Last Week: 4-2 Overall: 53-15
Virginia Tech at Pittsburgh
The week begins Thursday night, as these two meet in a Coastal Division clash. Pitt has lost three in a row after starting the season 3-0, and desperately need a win. Virginia Tech has won two in a row, but at the same time, have been dealing with multiple injuries at running back. The key to this game is to have success running, because neither passing game is very trustworthy at this point. Pitt's Chad Voytik as thrown at least one interception in every game since game two, and Virginia Tech's Michael Brewer has thrown one in every game this season. I'm leaning towards the Panthers behind James Conner, but it will definitely be close throughout. Pitt 27, Virginia Tech 24
Syracuse at Wake Forest
Unless you're a fan of one of these schools, you're going to have a hard time watching this game. These are arguably the two worst teams in the ACC. Offense will be hard to come by in this game. Syracuse will likely rely on the running game, led by Prince-Tyson Gulley, to get yardage. Wake will be using the passing game led by John Wolford for the most part. He's struggled in the past two games, but he's also played the two toughest defenses in the ACC. I actually think Wake Forest will get something going (by their standards) in this game, and thanks to Wolford, will pull off a minor upset. Wake Forest 19, Syracuse 17
Virginia vs. Duke
Who would have thought we would be halfway through the season, and Virginia would be two wins from bowl eligibility? Few would have expected this. The Cavs have been very ferocious defensively. They are currently tied for second in the nation in turnovers forced. Despite that, they can be passed on. The Cavs are 72nd against the pass, and Duke will exploit it by using Anthony Boone and Jamison Crowder a lot. Meanwhile, Duke can be beat with the run, so the Virginia trio of Kevin Parks, Khalek Shepherd, and Taquan Mizzell should be able to run. The big issue I have is that this is just the second road game of the season for Virginia. They allowed 43 to BYU in their last game, and I think it can be an issue for the Cavs. This will be close, but I have a slight lean to Duke. Duke 30, Virginia 28
Clemson vs. Boston College
If Deshaun Watson was playing in this game, this would be an easy call. You could argue that Watson is the second best quarterback in the ACC at this point. The Tigers beat Louisville last week, but did not score an offensive touchdown. They won with a punt return and a fumble recovery return. BC's defense is actually sneaky good. They are fourth in the ACC in total defense. Clemson is just as good though, but I have legitimate concerns about Cole Stoudt's effectiveness at quarterback. I think BC runs its way to the upset win. Boston College 24, Clemson 20
NC State vs. Louisville
This is the one game this week that looks like a blowout, especially after the news came out that seven NC State players would be suspended for this game. It doesn't help that they are facing the best defense in the ACC in the Cardinals, who allow about 60 yards per game on the ground, which is NC State's bread and butter. Louisville's running game, on the other hand, will be able to get things done, and Will Gardner won't have to throw a lot. Louisville wins handily. Louisville 34, NC State 13
Georgia Tech vs. North Carolina
Do you like shootouts? Well, you've found the right game for that. These two rank near the bottom of the ACC in nearly every statistical category. But at the same time, both offenses are very good, so the combination just screams points. It will be interesting to see how UNC comes out this week after hanging with, and nearly beating, Notre Dame. On the other hand, how does Georgia Tech respond after suffering their first loss of the season? This one could go either way, but I have zero trust in UNC's defense to make a stop when it needs to. I'll pick Georgia Tech in a close game. Georgia Tech 38, UNC 34
Notre Dame vs. Florida State
This game might actually be the game of the season for the ACC. Both Notre Dame and Florida State are undefeated and ranked in the top five, and it's very fitting that this game gets primetime billing. Notre Dame is coming off of a tough win against North Carolina in which they allowed 43 points. Could UNC have found something in Notre Dame's defense that other offenses can exploit? The Seminoles definitely have the quarterback to exploit those weaknesses in Jameis Winston. Meanwhile, Notre Dame's Everett Golston has been having a very good season for the Irish, completing 62.5% of his passes, and throwing just four interceptions. He can also run when needed, and he showed it last week, running for a season high 71 yards. There's just something about a night game in Tallahassee that makes it difficult to pick against the Seminoles. Jameis Winston will shake off all of the surrounding rumors and news to have a monster game to lead FSU to the win. Florida State 31, Notre Dame 24
