ACC Preview - 11.12.05

Florida State at Clemson - The Bowden Bowl should prove interesting this year. Tommy and Clemson need one more win to get to six, and the regular season finale against South Carolina isn't nearly as easy at it used to look. Florida State, meanwhile, has already clinched its division, and little is on the line except for pride. Clemson is the more offensively balanced of the pair, while FSU relies heavily on the pass. Bobby Bowden chooses to live or die by his QB Drew Weatherford. Several times this year, he's died by him. Untimely interceptions cost FSU at NC State and against Virginia. If Weatherford could keep the ball safe, FSU might very well be undefeated right now. Clemson has lost its fair share of close games this year and is better than it's record--but it's still not better than FSU. Florida State wins this game if Weatherford doesn't have more than one pick. If he makes more than that, Clemson will certainly take advantage and make life extremely difficult on FSU. Florida State 28 - Clemson 24.

Maryland at North Carolina - Maryland is fresh off two losses--one to VaTech and one to Florida State. It was close to getting an upset against FSU, but the win just didn't materialize. UNC has been playing well recently as well upsetting Virgina and Boston College, while playing Miami extremely well in the first half. UNC wins with defense. It's defense isn't even statistically that great, but when it gets under your skin, it changes the tempo of the game. It's offense, meanwhile, is pathetic. Maryland is a solid club that just isn't quite in the same league as FSU, Miami, and VaTech, but it's not far behind. Maryland should be able to handle UNC and have a decent chance of getting its sixth win against NC State later in the season. Maryland 24 - North Carolina 13.

Miami at Wake Forest - Miami is playing as well as any team in the country right now. Wake, however, limps in after getting beat down by Georgia Tech. It will be tough for the Demon Deacons to get anything going offensively against the Miami defense. Miami, though, will need QB Kyle Wright to score some points, as starting RB Tyrone Moss is out for the year. Miami 24 - Wake Forest 7.

Georgia Tech at Virginia - I am really tempted to pick Virginia in the upset, but I realize it's probably due to bias. Both teams are relatively even. The offenses aren't great and the defenses are adequate, with Georgia Tech's being slightly better. Virginia had a tune-up last week against Temple, but QB Marques Hagans didn't exactly clean-up against the Owls. That's not promising. Georgia Tech is coming off a solid victory over Wake Forest and consecutive 100-yard days for RB P.J. Daniels. The difference in this game will be turnovers. Virginia makes them, and Georgia Tech does not. The Yellow Jackets have done a good job protecting the ball this year. It's unfortunate, but if Virginia doesn't win this game, it won't be bowling. With games remaining against VaTech and Miami, that sixth win comes Saturday or not at all. Bet the Cavs are kicking themselves for losing to UNC. Georgia Tech 23 - Virginia 19.

NC State at Boston College - On paper, BC should win easily. However, as Florida State found out, the game isn't played on paper. NC State is hot right now, particularly RB Andre Brown, who has sparked the Wolfpack offense. BC has dropped two in a row, including last week's loss to UNC. BC thought they could challenge for the ACC championship, and after VaTech let the wind out of their sails, BC crumbled. The question is "Can they rebound?" The answer is "yes." NC State is capable of beating BC. However, in the loss last week to UNC, BC was given some food for thought. After starting QB Quinton Porter went 16/26 for 144 yards, but was mostly ineffective in moving the offense, backup QB Matt Ryan went 10/14 for 93 yards and a TD. Only time prevented him from getting a shot to go for the win. If BC's offense is struggling, don't be surprised if you see Ryan in the game. They can't afford to let this season fall apart. NC State has not seen a rushing defense as good at this one all season. Look for rising star Andre Brown to have some difficulties getting on track. NC State 14 - Boston College 17.