Last Week: 7-3 Overall: 30-5
Georgia Tech vs. Virginia Tech
These two teams struggled last week, with Georgia Tech needing a late touchdown to beat Georgia Southern, while Virginia Tech lost at home to ECU. Justin Thomas has been most of the Yellow Jackets offense, leading the team in passing and rushing. Thomas's completion percentage has been below 50% the last two games, and given how good the Virginia Tech secondary is, it will likely be three in a row. Meanwhile, Virginia Tech's ground game struggled mightily against ECU, averaging 2.8 yards per carry against the Pirates. I think they get going against a subpar Georgia Tech defense. The Hokies have won four in a row in this matchup, and I think they make it five here. Virginia Tech 27, Georgia Tech 17
Iowa vs. Pittsburgh
This is just the sixth meeting for these schools. Iowa squeaked out a four point win in their last meeting in 2011. The Hawkeyes are 2-1, but have not faced the stiffest competition yet, beating Northern Iowa and Ball State, and losing to Iowa State. Pitt is 3-0, and hasn't faced the stiffest competition either. Iowa has a dual threat quarterback named Jake Rudock, who has completed 68% of his passes this season, but is averaging barely over six yards per attempt, but have a defense that is one of the best teams in the nation against the run, which is easily Pitt's strength. The Panthers are fifth in the nation in rushing, averaging over 300 yards per game. This is one of those situations where I think offense wins here. I like the Panthers at home thanks to that run game. James Connor should get over 100 yards in this game again. Pitt 31, Iowa 17
Maryland vs. Syracuse
Remember when this was an actual conference game? Those were the days. This was an actual conference game last year, with Syracuse winning 20-3, and forcing four turnovers. This year, Maryland has moved on to the Big Ten, where they are 2-1, coming off of a close loss to West Virginia. Syracuse played much better last week compared to their opening game against Villanova. The Terps still showcase their dual threat quarterback in C.J. Brown, and still have Stefon Diggs at wide receiver. The Orange did struggle against a dual threat quarterback when they played Villanova, and they could struggle some here. This should be a close game throughout, but I think Terrel Hunt, along with the home field advantage will give the Orange the win. Syracuse 27, Maryland 24
Tulane vs. Duke
For the second time in three weeks, Tulane faces an ACC team. This time, they travel to Durham to face Duke. In their previous game against an ACC opponent, the Green Wave lost to Georgia Tech. This is the fourth meeting between these schools. Tulane holds a 2-1 lead in the series, but Duke won the last meeting in 2011, and they should win again, because Tulane's defense is pretty bad, and this should be a big game for Anthony Boone and Jamison Crowder. Duke 37, Tulane 13
Maine vs. Boston College
What do the Eagles do for an encore after upsetting USC at home last week? That will be the big question here. This is definitely a big step down in competition for the Eagles. The Black Bears are 1-1, and have scored a total of 20 points this season. I think there could be a small let down here, but nothing for the Eagles and their fans to worry about. Boston College 34, Maine 3
Virginia vs. BYU
Remember last year when Virginia beat BYU, and it turned out to be the only win for UVA against a FBS team last year? That was one of the more interesting outcomes of last season. This year is a different story. The Cavs are improved this year, but so is BYU. The Cougars are undefeated, having defeated UConn, Texas, and Houston. Taysom Hill has been a much better quarterback for the Cougars this year. He has completed 68% of his passes, and hasn't rushed for less than 97 yards in a game. This is Virginia's first road game of the season, and despite that, I think they will be competitive, thanks to the run game. I still fear the two quarterback system is going to cost UVA at some point, and it may here. I am not of fan of it. In the end, Hill will carry the Cougars to a close win. BYU 21, Virginia 20
Louisville vs. Florida International
If there is a team in need of a bounce back win, it is Louisville. The Cardinals turned the ball over four times in their loss to Virginia last week, and the offense could not get anything going. They should this week. FIU had a 16-0 lead after one quarter against Pitt, then proceed to allow 42 points in the next three quarters. This should be a game for Will Gardner and Dominique Brown to get healthy in the stat department. This should be an easy Louisville win. Louisville 41, FIU 10
Army vs. Wake Forest
This game is undoubtedly my "Game of the Weak." Army is 1-1, coming off of a 35-0 shutout loss to Stanford in which they passed for a grand total of nine yards. But passing is not their bread an butter. They run the triple option, just like Georgia Tech does. On the other hand, Wake is the worst rushing team in the nation, averaging just 25 yards rushing per game. They need to establish the run in this game, and not make John Wolford throw 50 passes in a game, like he did last week in their loss to Utah State. Keep an eye on Army quarterback Angel Santiago. He is a perfect 8-8 throwing the ball this year, and runs the Army offense well. He's not a big runner, but he does have a good running back in Larry Dixon to hand the ball too. I think the Wake defense will struggle to stop the Army offense, and the Black Knights win on the road. Army 23, Wake Forest 16
North Carolina vs. East Carolina
You want points? You'll get them here. Neither team is that great defensively, but the offense are very potent, led by their quarterbacks. Marquise Williams and Shane Carden should be able to do pretty much whatever they want against the opposing defenses. We saw what Carden did to a very stout Virginia Tech defense (in the first quarter especially) last week. UNC's pass defense is ranked 95th, so Carden shouldn't have an issue getting the ball down the field. Meanwhile, Williams can use both his arm and his legs to get the yardage needed against a mediocre ECU defense. In the end, I think Carden will be too much for UNC. ECU 41, UNC 35
Presbyterian vs. NC State
In one of the more surprising outcomes of the week, NC State scored 49 points (in three quarters) against South Florida in front of a handful of fans. The offense was about as well executed as it could be last week, and don't be surprised if something similar happens again this week. The Blue Hose played one game against a FBS school, getting blown out 55-3 to Northern Illinois. This should be an easy win for the Wolfpack. NC State 52, Presbyterian 7
Miami vs. Nebraska
In the 1990's, this would have been an epic matchup. Today, these two teams are a couple of notches below their former selves. These two are meeting for the 11th time, with each team winning five. Miami won the last meeting in 2002. This year, the Cornhuskers are 3-0, but have not faced stiff competition, despite needing a last second miraculous touchdown to beat Mcneese State, while Miami is 2-1 after winning last week against Arkansas State. If Miami is going to win, they are going to need to contain Ameer Abdullah, Nebraska's elite running back, while getting Brad Kaaya in some sort of rhythm. I don't think Miami's defense is good enough to stop Abdullah. I think he'll run for 125 yards in this game, and the Cornhuskers win at home. Nebraska 34, Miami 21
Clemson vs. Florida State
Well this game just got more interesting, didn't it? The news that Jameis Winston will be suspended for the first half makes this game a lot more compelling. Now can Clemson take advantage of it? Both teams had a bye last week, so neither team has an advantage in that department. With Winston out for the first half, there will be a lot of pressure on Sean Maguire, but I think we will see a lot of Karlos Williams, Mario Pender, and Dalvin Cook in the first half. The offense will open up more once Winston enters the game. Clemson will need to try to establish the run game some, but expect Cole Stoudt to air it out early and often. He can't make any mistakes if the Tigers want to have a chance. I think this game will be close at halftime, but FSU will pull away once Winston gets in. FSU 38, Clemson 28
