CFI: ACC ATLANIC ELIMINATION GAME

BY ARTHUR DiCESARE
ACC ATLANTIC INSIDER

Clemson's winning streak has helped it get back into the race in the ACC's Atlantic Division. The 20th-ranked Tigers host the Demon Deacons on Saturday, with the loser likely to have its chance of playing in the ACC championship game come to an end.

With a win over Wake this weekend Clemson would set up a match-up at home against Boston College in a game that would decide which team will represent the Atlantic division in the conference championship game. Clemson who has cruised in the last three weeks with wins over Central Michigan, Maryland, and Duke will take on a Wake Forest team that has lost their three games by a combined 14 points.

In last years meeting James Davis and C.J. Spiller combined for almost 200 yards rushing in a 27-17 win, that should be more difficult this year due to the fact that Wake has only allowed three 100 yard-rushers in nine games. Instead look for Clemson who leads the conference in passing efficiency and is third in yards to attack Wake’s defense that gives up 225 yards a game through the air. Junior quarterback Cullen Harper who is quietly having a tremendous year, passing for 23 touchdowns and throwing only four interceptions with a completion percentage of over 65 percent. will be the key in the game. Three of Cullen’s picks this year have come in Clemson’s two loses, and despite Clemson’s Thunder and Lightning back field, Harper would defiantly have to be the team’s offensive MVP.

Wake who has lost four straight games against Clemson have a lot to play for including pride and possibly a better positing for their bowl game bid. Again the ACC, which has been very unpredictable, has another big game that is hard to pick – one may want to go with Clemson because of their offense and the home field advantage. On the other hand Clemson, who has been so disappointing the last couple of years, makes one wonder if they are ever going to be ready to take that next step to becoming a championship team. With all that said, look for Wake to pull the upset on the road and keep their slim ACC championship hopes alive while ending Clemson’s dreams of winning their first ACC Championship since 1991. Wake 28- Clemson 24.

Photo Credit: Collegiate Images