Last Week: 6-3 Overall 44-12
Louisville vs. Syracuse
The week kicks off on Friday night, as these two former Big East rivals collide. Louisville has one of the best defenses in the nation, ranking among the top 10 in several different categories. But they rank near the bottom of the ACC in rushing yards, yards per play, and total yards. Syracuse's offense is very average, and their rushing defense is stout, but they can be passed on. The injuries on Louisville's offense have been taking their toll, and they are going to start Reggie Bonnafon again this week, as Will Gardner may not be healthy enough to go. I think Syracuse wins a close, low scoring game because the Orange defense will do just enough to keep them in the game, and I think Hunt will make more plays. Syracuse 20, Louisville 17
Virginia Tech vs. North Carolina
Here we have a team in need of some ship righting on offense (Virginia Tech) going against a team that has allowed 120 points in their last two games (UNC). The Hokies sort of righted the ship last week against Western Michigan, but Michael Brewer is still throwing the football to the wrong team too much. Meanwhile, the UNC offense, led by Marquise Williams is actually scoring points, except they can't keep up with the points the defense is allowing. I could see this game being a shootout, but I'll take the Hokies because I trust them more than UNC's defense to make a stop. Virginia Tech 38, UNC 31
NC State vs. Clemson
We're finding out that NC State is no pushover. The 4-0 start wasn't necessarily a fluke, and the first quarter against FSU wasn't either. But the other three quarters were just FSU being the dominant team we thought they would be. But the Wolfpack defense will have their hands full this week. Deshaun Watson torched the UNC defense for six touchdown passes last week, and has proven that he is Clemson's future. Jacoby Brissett should have a decent game, but Watson and the Clemson offense will ultimately prevail. Clemson 34, NC State 24
Wake Forest vs. Florida State
Let's see...how do I get you excited for this game? I won't try. It's one of the worst teams in FBS football against one of the best. The only questions for this game are if Wake can rush for positive yards (they haven't in three of five games), and how long will the FSU starters play. This should be a laugher. FSU 56, Wake Forest 0
Pittsburgh vs. Virginia
This game has become a sneaky good matchup. The Panthers were thought to be a contender for the ACC Coastal, but the bandwagon has somewhat emptied after losing at home to Akron last week. Meanwhile, the Cavs have already surpassed last year's win total, and also boast one of the best defense in the ACC. The Panthers need to get James Conner going in this game if they want to win, and they are also going to need to protect the quarterback. UVA has a very ferocious pass defense. Virginia's offense is still a work in progress, and I think behind its three headed rushing attack, will carry UVA to a win. Virginia 24, Pitt 17
Miami vs. Georgia Tech
Of all of the games this week, I am most intrigued by this one. Did Miami's win over Duke last week prove they are to be taken far more seriously? At the same time, how legit is Georgia Tech at 4-0? They beat Virginia Tech in Blacksburg two weeks ago, and have the extra week to prepare for Duke Johnson and the Miami offense. The Hurricanes have won the last five in this matchup, only scoring below 30 points once in that stretch. Justin Thomas, on the other hand, has been the key to the Yellow Jackets offense. He ran the ball really well against Virginia Tech, and when it came down to crunch time, threw the ball really well against the Hokies secondary. This will be a shootout, and I will take the home team Yellow Jackets behind Thomas and the triple option. Georgia Tech 35, Miami 30
