The ACC released their schedule today, and like every other conference, there are plenty of games to keep an eye out for.
Here are 10 of the best that you should go ahead and mark on your calendar right now.
10A. Tennessee vs. NC State: Friday, August 31 (Chick-fil-A Kickoff Classic)
10B. Auburn vs. Clemson: Saturday, August 31 (Chick-fil-A Kickoff Classic)
For a conference always trying to validate itself as one of college football’s big boys, the ACC gets two big showcase games to open the college football weekend, and anything less than a split should be considered a major disappointment.
On Saturday Clemson should be favored against a still-rebuilding Auburn team that they beat last season, and if NC State could surprise a talented Tennessee team, the story of the opening weekend could be about “The reemergence of the ACC.”
Of course if they lose both games? Well, we won’t talk about that.
9. Georgia Tech at Virginia Tech: Monday, September 3
Labor Day night is usually reserved for a big-time, major college football game, and this one should be better than most think. Virginia Tech should be comfortably favored, but Georgia Tech is always tough to figure out and beat, regardless of the date of the game, or who they’re playing.
Also remember that Virginia Tech has a history of coughing up big games early in the year.
8. Maryland at North Carolina: Saturday, November 24
On paper this one doesn’t have all that much cache, but dig deeper and you’ll realize that this one could be the difference between Randy Edsall getting a third year in College Park or not. The vultures are already circling overhead for Edsall, and if he can’t dramatically improve upon last year’s 2-10 mark it might be time for him to start updating his resume.
After arriving to such fanfare in January 2011, could this be Edsall’s last game at Maryland?
7. Virginia at Georgia Tech: Saturday, September 15
Just two weeks after opening the season at Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech has the equally tough task of hosting an up-and-coming Virginia ball-club, in a game with huge stakes for both teams. For Virginia, it’s a chance to get a signature road win, and show all the ACC Coastal Division that they’ve “arrived.” And for Georgia Tech, well, it this could eventually be their season if they fall to 0-2 in league play just three weeks into the season.
Simply put, I wouldn’t want to be in the losing locker room that night.
6. Florida State at Miami: Saturday, October 20
Florida State-Miami used to be one of the premiere rivalries in college football, yet incredibly, it’s now just another game, on just another Saturday to most college football fans.
Still, don’t be fooled by the Canes. Yes they’re young, but they are still talented, and would love nothing more than to throw a major roadblock in the way of Florida State’s ACC Title run.
5. Miami vs. Notre Dame: Saturday, October 6 (Soldier Field, Chicago)
Speaking of old-school, long-standing rivalries, this isn’t quite “Catholics vs. Convicts” of the late ‘80’s, but should still be entertaining none the less.
Plus, doesn’t hearing the names “Miami” and “Notre Dame” just kind of illicit a little bit of excitement in your football loving heart, regardless of each team’s record?
4. Virginia at Virginia Tech: Saturday, November 24
Remember when Rick Neuheisel got to UCLA and declared “The Football Monopoly Over” in Los Angeles? Yeah, well that didn’t work out, but across country Mike London is making inroads on Tech’s turf, and at least in theory, Virginia hasn’t been this close to Virginia Tech in pure football talent in years.
Still, UVA won’t have the full respect of the Hokies until they actually start beating them, something they’ve done just once in the last 13 years.
Is 2013 when the “Football Monopoly” officially ends in the Commonwealth Cup? We shall see.
3. Virginia Tech at Clemson: Saturday, October 20
Virginia Tech lost just three times during the 2012 season… but twice to Clemson.
Think the Hokies will be fired up for this one?
2. Clemson at Florida State: Saturday, September 22
Another matchup of likely Top 10 teams, this could be a springboard for one of these two into the National Title picture. Plus, like Virginia Tech, dontcha think Florida State will be looking for a little revenge after losing in Death Valley last year?
1. Florida State at Virginia Tech: Thursday, November 8
Divisional favorites Florida State and Virginia Tech will get the college football stage to themselves in the second Thursday night in November.
Could this be an ACC Championship Game preview? Heck, could it be a BCS National Championship elimination game?
We’ll find out soon enough!
For all his opinion, insight and analysis on college football and beyond, please follow Aaron on Twitter @Aaron_Torres.
