So when the ACC split into two divisions, ostensibly to start its own conference championship game in 2005, what were the odds that Duke would reach the title game before Miami?
(That should mute “The U” for a while.)
(Rebuttal from Warren Sapp should be arriving in the form of a rock through my front window momentarily.)
Duke, which had one winning season in the past 23 years and lost 30 consecutive ACC games in one particularly miserable stretch, will play for the conference title against Florida State in Charlotte, N.C. So should end every complaint from every college football coach about not being able to win because of strict academic standards or inferior facilities.
David Cutcliffe isn’t merely coach of the year, he is coach for the millennium. Try to remember that when the Blue Devils are getting their arms torn off Saturday.
Florida State was favored by 29 points even before we knew for certain that Jameis Winston would play. Winston, the Seminoles quarterback, will be the best player on the field. He leads an offense that ranks No. 2 in the nation in scoring (53.7 points per game). The defense: No. 1 in points against (11 per game). Outside of that, FSU really isn’t all that great.
Clemson was ranked No. 3, then lost to the Seminoles 51-14. Even by usual Dabo Swinney fizzle standards, that’s a significant body slam.
Embrace the moment, Dukies. At least you made it here.
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