ACC Preview - 10.29.05

ACC

Wake Forest at Duke - Does anyone really care what's gonna happen in this game anyways? Duke's defense couldn't stop my grandmother. Wake Forest 35 - Duke 10.

Southern Mississippi at NC State - At 4-2, USM has had two games postponed due to weather, but it sits atop the Conference USA standings at 3-1. NC State has been on the wrong end of a couple of tight games and simply hasn't shown up for others. They are currently in a two game slide but need to win this game to have a realistic chance of bowl eligibility. NC State has been erratic all year, but its defense will be the difference. It NC State can get pressure to USM QB Dustin Almond, he will throw picks. NC State needs to capitalize on these turnovers and use the crowd to take USM out of the game early. This should be a fun game to watch. USM 21 - NC State 24.

North Carolina at Miami - Do you think the 'Canes remember this game from last year? They won't make the same mistake twice. North Carolina 9 - Miami 31.

Maryland at Florida State - Both teams bring a sick pass defense to the table. This works in Maryland's favor, as FSU's offense relies heavily on the pass, while the Terrapins have a more balanced attack. I believe that if both teams played their best on a neutral field, I would give the edge to Florida State 60% of the time. Maryland is too inconsistent to hang with Florida State right now. After getting destoryed by Virginia Tech last week, morale may be low. Playing FSU at Doak-Campbell is not the way to regain your confidence. This will not be a high-scoring affair, so both teams should be in this game until the very end. Florida State's defense, though, is good enough that Maryland will not be able to find the endzone often, if at all. Maryland 10 - FSU 16.

Clemson at Georgia Tech - This game should be another good one. The offenses and defenses are comparable, with Clemson having the offensive edge and Georgia Tech the defensive. That should balance out nicely. GaTech was playing well until Virginia Tech blew them out on national television. They followed that up with a loss to NC State. Since the Miami game got rescheduled on account of Hurricane Wilma, the Yellow Jackets get an extra week of recuperation and preparation for Clemson. Clemson, meanwhile, has lost its three games by a total of thirteen points, and to quality teams (Miami and BC, most notably). Clemson always seems to play close games, and this one will probably be no exception. Look for Georgia Tech to start slow. Not only do they have to shake off the rust, but there is probably some let down in not playing the Miami game. Clemson should be able to take advantage of this and get the crowd out of the game early. Clemson 28 - GaTech 24.