Last Week: 7-1 Overall: 29-2
Clemson vs. NC State
The ACC gets the national spotlight on Thursday night, with the third ranked Tigers going on the road to Raleigh, a place the Tigers have had some success in the past there. They did lose the last meeting in Raleigh, but had won the previous three before. Both teams had a bye week last week, so both teams are fully rested. And while a lot of people think this would be a perfect spot for Clemson to pull their "Clemsoning," I'll remind you that this has not happened in a couple of years. If NC State is going to pull off this upset, they need better quarterback play from Pete Thomas. He has completed 67% of his passes, but has thrown three interceptions, and no touchdowns. I think this could be a bit of a shootout, but I think Clemson will win because of their passing game, and some miscues on NC State's part. Clemson 41, NC State 27
UNC vs. Georgia Tech
If you want to classify one game as the "Game Of The Week," this would be the one. And there's multiple reasons why. For one, it's a Coastal division collision. Second, the theory of bettering your chances of beating Georgia Tech with an extra week to prepare will be put to the test. And third, we get to see if UNC's defense is better. I would say they've played six solid quarters of football this year, from the second quarter of the South Carolina game, to the third quarter of the Middle Tennessee game. But the Heels have struggled against this offense since Paul Johnson took over the Yellow Jackets. In the five matchups against Paul Johnson, Georgia Tech has averaged 341 yards rushing. I still don't trust UNC's defense enough to stop them. I expect Vad Lee and the Georgia Tech offense to rush for over 300 yards, and win comfortably. Georgia Tech 37, UNC 20
Marshall vs. Virginia Tech
After a tough test from East Carolina, the Hokies go back home and take on the Thundering Herd, who are 2-1 after losing to Ohio last week. Marshall is averaging 527 yards per game on offense, and allowing just 252 yards on defense, but don't let those stats fool you because the competition has not been stiff at all. They haven't faced a defense nearly on the level of Virginia Tech, who is second in the nation in yards per game allowed. It is imperative that the Hokies establish the run in this game. The defense will do it's job, but the offensive line needs to get Trey Edmunds and crew some running room. I think it will happen, and the Hokies will win. Virginia Tech 24, Marshall 13
Wake Forest vs. Army
If you want two polar opposites on offense, look no farther. Army has the seventh best rushing attack in the nation, and is last in passing. Wake is 116th in rushing, and 58th in passing. Army has thrown a total of 38 passes this season, or nine fewer than what Tanner Price threw last week against Louisiana-Monroe. These two met last year, with Wake Forest winning 49-37, despite Army rushing for 429 yards. Wake ran for 296 yards in that game, but I don't see how they will be able to repeat that again this year. The Deacs rushed for 102 yards in the opener against Presbyterian, but has only rushed for 70 in the other two games. They might get to 100 yards, but I don't think Tanner Price's passing ability will be enough. Army 30, Wake Forest 21
Pittsburgh vs. Duke
These two teams are meeting for the first time since 1976, and this will be a yearly occurrence now. Pitt picked up their first win as a member of the ACC last week, and are looking for their first win in the conference. In order to do it, they need to cut down on their turnovers. The Panthers have committed six in the first two games. Duke was beaten by Georgia Tech, allowing 344 yards rushing in the process. I think James Conner and Isaac Bennett could combine for at least 150 yards in this game, but I question if Tom Savage can keep from throwing it to Duke. The Blue Devils actually ran the ball pretty well last week, and I think between Jela Duncan and Brandon Connette's dual threat ability, they can carry Duke to victory. Duke 27, Pitt 24
Tulane vs. Syracuse
Change is in the air. Terrel Hunt will get the start for the Orange this week after throwing for 265 yards and three touchdowns in limited action last week against Wagner. He is also a capable runner, which gives the Orange and extra weapon on offense, to go along with running back Jerome Smith, who has scored five touchdowns on the season. Tulane is 2-1, but hasn't faced any competition on the level of Syracuse. They are more of a throwing team than a running team. Quarterback Nick Montana (Joe's son) has thrown seven touchdowns in three games. He could get something done against Syracuse's defense, but I don't think they will be able to stop Syracuse's offense. Expect the Orange to win. Syracuse 31, Tulane 16
VMI vs. Virginia
If you're a Virginia fan, you're glad to see this game. After two tough games against BYU and Oregon, the Cavs get a much lesser opponent to play. The Keydets are 1-2, being shut out by Richmond, barely beating Glenville State, a Division II school, and losing to North Greenville, another Division II school. There's not much to talk about here. Virginia should have little trouble handling the Keydets. This one should be over early. Virginia 41, VMI 3
West Virginia vs. Maryland
Is Maryland for real? We might find out for sure this week. The Terps have been pretty impressive in the first three games, in particular quarterback C.J. Brown. He has combined for 11 touchdowns in three games (six passing, five rushing), and three of those six TD passes have gone to the ever so dangerous Stefon Diggs. West Virginia has been raking up yards, but has had trouble scoring. The Mountaineers are averaging 467 yards per game, but only 24 points per game, which ranks 86th. This will be a close game throughout. C.J. Brown will be able to carry the offense enough, and squeak out a win. Maryland 28. West Virginia 24
Bethune-Cookman vs. Florida State
It's a battle of two undefeated teams! Ok, enough with trying to build suspense for this game. While Bethune-Cookman does have a win against a FBS school, they will be no match for Florida State. The only question in this game is how many incompletions Jameis Winston will throw. Through two games, he is sitting at five. Feel free to watch the first half of this game, and go on with your evening. Florida State 66, Bethune-Cookman 10
Savannah State vs. Miami
Like the previous game, there's not much to see here. Savannah State has lost two games by scores of 77-9 and 66-3. The only question here is how soon Duke Johnson will get to 100 yards rushing. Two carries? Three carries? Maybe four if they're lucky? Expect Miami to roll, and see backups play most of the second half. Miami 69, Savannah State 7
