Last week: 5-2 Overall: 47-9
Pittsburgh vs. Virginia Tech
This is a bad matchup for Pitt. Tom Savage has thrown two interceptions in three of the four games this year, and he's going up against the defense that has picked off the most passes in the country. Meanwhile, Logan Thomas has played much better the past two games, completing 72% of his passes, while throwing for four touchdowns, and no interceptions. But in that same two game stretch, the Hokies are averaging just 1.6 yards per carry. This will not be a very pretty game. Look for the Virginia Tech defense to give Tom Savage fits, and the Hokies will get a solid home win. Virginia Tech 24, Pitt 10
Navy vs. Duke
These two have had a recent history of playing each other. They last met in 2010, with Duke winning 34-31 at Navy. The Blue Devils have had plenty of preparation for this game. They faced a similar offense in Georgia Tech earlier in the season (but did not fare well against it), and they also had an extra week to prepare for it. Neither team is very good defensively, so expect points to be put on the board here. Brandon Connette has accounted for 11 touchdowns in the last two weeks ( seven passing, four rushing), and he should continue this tear he has been on this week. Expect Duke to win in a shootout. Duke 38, Navy 31
Virginia vs. Maryland
This is really a big game for both teams. Virginia needs a win to stop the downward spiral they have been on the last couple of weeks, and Maryland needs some redemption from last week's 63-0 drubbing at the hands of Florida State. Going against Maryland is that Matt Robinson, the team's leading tackler, will not play, and quarterback C.J. Brown is not likely to play. Caleb Rowe is a definite step down from Brown, so the offense won't be as good. But Virginia will be without Demetrious Nicholson, the team's top cornerback, in this game as well, so the Cavs defense will have some fun in trying to stop Stefon Diggs. I think this will be a very sloppy game. I think both teams will turn it over at least twice. Call me crazy, but I think no Robinson on defense and Brown on offense will be a huge factor in this game. I'm calling a slight upset. Virginia 21, Maryland 20
Syracuse vs. NC State
The big question in this game is how NC State responds after a pretty dismal effort at Wake Forest last week. Syracuse losing as bad as they did should not be a huge surprise, because Clemson is that good. What you probably don't know is that NC State has a really good defense. It's in the top 20 in the nation against the run. They are a little vulnerable against the pass, so if Syracuse wants to win, Terrel Hunt will need to have a big day in the air. This game will be close, but I think the Wolfpack will squeak out a win thanks to a strong running game. NC State 24, Syracuse 21
Boston College vs. Clemson
With what lies ahead for Clemson next week, I would not be surprised if Boston College is in this game the whole way. I believe Admiral Ackbar had a famous quote about this. Clemson is vulnerable against the run, and that will keep the Eagles in this game. Andre Williams has thrived in this system, and he should rack up some good yardage. Unfortunately, I don't think BC's defense will be able to stop Clemson's offense for four quarters. I expect Clemson to win, but it won't be a blowout. Clemson 37, Boston College 23
Georgia Tech vs. BYU
If you like teams that run the football, look no farther. Georgia Tech is ranked seventh is rushing, and BYU is ranked 13th. This game is being played at an elevation roughly 6-7 times higher than Georgia Tech is used to, but considering the amount of players they use to run the football, it will not be a huge issue offensively, although I do worry about their ability to stop BYU defensively because of it. I think BYU will wear down Georgia Tech's defense late in the game, not just because of the elevation, but because of the speed they run their offense, and they will win. BYU 31, Georgia Tech 24
