Let's take a look at the ACC matchups this upcoming weekend.
Tennessee vs. NC State
Few of us were alive the last time these two met, which was 1939. The Volunteers return a top notch QB in Tyler Bray, but just like Mike Glennon at NC State, doesn't have his top receiver from last season to throw to. I think both teams will pass well, but NC State has a stronger running game, and that will be the difference in this game. NC State 30, Tennessee 24
Elon vs. North Carolina
The debut of Larry Fedora will be one that should be an easy win. The Phoenix were a five win team from the Southern Conference last season. The Phoenix will look to do most of their work offensively in the passing game. Quarterback Thomas Wilson completed over 70% of his passes for over 3000 yards last season. But he did throw 21 interceptions. I think he will throw at least one pick in this game, and UNC will counter with a healthy dose of Maryland Bernard to cruise to victory. UNC 38, Elon 13
William & Mary vs. Maryland
Heat could be a factor in this game. The temperature is expected to be in the 90's by game time. Expect a lot of players to rotate in and out to keep them fresh and hydrated. This might come down to who is a deeper team. William & Mary has been very competitive in their last three games against FBS opponents, including a win at Virginia in 2009. Maryland is being ravaged by injuries again, and is going with a true freshman at quarterback. I'm calling an upset here. William & Mary 21, Maryland 17
Richmond vs. Virginia
Just like the previous game, he could be an issue here. But the big difference here is Virginia's depth on offense. They will use the run a lot in this game. Richmond lost the last eight games of last season, finishing 3-8, and brought in a new head coach this season. They do return 13 starters, but I still think Virginia will cruise to victory. Virginia 35, Richmond 13
Miami vs. Boston College
These two teams closed out last season playing each other, and will open this season playing each other. The Eagles have won two in a row, winning last year's game, and the other win was in 2007. BC does return a lot of their starters from last season, but Luke Kuechly will not be one of them. And they are also starting this season with another offensive coordinator. Miami is in flux, with not a lot of starting experience back. I think this game could be a little sloppy offensively, but I feel like the experience BC has coming back could be a slight factor in this game. I'm going with the home team in a minor upset. Boston College 20, Miami 19
Murray State vs. Florida State
This is probably the biggest mismatch of the week. Murray State was 7-4 last season in the Ohio Valley Conference. Quarterback Casey Brockman threw for over 3200 yards and 25 touchdowns last season. He does spread the ball around too. Six Racers caught at least 22 passes last season. But they didn't play anyone of this caliber last season. They were not that good defensively, giving up at least 21 points in 10 of their 11 games. The only real question for Florida State is how well they can protect EJ Manuel. That shouldn't be much of an issue in this game though. Florida State 52, Murray State 3
Liberty vs. Wake Forest
The most interesting note in this game is that Liberty is now coached by former Buffalo and Kansas coach Turner Gill. These two last met in 2006, which was a 34-14 win for Wake Forest. This is going to be a nice game for Tanner Price. I think he will have a pretty nice game passing. The Deacs should cruise to victory. Wake Forest 31, Liberty 13
Florida International vs. Duke
These two met last year, and Duke won this game 31-27 at FIU. This year, they meet at Duke. The Blue Devils have been hampered by injuries, and that could be a factor in this game. Sean Renfree will keep them in this game with his arm. The Golden Panthers lost very little from last year's squad that won eight games, which is a school record. They do replace their starting quarterback and their top receiver, but they do return their top running back, who ran for 1149 yards. I think FIU will avenge last year's loss with the run. FIU 31, Duke 27
Clemson vs. Auburn
This will be the third straight year these teams have met. Both teams won on their respective home fields. Clemson will be without Sammy Watkins, serving a suspension for some off the field issues. But the Tigers still have Tajh Boyd, Andre Ellington, and DeAndre Hopkins on offense. Auburn was bad on defense, giving up over 400 yards per game on average, including 624 to Clemson last year. Most of that defense returns, along with a new defensive coordinator. Auburn is starting a new quarterback and is facing a Clemson defense that also has a new defensive coordinator. This game will be a shootout, and Clemson's offense will carry it to victory. Clemson 38, Auburn 31
Georgia Tech vs. Virginia Tech
The Hokies have won the last two meetings in this matchup. They do come in with some questions on offense, but still have a pretty strong defense. They have struggled to stop Georgia Tech's rushing attack. They Yellow Jackets have rushed for 1176 yards in the last four meetings, averaging 5.5 yards per carry. They Yellow Jackets do return a lot of their rushing attack, and they have struggled against teams that are given more than a week to prepare. I don't think Georgia Tech will run as well as they have in the previous meetings. They haven't proved to be competent at passing either. I think Virginia Tech's home crowd will be a factor too, and they will do just enough on offense to win. Virginia Tech 28, Georgia Tech 21
