ACC College Football Match-Ups Week 9

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Three teams head out of the conference this week, but the rest are still fighting in the trenches for a shot at the Championship game, all hoping that Georgia Tech slips up.

Virginia Tech's lost may have finally dashed all hope of a shot at the ACC Championship game, but they'll need to come off the two losses and get back in it to get a decent bowl bid.

I went 3-1 in the conference play last week, with the only wrinkle being North Carolina's second half stumble against Florida State.  With a big upset out of the way after Thursday night's thriller, will we see Miami bounce back?  Will Florida State continue to roll?  And does Duke and Virginia make any difference?

No. 19 Miami @ Wake Forest

Miami is coming off one of it's toughest games of the season.  They should be fired up for this game.  Wake Forest is surprisingly tough against the passing game, allowing just over 200 yards per game.

Why Miami Will Win:

• Jacory Harris.  After last week's debacle, the young quarterback will be playing against a much weaker defense.
• Defense.  Miami's defense should look much better against the weaker running game and passing game of Wake Forest.

Why Wake Forest Will Win:

• Jim Grobe will come up with a game plan to keep Jacory Harris off balance, and force mistakes.
  
• Wake is looking for redemption after the tough loss to Navy.
• Skinner will get good protection against a defense that only averages two sacks per game and should be productive.

Prediction: Miami easily takes this win.

NC State @ Florida State

In the battle for Bobby Bowden, things have taken a positive turn in Tallahassee. Christian Ponder and Florida State should continue to win against teams from Tobacco Road this weekend.

Why NC State Will Win:

• Wilson has been quietly racking up the yards.  NC State's passing game is ranked No. 26 in the country right now.
• A better pass defense game.  NC State is allowing fewer passing yards per game, and Florida State's stats in this area are a little deceiving because of the Georgia Tech game where they only allowed 131 yards through the air.

Why Florida State Will Win:

• Christian Ponder would be on everybody's Heisman Short List at this point if he had more wins.  He should improve his stats in this game with a good performance from his receivers.
• Doak Campbell stadium is a tough place for opponents and this should be a welcome home for Bowden after last week's win.
• Florida State's offense has been far more consistent, and will just be looking for their defense to give them a little help this week.

Prediction: Florida State wins a close game with neither team showing much defense.

Duke @ Virginia

The Cavaliers turnaround was short-lived when they finally faced a powerful team in the ACC.  Duke is looking to keep their conference hopes alive.  All of this adds up to what could be the hardest fought game of the week.

Why Duke Will Win:

• Thaddeus Lewis will be tested, but should prevail against Virginia's stout pass defense.
• Duke has already shown their ability to play the full 60 minutes against Virginia Tech, this game should be much easier

Why Virginia Will Win:

• Jameel Sewell is mobile and should easily side-step Duke defender's to make big passing plays.
• Mikell Simpson will give the balance to the offense with his running game, keeping Duke guessing about where the ball is going.

Prediction: Virginia wins a close game with their balanced attack, and Mikell Simpson rushes for well over 100 yards.

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