The Orange move up one spot after a really solid showing at Clemson, but they have to be wondering what might have been. Losing a lead to the Tigers after knocking Trevor Lawrence out of the game is a bitter pill for Syracuse to swallow.
In the end, the team’s inability to run the football cost them the victory. Rushing for just 61 yards on 26 carries put too much pressure on Eric Dungey and the passing game to carry the Orange. This team can’t beat a quality opponent like Clemson with a one-dimensional offense. Mark it down as a missed opportunity for Syracuse.
Anytime you get two guys to go over 100 yards rushing it’s going to put your team in great position to win. That’s just what happened for Boston College this week. A.J. Dillon did his usual work with 161 yards on 28 carries, but getting 120 yards on 23 carries from Ben Glines put the Eagles over the top.
Anthony Brown is still a concern for this team. He wasn’t asked to do too much against Temple, but his inaccuracy was on full display. He can’t go 15 of 33 if this offense wants to move the ball against good defenses. It may be Brown who ultimately decides how good this team can be.
Every couple of seasons a program gets a chance to make a statement win at home against a big-time opponent. Duke squandered their opportunity on Saturday. Losing to a wounded Virginia Tech team 31-14 was disappointing for the fans in Durham.
In a common theme for the week, their bid to secure a massive win was destroyed by the Blue Devils’ inability to run the ball. The Hokies dominated the Duke offensive line. 71 yards on 36 carries was not what David Cutcliffe had in mind. Duke has to be more balanced to beat quality opponents.
Mark Richt’s team looked bad against LSU in Week 1, but they’ve handled their business since then. Winning at North Carolina isn’t going to rocket them up the polls, but beating them so decisively was a good result for the ‘Canes.
A lot was made about Miami’s decision to start N’Kosi Perry against the Tar Heels, but he didn’t need to do much to get his team a victory. The Hurricane defense turned North Carolina over six times. That allowed Perry and DeeJay Dallas to enjoy a relaxing night in Chapel Hill.