Clemson’s decisive 44-16 win over Alabama in the National Championship couldn’t have come at a better time for the ACC. On August 29th, a Thursday, the Tigers will begin their 2019 season against Georgia Tech in Death Valley to launch the new ACC Network. It’s a rare Power 5 conference game to start the season, but the ACC isn’t stopping there.
Two days later, it’s believed Virginia Tech will open up on the road at Boston College and Pitt will host Virginia. This will give the ACC Network 3 conference games over Labor Day weekend. Commissioner John Swofford went even further on the competitive front – as no ACC team will open up against a “cupcake” FCS opponent.
1996 was the last year the ACC had 3 conference games to open the football season and it’s been 13 years since Week 1 has lacked an FCS school.
According to David Teel of the Daily Press, the hold up on the scheduling was due to the Hokies originally inviting Furman to Blacksburg to open the season. Earlier this week, the Athletic Department announced the Furman game would be held on August 14.
Jack Ferris is a freelance writer for BSM. He can be found on Twitter @JFerris714. To reach him by email click here.
