Ranking the 2014 ACC Bowl Games
By Joe Micik
Nov 29, 2014; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils tight end David Reeves (80) celebrates with fans after the defeating the Wake Forest Demon Deacons 41-21 at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports
2014 ACC Bowl Games: #5
Sun Bowl
Who: Arizona State vs. Duke
Where: El Paso, Texas
When: December 27
The Sun Bowl got a good one here between two good teams. Duke has been one of those schools the last couple years under David Cutcliffe where they can compete against anyone. This, of course, is a stark change for Duke off of the basketball court.
Arizona State themselves are having a great year. The Sun Devils are favored by eight points, but this could be a closer game than that. Better them in El Paso than us.
Must-See Factor (out of 10): 6. I expect a decent performance from Duke, though they are probably not the better team here.
2014 ACC Bowl Games: #4
Russell Athletic Bowl
Who: Oklahoma vs. Clemson
Where: Orlando, Florida
When: December 29
You could do a lot worse than this one. Considering they did not actually win that game against Florida State when they had the Seminoles on the mat, Clemson did as well with their bowl selection as they possibly could have done, and now they draw a name opponent in Oklahoma.
Of course, Oklahoma has to be dismayed that they are in this game in the first place. The Sooners were the preseason number four team and held that rank through September 21, and they ended up going 8-4.
Both teams should get up for this game, as it will feature an interesting battle between Clemson defense and Oklahoma offense.
Must-See Factor (out of 10): 6.5. A good opportunity for the ACC to win over a quality opponent, even if the opponent did not turn out to be as “quality” as they would have preferred.