By Christian Goeckel
SouthernPigskin.com

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15 NC State at 18 Syracuse headlines a big week in the ACC.

What to watch for:

– 15 NC State heads on the road to take on a resurgent Syracuse team that is currently unbeaten, but ranked 18th in the polls. The Orange are a 3.5 point home favorite. NC State will most likely be without quarterback Devin Leary, who injured his shoulder early in last weeks 19-17 win over Florida State. Even with Leary, the Wolfpack have struggled mightily to put up points, ranking 90th in total offense. Syracuse, meanwhile, enters with the nations 10th best defense. After a tough past few years, Dino Babers team is looking to set up a clash with Clemson next week for control of the Atlantic. First, they have to take care of business on Saturday.

– No matter their respective records, Clemson vs Florida State is always a must-watch. A lot of the luster was taken out of this game when Florida State failed to take down NC State last weekend, but its still a huge game for both teams nonetheless. 4 Clemson enters Saturday on a little bit of a hot streak after taking down Wake Forest and NC State in consecutive weeks and then decimating Boston College 31-3. For all the talk about offensive struggles, the Tigers have not been held under 30 points yet this season. The Seminoles might be the team to do it. Florida State is currently giving up just over 170 yards through the air per game, and have given up 30 just twice (Louisville & Wake Forest)

– Drake Mayes Heisman chances. The freshman quarterback has taken the college football world by storm with some truly incredible performances this season. Through six games, Maye is sitting on 24 touchdowns. For reference, last years winner, Bryce Young, was at 20 at the same point last season. Maye and the Tar Heels will be rocking some gorgeous chrome lids for their matchup with Duke. Dont be surprised if Maye is sitting on 30 touchdowns after Saturday.

Schedule

12:30 PM ET – Miami (2-3, 0-1 ACC) at Virginia Tech (2-4, 1-2 ACC), ESPN3
Announcers: Tom Werme, James Bates, Wiley Ballard

3:30 PM ET – 15 NC State (5-1, 1-1 ACC) at 18 Syracuse (5-0, 2-0 ACC), ACCN
Announcers: Mike Monaco, Tim Hasselbeck, Kelsey Riggs

7:30 PM ET – 4 Clemson (6-0, 4-0 ACC) at Florida State (4-2, 2-2 ACC), ABC
Announcers: Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit, Holly Rowe

8:00 PM ET – North Carolina (5-1, 2-0 ACC) at Duke (4-2, 1-1 ACC), ACCN
Announcers: Wes Durham, Roddy Jones, Taylor Davis