Last Week: 3-2 Overall:72-24
North Carolina vs. Duke
Going in to this season, a lot of people thought this game would be of great significance. While it still is to an extent, it's not what we thought it would be, mostly because of UNC's slow start to the season, thanks to their defense. While they still aren't playing much defense, the offense has hit another gear, scoring at least 40 points in three of their last five games. Duke, on the other hand, has struggled over the past few weeks, and it finally caught up to them last week, losing at home to Virginia Tech. It feels like the Blue Devils are regressing, especially on offense, but I think even UNC's defense could force a turnover or two. Behind Marquise Williams and his ability to do anything, I'm calling for a UNC upset, which will lead them to bowl eligibility. UNC 35, Duke 27
Virginia Tech vs. Wake Forest
No team needed a win more than Virginia Tech did last week. Now they just need to win one of their final two games to become bowl eligible. And they should get that here. The Hokies have been better running the ball recently, and they will be able to control the clock with it. They won't need to do much because of Wake's offense, but they'll get that sixth win to go bowl eligible. Virginia Tech 24, Wake Forest 13
Syracuse vs. Pittsburgh
Former Big East foes meet again. Pitt needs to win out to be bowl eligible. They've been inconsistent losers this year. Early on, they couldn't score points. Recently, they haven't made any stops on defense. When they lost to Iowa, Akron, and Virginia, they averaged 16 points per game. In their last three losses to Georgia Tech, Duke, and UNC, they've allowed an average of 49 points per game. Syracuse isn't going to score 40 points, and given how bad their offense is, they may not score 20. Pitt will rely on James Conner a lot, and he will carry them to win number five. Pitt 31, Syracuse 19
Louisville vs. Notre Dame
While this will still be a good game, Notre Dame's loss last week to Northwestern cheapened this game a little. Everett Golson has suddenly become a turnover machine, and that could be a big problem if that continues to be the case this week. Thanks to Gerod Hollimon, Louisville leads the nation in interceptions, which is one of the reasons why Louisville has one of the best defenses in the nation. Notre Dame's defense has struggled of late, giving up on average 42 points per game over the last five games. Louisville's offense isn't good enough to put up those kind of numbers, but their rushing attack can keep them in the game. To me, this game really hinges on what I said in the beginning. Whichever Everett Golson shows up will determine the winner. If he's good Everett Golson, then Notre Dame wins. If he's the Golson of the last few weeks, then Louisville wins. I'm predicting the latter, and Louisville wins in an upset. Louisville 24, Notre Dame 21
Boston College vs. Florida State
A lot of eyes are on the Eagles this week. For one, they were the one team that gave FSU trouble last season in ACC play. Also, they were on a bye last week, so they had an extra week to prepare for FSU, who has had a lot of tough games of late, and one could argue after the emotional comeback win over Miami last week that FSU could let their guard down a little. Even if FSU does, I still don't think BC is a talented enough team to pull off the upset. It wouldn't surprise me if this game goes the route of recent FSU games, where they start slow, and then dominate the second half. FSU will win, but it won't be easy. FSU 34, Boston College 24
Georgia State vs. Clemson
It appears that Clemson is stealing a page from the SEC playbook and scheduling a cupcake the week before the last game of the regular season. We know for sure Clemson won't have Deshaun Watson in this game, but the hope is that he will be back for the season finale. But for this week, Cole Stoudt will be back under center, and if he struggles this week, may never see the field in a Clemson uniform again. Georgia State is 1-9, having beat a FCS team to start the season, and has lost the next nine games after that. They are also ranked 120th in the nation in defense, giving up 500 yards per game, which is still better that UNC. This should be the perfect game for Stoudt to get back on track. Clemson 45, Georgia State 7
Miami vs. Virginia
Another loss by Virginia here could be the final dagger for Mike London, no matter the outcome of the Virginia Tech game next week. Another year without a bowl is inexcusable given the talent on the field, especially on defense. They're coached fairly well. The offense, on the other hand, not so much. Miami is the superior offense here, and after last week's FSU game, could have a bit of a letdown game here. I just don't trust UVA's offense to be a consistent enough of a threat to pick them to win anymore. Miami will win thanks to Duke Johnson's legs and Brad Kaaya's arm. It could be a slow start, but I think Miami pulls away late. Miami 30, Virginia 20
