Last week: 4-3 Overall: 40-15

Duke vs. Virginia Tech

You have heard this many times this week. Duke has a chance to go to a bowl for the first time since 1994. The freshmen on this team were just being born when the Blue Devils were in that bowl game. That's what's at steak for them this week. For Virginia Tech, it's a chance to right a sinking ship. The Hokies have lost two in a row, and are in danger of their first non double digit win season since coming to the ACC. This would also be the highest loss total for the Hokies since joining the conference. One thing that is in the Hokies favor is that their defense has been much better at home this season than on the road. The Hokies have allowed 24 points in three games at home, or three fewer than they gave up in the Cincinnati game. Duke's offense relied on the running game last week to beat Virginia last week, a dimension that Duke doesn't do much. What this comes down to is Virginia Tech's offense. If they can get something going, they'll win. If not, then Duke wins. I'll leans towards the first option because I still think Blacksburg is a tough place to play. Virginia Tech 27, Duke 21

North Carolina vs. Miami

If there is such a thing as a well oiled machine, it is North Carolina's offense. In the last two games, the Heels have scored 114 points, and have amassed over 1000 yards of offense. Gio Bernard ran for 262 yards against Virginia Tech last week, which is an obscene number against a traditionally good defense. In the previous game against Idaho, Bernard only carried the ball twice, and one was a 68 yard TD run. He is on fire. And his opposition has given up 114 points and has given up on average about 295 yards rushing over the last three games. I think it's almost a lock that Bernard puts up 200 yards on this defense. Miami came back to Earth last week against Notre Dame, but North Carolina's defense is not as good as Notre Dame's defense. They'll put up some points, but I think North Carolina gets the road win. North Carolina 41, Miami 24

Maryland vs. Virginia

I can't imagine many people outside of these fan bases watching this game. This will not be fun to watch. Maryland is lethargic on offense, but is actually pretty good on defense. Virginia is on a four game losing streak, giving up on average 42 points per game. Phillip Sims was okay in his first start in a Virginia uniform, but a lot of that had to to with a lot of high risk passes. If they throw a few more lower risk passes, then they should be better. Perry Jones had a second consecutive 100 yard rushing game, which will be good for his confidence. The Terps offense is 121st out of 124 FBS schools offensively. They're 122nd in yards per play. But they're seventh in the nation on defense, allowing 257 yards per game. In other words, Stefon Diggs is the offense, sprinkled in with some Wes Brown and Justus Pickett. This is an absolute must win game for Virginia, and I think they will get it. Virginia 23, Maryland 13

Boston College vs. Florida State

I mentioned earlier about North Carolina being a well oiled machine. Boston College is the total opposite of that. They're a ship sinking. It feels like they've gotten worse by the week recently, and losing to a winless Army team has turned the fan base even more against this team. It feels like the defense has gotten worse since the win against Maine. Last week, the Eagles gave up 516 yards rushing against Army. The only plusses for the Eagles are Chase Rettig being better than previous years, and Alex Amidon emerging as a go to target. Florida State, on the other hand, is out to take out some frustrations after suffering their first loss of the season last week at NC State. Last week was the first time Florida State failed to score 30 points in a game, and it was nearly twice as low as the previous low score. They're going to punish the Eagles, and this shouldn't be close. Florida State 38, Boston College 10