In previewing the season, many promoted the game between Clemson and Wake Forest as the critical games in each of their schedules. Whoever won this game would have a virtual lock on winning the Coastal Division of the ACC and thereby play in the championship game on who will be going to the Orange Bowl as the ACC representative.

Despite a shaky start offensively in the first few games of the season, Wake Forest (3-1, 1-0) appears to be a slightly better position than Clemson (3-2,1-1) who have never quite regain their footing after a loss to Alabama in its first game of the season. So the game probably has not quite lived up to its pre-season billing as only Wake Forest is ranked at 21st position.

Neither team has gotten into a groove but there is some recent history where Clemson has dominated Wake Forest in the past two seasons. Question is whether they can do so again. Cullen Harper is not the quarterback he promised to be and CJ Spiller has been playing hurt and not putting the rushing game into play. Likewise, Wake Forest has lost its running game and the offensive line is not opening up the lanes for the rushers nor giving Riley Skinner the time to set well into the pocket forcing him into throws he should not be making like those interceptions in that loss against Navy.

So the game potentially could be a grinding affair punctuated by one outstanding play or series or it could be a blowout by either team. Just can not tell from the previous games of the current season.

If the Deacons can establish a solid running game early, giving the wide receivers a chance to catch the ball, we could see a pretty decent game out of Wake Forest.

As benefiting the early season hype, this game is going national on ESPN. A chance of rain in the forecast. The Dixie Classic fair should make for some good camera shots as they pan over the lights of the rides and midway.

Game Time: 7:30pm
Network: ESPN