Weekend Preview: Critical ACC clashes

by Travis Clark

September 22, 2016

The Pac-12 is leaping into action for the first time in 2016, with the bulk of its opening round of fixtures slated for Thursday. As this weekend preview focuses on the Friday-Sunday stretch of games, there’s a lack of options to be included here.

Here are five matches to keep an eye on this weekend. All times listed are EST.

Nebraska (7-3, 1-1) at No. 24 Ohio State (6-3-1, 0-1-1), 7 p.m., BTN Plus

A promising start to the season is close to veering off course for the Buckeyes, which is winless in four of its last five games. Three straight home games should provide the remedy for what ails them, and it should be noted that the particular stretch Ohio State just faced was quite difficult. Lindsay Agnew and Nichelle Prince remain the dangerous pair up front, though improving at the back is key, as the Buckeyes have conceded 15 goals in 10 games this season. Looking to make an impression in the Big Ten, the Huskes are a dangerous outfit capable of scoring goals in bunches. Haley Hanson and Jaycie Johnson have combined for nine goals. Expect to see a high-scoring matchup in Columbus.

Prediction: Ohio State 3-2 Nebraska

No. 25 Northwestern (9-0, 2-0) at No. 18 Rutgers (6-1-1, 1-0), Friday, Sept. 23, 5:30 p.m., BTN Plus

As stirring of an early season Big Ten clash as it can be, Northwestern puts its winning streak and perfect record on the line with a big test in New Jersey. Rutgers has managed to cope well in the absence of Casey Murphy, and its defense has conceded just four goals so far this year. Freshman Nicole Whitley’s impact can’t be understated, as she leads the team with six assists and has chipped in two goals. Madison Tiernan has stepped up to score four goals, good for best on the team, while Alana Jimenez replaced Murphy in net and hasn’t looked back. Speaking of impressive defending, Northwestern’s conceded just one goal through its nine-game winning streak, as Lauren Clem continues to excel between the posts. The attack has been solid as well, mostly running through the goal-scoring exploits of Brenna Lovera. A low-scoring game seems inevitable, though it should be a fascinating tactical encounter.

Prediction: Rutgers 1-0 Northwestern

Arizona (5-2-1) at No. 6 USC (6-2), Friday, Sept. 23, 6 p.m., Pac 12 Networks

While the big-time clashes are still on the horizon in the Pac-12, Arizona’s trip to LA is one of the more intriguing games this weekend. USC is rolling after sputtering out of the gate, winners of six straight as the offense begins to fire on all cylinders. Transfer Alex Anthony has proven to be the reliable goal scorer the Trojans missed last fall, while Leah Pruitt is working way into the mix. Of course, there’s also Morgan Andrews, Kayla Mills and Mandy Freeman that form one of the nation’s best spines. Before last weekend’s loss against Oklahoma, Arizona’s momentum was building, riding a four-game winning streak into that loss. Goals can come from a number of places, as Lex Selman Richards, Cali Crisler, Paige Crouch and Hannah Stevens have each scored three so far. It’ll take a big effort to secure the upset, and Arizona has shown the ability in the past to pull off big results.

Prediction: USC 2-1 Arizona

No. 2 Virginia (8-2, 1-1) at No. 3 Florida State (8-1, 2-0), Sunday, Sept. 25, 1 p.m.

Before last season, Florida State had Virginia’s number, winning all three encounters between the two teams in 2014, with the final clash coming in the national championship. Both teams look very different heading into this match, seeking to tweak and experiment with the season not quite yet into October. The Cavaliers have poured in the goals this season, as Veronica Latsko and Alexis Shaffer are their reliable pieces in the final third. However, Thursday's 2-1 defeat at the hands of Miami is a huge shock, as the Cavaliers were punished for errors at the back. Freshman striker Deyna Castellanos tops Florida State’s scoring charts, though she won’t be available for this match after leaving for U17 duty with Venezuela. It’s a blow to FSU’s attack, though the Seminoles always have someone waiting in the wings, and it shifts more of the offensive burden back to Meghan Connolly. Defense always seems to hold strong for the Seminoles, which has four shutouts against Virginia in Tallahassee since 2010. Another low-scoring affair here wouldn’t be a huge shock, depending on how each coach approaches this game.

Prediction: Florida State 0-0 Virginia

No. 14 North Carolina (6-2-1, 1-1) at No. 11 Clemson (8-2, 2-0), Sunday, Sept. 25, 1 p.m.

The second of two-high profile ACC battles on Sunday sees the Tar Heels pay a visit to Clemson, as the Tigers wrap up a three-game home stand. Clemson’s continued to impress despite the odd blip here and there, as Catrinda Atanda found her scoring touch this year, leading the team with eight goals scored, while the defense remains a stifling package. Claire Wagner and goalkeeper Cailen Sheridan have provided their consistent excellence, and the pair will lead a defensive effort at home looking to shut down a hit-or-miss North Carolina attack. After last weekend's loss to the Wolfpack, UNC bounced back to great effect with a comprehensive 3-0 win against Virginia Tech on Thursday night. The Tar Heels inch closer to the best combinations with its rotation policy, and while Clemson enter this matchup as the slight favorites, UNC can never be counted out.

Prediction: Clemson 1-1 North Carolina

Related Topics: Atlantic Coast, Big Ten, Pacific 12