Last week: 5-1 Overall: 57-24
North Carolina vs. Virginia
We have two enigmatic teams battling on Thursday night in Charlottesville. UNC won four in a row, then forgot how to play defense, giving up 136 points in their last three games. Virginia lost six in a row, then proceeded to be a high powered offense, scoring 74 points in the last two games. Virginia needs to win their final two games to be bowl eligible. UNC is basically playing out the season, since they are not eligible for a bowl. I think that could be a big factor. Although I think Gio Bernard could go for 150 on the ground in the game, I don't think UNC is going to give everything. And with it being senior night for Virginia, and with their bowl hopes still alive, they're going to find a way to squeak out another win. Virginia 30, UNC 28
Florida State vs. Maryland
I could see this being a bit of a look ahead game for Florida State. They have in state rival Florida on deck, and their focus may not be 100% on this game. And I can understand why. Maryland has lost four in a row, and with the rash of injuries they've had on offense, are terrible on offense. Shawn Petty has been okay passing. He's completing 50% of his passes, with three touchdowns and one interception. But he's also only thrown for 156 yards in the two games he has played. Because I think this could be a look ahead game, FSU won't blow them out right away, but they should win comfortably. Florida State 30, Maryland 7
Virginia Tech vs. Boston College
Who would have expected that going in to the 11th game of the season, Virginia Tech would have to win their final two games to make a bowl? This has clearly been one of the most disappointing season in the Frank Beamer era, but it can still be salvaged. They'll have to win here first. They need to be more consistent offensively. The Hokies have only scored 51 points in their last three games. The Eagles have actually been worse the last three games. They've only scored 40 points in the last three games. Don't expect a lot of points in this game, but expect the Hokies to win, but not in a blowout. Virginia Tech 24, Boston College 13
South Florida vs. Miami
Miami has seen this type of opponent recently. They're facing a team that recently had a six game losing streak, and needed to win out to go to a bowl. It didn't end so well for them last week. This week's opponent doesn't do one thing that great on offense or defense. They probably run the ball best, but they only rank 52nd nationally in that category. I know Miami's defense isn't that great, but they'll probably do a decent job containing the Bulls on offense. I actually think this game will be all about Duke Johnson. I think he's going to have a big game in his home finale. I think he'll carry Miami to a victory. Miami 27, South Florida 17
Duke vs. Georgia Tech
If you like defense, then this game is not for you. Duke has given up at least 30 points in four straight games, and Georgia Tech gave up 50 last week in a winning effort. Both teams are pretty much going to be able to do what they want on offense. There won't be many stops defensively, unless there's a turnover. Duke is currently the only team in the ACC Coastal that has bowl eligibility. I find that hard to believe, but it is the truth. If the Yellow Jackets win, they'll have a lead in the ACC Coastal. And I think they'll get that win behind that running game. Georgia Tech 51, Duke 37
Wake Forest vs. Notre Dame
This is two straight ACC games for Notre Dame, and with a potentially huge matchup with USC looming, they may not be all there for this game. They've only allowed above 20 points once this season, and I don't think the Deacs have the kind of offense that will get there. It would not surprise me if Michael Campanaro has a game similar to last week where he catches a bunch of passes, and only averages a few yards with it. I don't think the Deacs have the defense to compensate for what will not be a great offensive output in this game. Expect Notre Dame to pull away in the second half. Notre Dame 23, Wake Forest 10
NC State vs. Clemson
There will be offense in this game. Not in the way I think the Duke-Georgia Tech game will go, but there will be points scored, which isn't that big of a deal for Clemson, since they're always scoring points. NC State scored 37 last week against Wake Forest, but only scored six the previous week against Virginia. That's really been their mantra all season. They'll score 30 in one game, then turn around and score 10 the next game. If Mike Glennon can be more like last week's game than the Virginia game, then they'll be remotely in it. But I don't think they have the firepower to keep up with Tajh Boyd and the Clemson passing game. The Tigers should win fairly comfortably. Clemson 45, NC State 27
