 22 yards and a score.

Wide Receiver:

I am not going to really highlight anyone in this group this week. There were several WR that had average days out there. Most of the bigger point scorers only hauled in about 50 – 60 yards and a TD if they were lucky. Most of them were non-existent receivers heading into the weekend anyways, hence my reasoning for not really honoring anyone here. Step it up boys!

Games that will have a negative effect:

Boston College @ Notre Dame: Notre Dame won’t overwhelm them with Virginia Tech toughness and athleticism, but quarterback Jimmy Clausen is on a hot streak and the Eagles have yet to win a game on the road. BC’s defense will be prepared in the first, but Clausen will exploit some weaknesses in the second half and make this a two score win.

Clemson @ Miami: In a game that will feature two outstanding defenses, Miami quarterback Jacory Harris will be the difference. He’s calm under pressure, and that’s exactly what the Tigers are going to bring. While Clemson has talented stars, Harris has more options around him. I am not expecting a whole lot of points and I think Harris throws a couple picks. This will be a low scoring game.

Games that will have a positive effect:
Maryland @ Duke: The Terps won’t be able to stop Duke’s passing attack, led by senior quarterback Thaddeus Lewis. Duke is averaging almost 32 points per game, while the Terps average 23- and that’s because Lewis is given the time and protection he needs to find his receivers. Both teams will continue to struggle to run the ball.

Wake Forest @ Navy: This was a trap game for the Deacs during the regular season a year ago, and it could be again, especially considering the game is in Annapolis, its homecoming, the Midshipmen are on a four-game winning streak and need just two more to become bowl eligible. But it won’t. Wake Forrest got embarrassed last week at Clemson and they know how they played against them last year. I expect Wake Forrest to really come out ready for this game. Plus, not to mention that Navy is allowing 270 passing yards a game.

Georgia Tech @ Virginia: If the Jackets are going to go down, it’s going to happen this weekend. Consider this your upset pick. Georgia Tech is coming off a big, emotional win, and is ripe for a letdown on the road. They haven’t won in Charlottesville since 1990, and the Cavs will do their best defensively to make sure that streak isn’t broken on Saturday. Virginia’s new spread attack will exploit some holes that this defense still has. But it won’t be enough for Josh Nesbitt as I think he takes in the game winning TD run himself.

Related posts:

1. ACC Bookends
2. ACC Bookends: Ride the FSU and Miami Roller Coaster
3. ACC Bookends: Week 3
4. ACC Bookends Week 2: The Duke Spirit
5. ACC Bookends for Week 1

Tags: ACC