ACC Preview - 11.5.05

ACC

Boston College at North Carolina - This game could be good for a while, and an upset would not surprise me too much. UNC has played some good teams tough (Wisconsin, Virginia, Miami). BC, meanwhile, is coming off a solid beat-down by Virginia Tech. That tends to hurt morale. However, I believe the BC offense and defense is just too good for North Carolina. UNC's only real chance is if BC absolutely self-destructs, and there are no signs pointing to that occurring. Boston College 24 - North Carolina 10.

Duke at Clemson - Well, Clemson lost another close one. There seems to be a trend here. Luckily, Duke is coming to town. Duke fixes everything. They make everyone look good--except themselves. Duke 10 - Clemson 28.

Wake Forest at Georgia Tech - This should prove to be a great game. Georgia Tech is fresh off an emotional win against Clemson, and Wake just dismantled Duke. On the whole, Tech is probably the more sound team, but I give the edge to Wake. The Yellow Jacket offense has had problems finding a rhythm at times, and Wake will score some points. The Deacons love to run the ball, and they're going to fight for every yard against a tough Tech rushing defense. This should be a great smash-mouth game, with Wake coming out on top. Wake Forest 27 - Georgia Tech 23.

NC State at Florida State - The Wolfpack have shown few signs of life after playing Virginia Tech close in the opener. They can't seem to make up their mind if they want to play well or not. That is why this game is so dangerous for Florida State. It would be easy to look ahead to the intra-family Clemson game or the finale against Florida. Even so, FSU is too good for NC State. QB Drew Weatherford is starting to play well, and the defense is very athletic, despite recent rough outings. This one could be an upset, but if FSU comes out swinging, the Wolfpack will lie down. NC State 14 - FSU 34.

Temple at Virginia - Temple is 0-9. Even if Virginia matches last week offensive performance--5 points--that should still be plenty to dispatch the owls. Temple 3 - UVa 27.

Miami at Virginia Tech - The big game of the day. The media seems ready to hand this one over to the Hokies since it's being played in Blacksburg, but I don't hold with that at all. Virginia Tech is a great team, with a great defense, great special teams, and a great quarterback in Marcus Vick. However, they lack any sort of explosiveness. At least, if they have it, now would be a good time to bring it out. Miami lost by three in the season opener against Florida State. That's pretty respectable. Since that time, they have not been challenged. This is a team that can be explosive, even in years when they shouldn't be. It's just part of Miami football. More than any two teams in college football, I believe these two know how to work the momentum of the game. When the Hokies get on a roll, your offense should just punt on first down. Similarly, when the 'Canes catch fire, it doesn't matter if your defense is on the field. This game is a battle of momentum. I give the edge to Miami, just barely. Either way, it'll be great. Miami 14 - Virginia Tech 12.