Let's take a look at the first week of ACC Football games.
Wake Forest vs. Louisiana-Monroe
The first game involving an ACC team features a rematch from last season, in which Louisiana-Monroe pulled off an upset in Winston-Salem by controlling the clock (ULM had the ball for nearly 39 minutes, and ran over 100 plays). Both teams will have a bit of a different look this year, and Wake Forest has a new coach, and a new philosophy, as Wake will go with a freshman quarterback in John Wolford. Former NC State quarterback Pete Thomas will be under center for the Warhawks, who return 15 starters from a six win team. I think Wake will have a hard time getting going in this game, and ULM will control the clock again, and score a mini upset. ULM 27, Wake Forest 17
Villanova vs. Syracuse
Syracuse's season opens on a Friday night, against a foe that is always a tough matchup for them in basketball. These two have not faced off in football since 1975, however. The Wildcats won six games last year in the FCS, and lost their only FBS game to Boston College. I think we will see Terrel Hunt really start off the season really well in both the passing and running department, and the Orange should handle the Wildcats. Syracuse 34, Villanova 10
Delaware vs. Pittsburgh
The Blue Hens and Panthers are meeting for the first time. Delaware won seven games last year, but their only game against a FBS opponent was a 51-7 drubbing at the hands of Navy. Pitt won seven games last year, and figures to be in the hunt for the ACC Coastal. I think the running game will be the factor for the Panthers, and it will take a lot of pressure off of Chad Voytik in this game. The Panthers should roll in this one. Pittsburgh 38, Delaware 13
UCLA vs. Virginia
It doesn't get much tougher for the Cavs, as they welcome one of the favorite to win the Pac-12. The Bruins return almost everyone from a team that won 10 games last season, led by quarterback Brett Hundley, who tallied 35 total touchdowns between rushing and passing, and is a candidate to win the Heisman this year. The Cavs will also have to contend with all everything Myles Jack Virginia is coming off of a two win season, and is a three touchdown underdog in this one. The one thing in Virginia's favor is that the game starts at noon eastern, which is 9:00 AM west coast time, which could go slightly in Virginia's direction. The Bruins will win, but it won't be as bad as many expect. UCLA 38, Virginia 21
Wofford vs. Georgia Tech
These two teams have met before, but it was 113 years ago. Georgia Tech won that one 33-0, and given the way Georgia Tech plays in the openers against FCS opponents, they will likely destroy the Terriers, who won five games last year, and lost 69-3 in their only outing against a FBS opponent. Justin Thomas should have a nice day running and throwing, at least for the time he's in, as I don't think he will be in the whole game. Georgia Tech 56, Wofford 3
Georgia Southern vs. NC State
Welcome to the FBS Georgia Southern. Well, they welcomed themselves last year by winning their last game in the FCS against Florida in Gainesville. This time around, it's a NC State team that is loaded with young talent that does lack some experience. NC State is revamping things in year two under Dave Doeren, as Jacoby Brissett takes over at quarterback for the Wolfpack. He does have some dual threat ability to him. Georgia Southern does return 15 starters from last years team that won seven games, including the Florida win. This game will be closer than expected, but I think NC State will hold off the Eagles behind the arm and legs of Brissett. NC State 28, Georgia Southern 20
Boston College vs. Massachusetts
The Eagles kick off their season in state, facing a Minutemen squad that has won just two games in the past two seasons. The Eagles will have a new quarterback and running back combo in Tyler Murphy and Myles Willis. The Minutemen do return every starter from last season in the skill position area, but then again, considering they won just one game last year, that isn't necessarily a good thing. The Eagles should win this one handily behind the running game. Boston College 34, UMass 13
William & Mary vs. Virginia Tech
This is the first time the Tribe and the Hokies will meet since 2007. The Hokies are coming off of an eight win season, while the Tribe won seven last year, including a close loss to West Virginia in their only game against a FBS opponent. The Hokies will get the job done with their stable of running backs, and shouldn't have an issue in this game. Virginia Tech 34, William & Mary 7
Clemson vs. Georgia
One of the biggest non conference games of week one features a rematch from opening week of last season, which saw Clemson win 38-35 at home. This year, they face off in Athens. Both teams will have new starting quarterbacks this season. Cole Stoudt will be under center for the Tigers, and the Bulldogs will rely on Hutson Mason to carry the offense. This will be Clemson's defense against Georgia's rushing attack,. led by Todd Gurley. This should be close throughout, but I give the edge to Georgia because of the home field advantage. Georgia 31, Clemson 28
Elon vs. Duke
The ACC Coastal Division champions get their first game of the season against a pretty bad FCS team. The Phoenix went 2-10 last season, and in their last two games against ACC teams, they've been outscored 132-0. The only interesting thing about this game is whether or not Elon will score. Duke shouldn't have much of an issue in this game, and behind Anthony Boone and Jamison Crowder, they'll torch Elon's secondary on the way to an easy win. Duke 48, Elon 3
Liberty vs. North Carolina
A lot of news has come out of Chapel Hill lately. The big news is that four players will be suspended for this game for hazing. But this will not be an issue in this game. The other news is who will start at quarterback for UNC, as Larry Fedora is trying to make us believe there is a competition, as well all know Marquise Williams will start. This game should be a blowout. Williams and his dual threat ability will prove to be too much for the Flames. North Carolina 41, Liberty 7
Florida State vs. Oklahoma State
The defending national champions open up with a big neutral site game against a Cowboys team that is going to be much different this year, returning just eight starters total from a 10 win team. The Seminoles return 13 starters, including Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston. Given the lack of experience the Cowboys have back, they will struggle to keep up with a more oiled machine. Winston and the offense should be able to get it done. Florida State 41, Oklahoma State 17
Miami vs. Louisville
Labor Day night features the ACC debut for the Louisville Cardinals. They get to host a Miami team that has a lot of talent at the skill positions, but they are playing a true freshman quarterback in this game. Brad Kaaya will be thrown in to the fire right away. He will have to deal with what will be a pretty raucous crowd in Louisville. Will Gardner will take over for Louisville, replacing Teddy Bridgewater. These two teams faced each other in the Russell Athletic Bowl last season, and Louisville won handily. This will also be Bobby Petrino's first game back coaching Louisville after leaving there in 2006. Louisville will win, but it won't be as handily. I think they will pressure Kaaya a lot, and he will turn the ball over, while the Louisville offense will be controlled by the running game. Louisville 27. Miami 17
