Collegiate Times

As another Saturday of college football looms on the horizon, the Atlantic Coast Conference boasts three conference matchups as well as a chance for redemption in non-conference play.

So far the ACC has not fared well in out-of-conference play, with just a 17-11 record, including an 0-9 mark against ranked teams. To say the least, it has been a down year for the ACC, headlined by preseason No. 10 ranked Virginia Tech’s embarrassing loss to James Madison.

This was just the second time an FCS program has beaten a ranked FBS opponent, the first being Appalachian State’s shocker over No. 5 Michigan in 2007.

Additionally, Florida State and Miami dropped two high-profile matchups against Oklahoma and Ohio State, dipping the conference’s credibility meter even further. Nonetheless, the ACC will look to get back on track this weekend and put itself back on the college football map.

THURSDAY

7:30 p.m. Miami (FL) at Pittsburgh, ESPN

Both Miami and Pitt figured to be in the hunt in their respective conference titles and contend as possible candidates for a BCS Bowl. In fact, the Panthers came up one point shy of a BCS berth last year against Cincinnati.

However, both teams have fallen on hard times in the early going, with Miami dropping arguably its biggest game of the season against Ohio State and Pitt losing an overtime thriller to Utah in its opener.

Miami will rely on junior quarterback Jacory Harris to lead it to victory while Pitt will look to the services of former second-team All-American running back Dion Lewis. Both players have struggled thus far, as Harris has already thrown four interceptions and Lewis has rushed for just 102 yards on 35 carries (2.9 ypc).

Yet, Pitt’s inexperience at quarterback with sophomore Tino Sunseri will allow Miami to load the box and give the Canes their second victory of the season.

Prediction: Miami 31, Pittsburgh 21

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A version of this article appeared in the Sep 23 issue of the Collegiate Times.