1. Clemson continues to fall short of expectations
In perhaps one of the best matchups of the day, the Clemson Tigers and head coach Dabo Swinney, for the third week in a row, have looked incredibly underwhelming when compared to their preseason expectations. This time, it cost them as they fell to the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 24-21 on a last-second field goal. The Tigers had moments of confidence, but looked to play second fiddle to Georgia Tech most of the game.
The Tigers received great preseason accolades and praise for their returning production as well as their finish last year, ending with an ACC title and an appearance in the inaugural college football playoff. However, the season has been anything but championship worthy to this point, as the Tigers take their second loss and their first in conference. Georgia Tech was also a name tossed around as a potential ACC title contender in the preseason; however, they were always supposed to be behind the Tigers on the totem pole for the ACC standings.
This game significantly alters the ACC race in just Week 3 of the season. It puts Georgia Tech on a collision course for the ACC title and supplies Clemson with an unanticipated roadblock on its journey. Best believe Clemson will still be in the running to make the ACC title game; however, their path becomes much more difficult with little room for error as the season progresses. It will make the November meeting between the Tigers and the Cards all the more exciting, with ACC title aspirations most likely on the line.