Will's Week Five Predictions - SCACCHoops.com

Will's Week Five Predictions

by Will Ojanen

Posted: 9/26/2014 9:49:23 AM


Last Week: 8-4  Overall: 38-9

Colorado State vs. Boston College

Don't sleep on this game. Colorado State is one of the best passing teams in the country, averaging 340 yards per game, ranking 11th. Meanwhile, the Eagles rank fifth in the country in rushing. averaging 336 yards on the ground. While Colorado State can score in bunches, the Eagles ground game will control the clock, limiting how much time CSU has with the ball. This should be close throughout, but I like the Eagles here, thanks to another solid all around game from Tyler Murphy. Boston College 27, Colorado State 24

Western Michigan vs. Virginia Tech

This is the fourth meeting between these schools, which has been dominated by the Hokies. In the prior three meetings, the Virginia Tech outscored Western Michigan 124-0.But a lot has changed in the 10 years since these two have met. Virginia Tech isn't the team it was back then, and Western Michigan has been better. The Broncos are averaging over 41 points per game, but I don't think they will come close to that this time. Their defense is not very good, so this could be an opportunity for Michael Brewer to get back on track after a tough couple of games. This game could be a bit of a surprise shootout, but the Hokies will win at home. Virginia Tech 38, Western Michigan 21

Akron vs. Pittsburgh

This matchup dates back to 1900, where Pitt won the first meeting 17-0. They didn't meet again for 98 years, and Pitt won that one 35-0. The gap between meetings is much smaller, but the outcome will likely be similar. Akron is not very good, and is coming off of a 48-17 loss at home to Marshall. The Panthers average over 300 yards per game on the ground, and this would be a great opportunity for James Connor to pad his stats. Don't be surprised if he gets 200 yards in this game. This should be an easy win for the Panthers. Pitt 42, Akron 10

Kent State vs. Virginia

Don't expect a close game here. Kent State is pretty brutal. They average 47 yards rushing per game, and gave up 66 points to the same Ohio State team that lost at home to Virginia Tech. The Cavs should surpass last year's win total with this game. The defense will give Kent State's putrid offense fits all game long, and the offense should put up plenty of points. Virginia 44, Kent State 6

Wake Forest vs. Louisville

These two actually met in the Orange Bowl in 2007 (remember that year Wake won the ACC?). Now they are conference foes. Wake has won two out of its last three games, although wins may be hard to come by from here on out. What will be interesting here is how Reggie Bonnafon handles his first career start for Louisville, with Will Gardner out for this game. Louisville's first ACC game turned out pretty well, beating Miami opening week. This time around should be a lot like that Miami game. The Cardinals will lean on Dominique Brown a lot in this game. Louisville should win handily. Louisville 34, Wake Forest 10

Florida State vs. NC State

If there is one team that has been a thorn in Florida State's side over the years, it's NC State, especially in Raleigh. The Wolfpack have won five times against the Seminoles in Raleigh. This year could be more interesting than expected. FSU is coming off of an emotional win at home against Clemson without Jameis Winston, and there could be a small let down here. Winston will be back, and how he plays after sitting out last game will be interesting to watch. NC State is also undefeated, but the level of competition is inferior. The Wolfpack will use many different players to carry the ball, and if they can control the tempo with that running game, will keep it close. I think they can to a point where they could at least cover the spread. The Seminoles will win, but it won't be easy. FSU 30, NC State 17

North Carolina vs. Clemson

The last thing UNC needs here is to play an offensive minded team after giving up 70 last week to ECU. The Tigers passing attack is among the best in the ACC, and given the way UNC's pass defense played last week, won't pose much of a threat. Deshaun Watson, in his first start, should have a good game. UNC needs to just keep Marquise Williams in the game the whole time, and keep Mitch Trubisky on the bench. The two QB tango isn't working. This will be a shootout, but Clemson will win it at home. Clemson 49, UNC 31

Duke vs. Miami

There are several ways to look at this matchup. This could help determine how real both teams are. Duke has dominated inferior competition, while Miami is 2-2, but has been rather leaky defensively. The big thing here is for Brad Kaays needs to not turn the ball over. He's thrown seven interceptions so far this season, and Duke is among the top teams in the country in intercepting passes. Miami needs to feed Duke Johnson the ball in this game. He's topped 20 carries in a game just once this season. That can't happen if Miami wants to keep in the Coastal Division race. I'm picking the Blue Devils on the road in a high scoring affair. I think Kaaya will turn it over a couple of times, and Duke will rely on its balanced offense to carry them to a win. Duke 38, Miami 31

Notre Dame vs. Syracuse

The Fighting Irish and Orange are meeting for the seventh time, with both teams winning three apiece. Notre Dame's defense has been really good so far, limiting teams to just 31 total points in three games, and teams are averaging 2.9 yards per carry against the Notre Dame defense. Syracuse has been pretty up and down so far this season, looking good against Central Michigan, and pretty down against Villanova and Maryland. Terrel Hunt needs to have a big day in order for Syracuse to stay in this. I think he can to an extent, but Notre Dame's defense will be too much, and Everrett Golston will have a solid day in the air. Notre Dame wins. Notre Dame 27, Syracuse 16



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