Last week: 3-2 Overall: 52-23
Florida State vs. Virginia Tech
This would normally be a huge matchup for the ACC. But not this year. This has been one of the worst Virginia Tech teams in the last 20 years. The offense has been offensive to watch. The defense is not defensive, and the special teams has not been special at all. But despite that, they have yet to lose at home. Granted, they have only had one actual home game in the last month. Blacksburg on a Thursday night is one of the best atmospheres in college football, and the Hokies will need that in this game. They will need to hope that Florida State continues to turn the ball over like they have in the last three games. The Noles have turned it over eight times, even though they have won all three. They still have one of the best defenses in the nation, and I think they'll be able to control the game with their defense, and make EJ Manuel not have to do a lot. I still think the Hokies will be up for this game, but I don't think they're good enough to win. Florida State 35, Virginia Tech 21
Miami vs. Virginia
What do we make of Virginia? The Cavs lost six in a row, and suddenly came out and looked like one of the best teams in the ACC last week when they obliterated NC State. It's hard to put a finger on the pulse of this team right now. Could that bye week have changed this team that drastically? Mike London employed the two quarterback strategy last week, but I'm skeptical on its success long term. The defense has been really good the last few weeks. Guys like Eli Harold and Chris Brathwaite have been monsters on the defensive line lately. Their task this week is stopping a Miami offense that has been a little inconsistent. Stephen Morris has completed less than 50% passes in two of the last three weeks. Duke Johnson blew up for over 100 yards last game, but had averaged under 4.0 yards per carry in the previous four games. I still don't trust Miami's defense. I think Virginia wins again, and keeps their bowl hopes alive. Virginia 24, Miami 21
Georgia Tech vs. North Carolina
The Yellow Jackets had lost four of their previous five before beating a crippled Maryland team, but the Yellow Jackets face a team that not only is much more talented, but also had an extra week to prepare for the triple option offense. And it doesn't help either that UNC is a much better team at home than it is on the road. And I haven't forgotten about how bad Georgia Tech's defense. I know they held Maryland to 13 points last week, but that was a product of Maryland's bad offense. I don't see their defense stopping UNC's offense much. Gio Bernard should have no problem running the football. This game shouldn't be much of one. UNC 38, Georgia Tech 10
Wake Forest vs. NC State
It feels like beating Florida State has been a curse for NC State. They needed a missed field goal to beat Maryland, and lost to UNC and Virginia. They still need one more win for bowl eligibility, as does Wake Forest. Mike Glennon has had a pretty solid season, but he's been sacked 27 times. I do think he'll throw the ball well in this game. I think Tanner Price will too. We all know he's a much better quarterback with Michael Campanaro around. That combination will continue to work this week. Strangely enough, this is Wake's last conference game of the season. I still think NC State will shake off their recent performances, and find a way to win. NC State 28, Wake Forest 24
Maryland vs Clemson
The start of Maryland's season looked really good. Then every quarterback on the roster got hurt. Now they've lost three in a row. The offense looked really lethargic last week, but Shawn Petty did throw two touchdown passes. The defense will need to bring their A+ game to keep them in this. Clemson has scored 98 points the last two weeks. The Tigers are seven the nation in points per game. Tajh Boyd and the passing game are just lethal. DeAndre Hopkins is over 1000 yards for the season, and Sammy Watkins has over 500 yards in just six games. I don't think this will be much of a game. Clemson is just too good. Clemson 41, Maryland 10
Notre Dame vs. Boston College
This is a game Eagles fans have been looking forward to all season. There's not much for the Eagles to play for, other than to ruin Notre Dame's perfect season, which they have done twice before. This year's Notre Dame team has gotten lucky a couple of times in order to win games. But despite that, they are the better team in this matchup. They run the ball really well, and Boston College does not stop it well. Conversely, the Eagles are one of the worst rushing teams in the nation. The Fighting Irish defense will play the pass, and try to make the Eagles beat them with the running game. But the Irish defense is just too good. I don't see the Eagles pulling off the upset in this one. It might be for the better if Eagles fans want Frank Spaziani fired. Notre Dame 30, Boston College 13
