North Carolina vs. South Carolina
As if you haven't heard enough about Jadeveon Clowney, you'll get to hear ESPN drool all over him in their season debut. Perhaps I should change this preview to North Carolina vs. Jadeveon Clowney. Anyways, when these teams last met in 2007, Jadeveon Clowney wasn't on South Carolina's roster. Want me to mention something else besides Jadeveon Clowney? Sure, no problem. I would expect a lot of passing in this game, as the passing game is the strength of the South Carolina offense, and conversely, Bryn Renner throwing some quick, short passes could keep Clowney at bay somewhat, and the South Carolina linebacking corps is the weakness of the South Carolina defense. I still think Clowney will be a bit of a factor in this game, and I don't think the UNC defense will be able to make enough stops defensively. South Carolina 31, North Carolina 24
Presbyterian vs. Wake Forest
Poor Presbyterian. This is the sixth time they will have played a FBS opponent, and in the previous five, are 0-5, being outscored 291-49 in the process, and giving up on average 564 yards per game. I don't think Wake Forest will get to that number, but I think they can get over 500 yards in this game. Tanner Price will be out of the game some time in the third quarter, and you'll get to know the backups pretty quickly in this game. Wake Forest 51, Presbyterian 9
Florida Atlantic vs. Miami
These two in state rivals are meeting for the first time. Florida Atlantic was 3-9 last year, and are replacing their quarterback and their top two leading tacklers. They were a terrible run team, averaging 3.3 yards per carry last year. The quarterback situation is so up in the air for the Owls that four quarterbacks could see time against Miami, which basically says they have no quarterback. This game will be over early. Duke Johnson will likely reach 100 yards rushing in the first half, and Stephen Morris won't play much in the second half. This game will be a laugher. Miami 48, Florida Atlantic 10
Elon vs. Georgia Tech
Like a lot of games played in the opening week of the season, this one won't be worth much of a watch in the second half, unless you like torture. Elon is 0-5 against FBS competition, and is coming off of a 3-8 season in which they were winless on the road. They also were shut out 62-0 by North Carolina last year as well. In their lone game against FCS competition last year, the Yellow Jackets put up 712 yards of offense, and it would not surprise me if they did something similar. Expect Georgia Tech to run away with this game early, and the backups will be in for the second half. Georgia Tech 59, Elon 3
Villanova vs. Boston College
If there is a game where a FCS team has a chance of beating an ACC team, this would be that game. Villanova is coming off an 8-4 season in which they made the FCS playoffs, and they're good enough to go back there again this year. The Wildcats run an up tempo offense, and will try to run a lot of plays and put a lot of points up on the board. Boston College will probably slow it down with the running game, which is how Steve Addazio was able to beat Villanova when he was coaching Temple last season. I think Andre Williams will have a nice day on the ground, and help BC to victory. Boston College 31, Villanova 14
Florida International vs. Maryland
These two teams are meeting for the fourth time, and Maryland has won the previous three. FIU was 3-9 last year, and returns with a new coach and just eight returning starters. For once, Maryland is healthy, and they're back to the original starting quarterback they wanted to use going in to 2012, which is part of the reason they went 4-8. The Terps bring back the majority of their offense from last year (most importantly Stefon Diggs). This game shouldn't be close. Maryland's offense should roll through the FIU defense, and score early and often. Maryland 31, FIU 10
Louisiana Tech vs. NC State
This would have been a great matchup last year. It certainly doesn't have the luster this year. Louisiana Tech only has seven starters back, and has a new coach. NC State is without Mike Glennon for the first time in what felt like a decade. The current quarterback situation is still up in the air, and it won't help that Shadrach Thornton will be sitting out this game because of an arrest during the summer. Tony Creecy should handle the bulk of the load for the Wolfpack. This game could be a little ugly early, but I do think NC State will win, but it won't be a huge blowout. NC State 28, Louisiana Tech 10
BYU vs. Virginia
There are questions marks all over the board with this game. BYU has a lot of questions on defense, especially in the secondary, and Virginia has questions marks on offense, with a new quarterback, and a new offensive coordinator. And let's not forget there is a new defensive coordinator as well. The Cougars bring back eight starters on offensive, but is relying on a quarterback who only threw 71 passes last year. Virginia is bringing back most of its offense as well. I think this game could be a little sloppy early, but I think Virginia gets going in the second half, and will hold off BYU. Virginia 24, BYU 20
Syracuse vs. Penn State
This game is full of questions marks on both sides. Syracuse enters a new conference with a new coaching staff, and a new quarterback. Penn State is coming off of a very surprising season, but will likely be a different team this year because of a new quarterback. This game is being played in East Rutherford, NJ, and is actually closer for Penn State than it is to Syracuse by about 10 miles. I think both teams will rely on the run game heavily, but I still think Penn State's experience will be enough to hold of Syracuse in a closely contested game. Penn State 24, Syracuse 17
NC Central vs. Duke
In last year's game, Duke destroyed the Eagles 54-17, capitalizing off of three turnovers. Don't expect anything different this year. Duke is still going to be strong on offense, and what issues they may have on defense will not be an issue here. NC Central is not close to being on the same level of talent as Duke. In the four games NC Central have played against FBS teams, the Eagles have not allowed fewer than 48 points in a game. Expect this one to be over early. Duke 51, NC Central 14
Alabama vs. Virginia Tech
This is the perfect opportunity for the ACC to get some good publicity on the national stage. The Hokies get the defending national champions at a neutral site, and a win would be huge here. But don't expect that to happen. Virginia Tech has too many questions, due to various forms of attrition, and they do not have the depth to go with the Crimson Tide on either side of the ball. I think Alabama running back T.J. Yeldon will have a field day running the ball, and Virginia Tech will have trouble getting anything done against Alabama's defense. The Tide will roll. Alabama 37, Virginia Tech 13
Georgia vs. Clemson
If you like offense, this is your game. Two of the top quarterbacks in the country are being showcased here, with Aaron Murray representing Georgia, and Tajh Boyd for Clemson. Georgia has some major questions in their secondary, so Tajh Boyd should have no problem throwing for over 300 yards, and with Clemson's secondary questions, I think Murray will do the same. I think what will separate the two is the running game. I think Clemson will run the ball better in this game. One thing is for sure: if you're in Vegas, and betting on this game, bet the over. Clemson 45, Georgia 41
Florida State vs. Pittsburgh
Labor Day night brings us Pitt's ACC debut, and it will be quite a welcoming. The Panthers get to face the ever so hyped Jameis Winston. The Seminoles have not won at Pitt since 1972, but haven't played there since 1983. I think the Pitt crowd will help keep Pitt in the game, but ultimately, I don't think the Pitt defense will be able to stop the Florida State offense when they need to. Even though FSU is a the far more talented team, this will be a close game. FSU 27, Pitt 20
