ACC Football: Week 6 Matchups Preview

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I love football. There, I said it. It’s as plain and simple as it sounds. I just have an addiction to football, and college football in particular. Thankfully there is nothing wrong with this, and I have a few rowdy friends who suffer with me.

Think about it—what beats sitting down on a Saturday, grilling out on a perfect fall day, flipping on and watching great games all day, spending it with great friends and cheering on your team? Nothing can top that.

Here in the ACC, we have a lighter week in the aftermath of the Virginia Tech-Clemson matchup, but nonetheless, it’s still a big week as conference play takes another step for most teams.

I’m ready to get to it. Let’s check out and break down each ACC team’s matchup, and who knows, maybe we’ll be invited to the Big 12, too.

Maryland at (13) Georgia Tech, 12:00 Kickoff on ESPNU

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Randy Edsall takes his Terrapins on the road to Atlanta to face off against Paul Johnson’s red-hot Yellow Jackets.

I like Georgia Tech a ton in this matchup because of Maryland’s spotty run defense. In four games this year, including a matchup with Towson, they have allowed 177.5 rushing yards per game.

Not a recipe for success, especially against a team that averages 378.2 yards on the ground.

Note this though, Georgia Tech’s defense has given up a lot of points this year, and I believe Maryland can hang around for a little while, but eventually the Jackets pull away.

Georgia Tech 41, Maryland 21

Louisville at North Carolina, 12:00 Kickoff on ESPN2

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A solid matchup to kick off a beautiful Saturday is UNC against Louisville.

North Carolina, fresh off of a tough loss against Georgia Tech, faces off against Charlie Strong’s crew, who lost at home to Marshall last week (yuck).

On the bright side, freshman QB Teddy Bridgewater has boatloads of potential and should get better as the season rolls along.

However, at this point, UNC has more talent, and with Giovanni Bernard carrying the ground game, the Tar Heels should be in control most of the game. 

North Carolina 31, Louisville 13

Florida State at Wake Forest, 12:30 Kickoff on ESPN3

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This is gonna be a good one folks.

In my game of the week pick, I see this being a dogfight because the teams are both so dang similar. Both have great passing attacks. Both have solid defenses. Both have NO run games.

This has the potential for an upset…

But I just don’t think Wake has enough athletes to pull it off.

Also, E.J. Manuel’s return for FSU helps them a ton. FSU in a close one.

Florida State 31, Wake Forest 28

Central Michigan at North Carolina State, 3:30 Kickoff on ESPN3

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Here’s another unattractive matchup in the ACC.

I like NC State’s potential, but man, have they underachieved this season.

Mike Glennon has potential though, and should be able to get the job done against a spotty Chippewa secondary.

Central Michigan is not good folks, plain and simple. Even sadder than that is the fact that Dan LeFevour is not walking through that door…

NC State cruises to an easy victory to even themselves at .500.

NC State 35, Central Michigan 10

Boston College at (8) Clemson, 3:00 Kickoff on ESPN3

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In a matchup of the hottest team in the ACC against the coolest team in the ACC, this one may be over before it starts.

Tajh Boyd and the Clemson Tigers have been on an absolute roll this season and the offense has never looked better.

Montel Harris’ return has helped the Eagles, but at this point the team’s lack of a passing game and defense has left them high and dry.

I would try and stay optimistic…but I can’t. Sorry BC fans, this one could get ugly.

Clemson 31, Boston College 7

Miami at (21) Virginia Tech, 3:30 Kickoff on ABC

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Quite a sexy matchup for two teams that seemingly always dominate the ACC.

Virginia Tech QB Logan Thomas has looked out of sync the entire season with the offense, but had shown signs of improvement until last week's debacle against Clemson.

Miami, on the other hand, has begun to run under the radar after the national exposure of their NCAA misdeeds.

I think Miami is playing good football and desperately needs a program-defining win for Al Golden.

I think he gets it here and upsets the Hokies.

Call it a hunch, call it a shot in the dark, call it what you want, but I believe the Hurricanes leave Lane Stadium on Saturday victorious.

Also remember the name Lamar Miller, Miami’s sophomore RB. Kid is a monster and could really emerge nationally with a big game here.

Miami 27, Virginia Tech 24

Here’s to life, love and college football.

 

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