It appears that predicting the ACC has become rocket science. This is the third straight week I have gone 3-3, but I guess considering how difficult predicting the ACC has become, I won’t complain about it too much. I am 42-26 overall on the season. This is the last full slate of conference games for the season.
Virginia vs. Boston College
With last week’s loss, Virginia was knocked out of the bowl picture for this season. But Mike London will still have the team playing hard, and they have the opportunity to play spoiler this week. Boston College is one win away from being bowl eligible, which seemed improbable a few weeks in to the season. The defense is playing the best it has all season, and combining with Virginia’s issue with penalties, it will be bowl eligibility for the Eagles. Boston College 21, Virginia 13
NC State vs. North Carolina
There aren’t many things you can say are locks in the ACC, but NC State’s performance against Wake Forest was a rare lock. The competition gets a lot stiffer this week. UNC is reeling a bit after a loss to Miami in which TJ Yates reverted to his previous turnover plagued from. Turnovers have been a problem for Yates and the Heels over the last four games, and I think they will continue to be an issue here. NC State 28, UNC 20
Duke vs. Georgia Tech
The Blue Devils came back to Earth a little after putting up over 50 against Virginia, only scoring 16 against Boston College in a loss. Georgia Tech is reeling, having lost three in a row, although the offense was pretty productive last week against Miami, but the defense did them no favors. This game will be a bit of a shoot out, but it will still be a home team victory. Georgia Tech 34, Duke 27
Clemson vs. Wake Forest
It has been a bit of an underwhelming season for Clemson. They are 5-5 on the season, but the thought was that they would be better than this. They have a good chance to get bowl eligible this week against a Wake Forest team that looks like they are looking ahead to next season. Clemson’s defense will wreak havoc all day long, giving Clemson’s offense the chance to put some points up early and often. Clemson 34, Wake Forest 10
Virginia Tech vs. Miami
This is the last big test for Virginia Tech in its quest to run the table in the ACC. I thought UNC would beat them last week, but the Hokies played a great defensive game, blowing the game open in the second half. And they have a great chance to feast on another turnover prone offense. Stephen Morris is likely to start again for Miami, and like Jacory Harris, is a bit mistake prone. In the two and a half games Morris has played this year, Morris is completing less than 53% of his passes, with four touchdowns and four interceptions, which last time I checked isn’t that good. Frank Beamer and Bud Foster will feast on Morris and the UNC offense, and Tyrod Taylor will make some big plays to carry his team to a big road win. Virginia Tech 34, Miami 21
Florida State vs. Maryland
I’m as amazed as you that this game will go a long way to determining the Atlantic division of the ACC. Florida State could control their own destiny with a win here. This is their last conference game, while Maryland has one more ACC game left after this week. Maryland has been able to win a lot of games because of their defense. Their offense is ranked in the 80’s in terms of rushing and passing. They’re going to need more offense this week against Florida State. While Maryland’s defense is good, Florida State’s defense is better, and their offense is better. In short, Florida State will win. Florida State 30, Maryland 21
