ACC Football Week Eight Predictions

It’s already week eight. I can not believe it. It just seemed like yesterday, we were salivating over the Boise State-Virginia Tech game. Now we’re nearly ¾ of the way through the season. But as for last week, it was a 6-1 week, which puts me at 32-14 overall. I’ve been 11-2 over the last two weeks, which is a nice accomplishment for me. I think I’ve done enough bragging for now. This week only brings five games, including one non-conference game. Have I mentioned I went 11-2 over the last two weeks?

 

This one appears to be a bit of a laugher. Duke is coming off a 28-13 loss to Miami. But the biggest stat of the game was Sean Renfree throwing FIVE interceptions. Virginia Tech took Wake Forest to the woodshed last week, winning 52-21, but 49 of those points came in the first half. The one thing to be concerned about for Virginia Tech is the rush defense. The Hokies allowed 241 yards to Josh Harris of Wake Forest last week. But Duke doesn’t run that well, so it won’t be a big deal this week, but may be long term. As for this game, it will not surprise me if Virginia Tech runs for well over 200 yards against this Duke. Virginia Tech 45, Duke 13

Both teams lost last week. Maryland was blown out by Clemson, and Boston College lost a close one to Florida State in what was a real letdown game for Florida State. Maryland may need to rely on the passing game this week, as Maryland’s rushing offense has struggled as of late. Danny O’Brien has thrown well recently, but has been a little turnover prone. O’Brien threw three interceptions last week against Clemson. Boston College will rely on the rushing game led by Montel Harris, who torched Florida State for 191 yards last week.  I expect it to be a close, low scoring game, with BC’s rushing attack being the biggest reason they will win. Boston College 20, Maryland 17

Both teams emerged victorious in an easy way last week, as Georgia Tech handled Middle Tennessee, and Clemson handled Maryland. The Yellow Jackets have run for 806 yards in the last two games, and have climbed up to second in the nation in rushing. Clemson, despite the blowout win, continues to struggle offensively. Kyle Parker completed seven out of 20 passes, and the team only averaged 2.1 yards per carry on 44 carries. Because of the lack of offense, I will call for a road victory. Georgia Tech 28, Clemson 17

I said last week that Virginia had one of their last legitimate shots at winning against North Carolina. And I was way off. This week, I’m saying the same thing. Eastern Michigan got their first win last week since the conclusion of the 2008 season, a 41-38 overtime win against Ball State. The Eagles have given up at least 28 points in every game, including allowing 73 points against Ohio State. Virginia has lost three in a row, and has not beaten an FBS team in over a year. While the Cavs were blown out last week, they were able to run very effectively, as Keith Payne and Perry Jones combined to rush for 160 yards. You could call this game “The Game of the Weak.” This will be Virginia’s first win against a FBS team in over a year. Virginia 34, Eastern Michigan 10

The previous game was the Game of the Weak. This one is the Game of the Week. UNC has found its rhythm, and is on a four game winning streak after rolling over Virginia. TJ Yates has been a huge surprise for UNC, only throwing one interception on the season so far. Miami sputtered along, and needed seven Duke turnovers to come ahead with a win. Jacory Harris has struggled mightily as of late, although he didn’t throw an interception for the just the second time this year. He completed 50% of his passes, his best in the last three weeks.  But that was also against one of the worst defenses in the country. Until I see Harris turn it around, I have no confidence in picking Miami. I am taking the road upset. North Carolina 24, Miami 20