Top ACC Games Week-By-Week

Here's a look at the top ACC conference games from week-to-week. The ACC is hoping to redeem itself after several lackluster seasons, aiming to become more like the SEC and less like the Big East. Unfortunately that's going to take some time, and ACC games will still be ugly, low-scoring, and mistake-ridden.

Despite the ACC's woes I love the competition in the conference. Most of the games are close, high value is placed on strong defensive play, and every team loves to run the ball. Mostly I'm just trying to highlight the biggest games, predictions are just for fun - take them with a grain of salt.

Week 1 (September 3-7): Miami at Florida State.

This one is obvious. There is only one conference game in week 1, but it is a doozy. Personally I don't really like that this match-up is week one. I like big time rivalry games at the end of the season, it would be like the Yankees and Red Sox only playing in April. Despite poor placement on the schedule this is going to be an intense game.

Both teams, although not close to levels they were 10 years ago, still have rosters full of top talent. The Canes and Noles just haven't been able to fulfill program expectations the last few seasons. I don't think things will change much, as both teams would be surpassing my expectations if they make it to 10 wins on the season.

I still like this game, and it will go a long way to determining which team has a successful season in the conference, and which struggles to go above .500. I like Miami and Jacory Harris in this one.

Week 2 (September 10-12): Clemson at Georgia Tech September 10, Thursday Night.

Another easy pick for me since it's the only game, but again it should be a good one. Clemson is breaking in new quarterbacks in Willy Korn and Kyle Parker (maybe Tajh Boyd??), but still have talented skill players like C.J. Spiller, Jacoby Ford, and Jaime Harper to alleviate some of the pressure.

Georgia Tech is in their second year running the triple-option offense. Personally I thought the offense would be a disaster in the ACC...I was wrong. Georgia Tech comes into the season with the most talented, proven backfield in the ACC with Nesbitt, Jonathan Dwyer, Roddy Jones, and don't forget Louisville transfer Anthony Allen.

I like Georgia Tech to pull this one out in Atlanta, I wouldn't be surprised if it's by a couple scores. Clemson will struggle taking on a solid defense and an even better running game. Clemson has not faired well against the run in the past decade.

Week 3 (September 17-19): Georgia Tech at Miami, September 17, Thursday Night.

Back-to-back Thursday night games featuring Georgia Tech make my list. This is a huge game that will help decide the winner of the Coastal division one way or another. The Coastal winner will be either Ga. Tech, Miami, UNC, or Va. Tech (I really narrowed it down didn't I?), so this game could drastically affect who goes to the ACC Championship game, especially if one of these two teams comes in with a loss in the conference already (although I don't predict that).

I like Georgia Tech who's beaten Miami four straight years now. Last year Miami gave up 472 rushing yards to Tech, and this year won't be a lot different.

Week 4 (September 26): Miami at Virginia Tech. As I write this column I'm starting to feel sorry for Miami...no not really, but they really start out with a tough first few weeks. If they don't come out of the gates strong it's going to be a long season.

This is a great rivalry, and Lane Stadium will be rocking, whether the Hokies come in the game 3-0, best case, or 1-2, worst case.

I like a fired up Virginia Tech team to take this. The Hokes are 4-2 against the Canes the last six years, and have only given up more then 16 points to Miami once during that span Also watch the UNC at Georgia Tech game this weekend. The Coastal division's biggest games are in September.

Week 5 (October 3): Virginia at North Carolina.

This is Virginia's first conference test as they break in their new spread offense, and the 114th meeting between the two football teams. The visitor in this match-up is 2-7 in the last 9, but the Cavs have won the last 3 — I think that streak ends this time. Butch Davis is building a good thing in Chapel Hill.

UNC's balanced offense and strong defense will be too much for Virginia. North Carolina wins in a game that will be closer then it should be.

Week 6 (October 10): Georgia Tech at Florida State.

Both teams play a handful of tough opponents leading up to this game, so it's hard to tell where they'll stand at this point. Either way this game will feature a lot of talent, and a battle between two strong rushing attacks.

I think this will be the point in the season where Florida State really has to focus. They could come into this game with two losses already, but would still have a shot at the ACC title.

The Noles are a long way from the days of Weinke and Warrick, but Florida State manages to pull this one out...barely.

Week 7 (October 17): Virginia Tech at Georgia Tech.

Virginia Tech has won 4-out-of-5 in this series, but last year they got lucky in a 20-17 win, benefiting from two dumb Georgia Tech personal foul penalties late in the game.

At this point in the season my magic 8-ball tells me Virginia Tech will be suffering from injuries in the backfield to either one of its inexperienced running backs, or Tyrod Taylor, or both.

Georgia Tech takes advantage, wins this one, and gets a leg up on the Hokies in the Coastal division standings.

Week 8 (October 22-24): Florida State at North Carolina on Thursday Night.

These two haven't meet since 2004. Things have changed since then, FSU was favored by 28-points that year, and Butch Davis was coaching the Cleveland Browns. This year North Carolina has the advantage being at home, and being more talented.

I like UNC, and a major FSU meltdown is in full tilt at this point.

Week 9 (October 29-31): North Carolina at Virginia Tech on Thursday Night. A

gain it's really hard to say what's developed by this point in the season. No matter what, this is the game to watch. Virginia Tech rallies from behind to beat the Tar Heels for the sixth straight time since joining the ACC.

Week 10 (November 5-7): Florida State at Clemson.

Bobby is coaching against Tommy anymore, but this is still a game that's turned into quite a rivalry in the ACC. And, this game could have big time implications towards who represents the Atlantic division in the ACC Championship game. The home team is 7-2 in the last nine and the Tigers have won 3-of-the-last 4. Clemson wins again.

Week 11 (November 14): Clemson at NC State.

I'm posting this after NC State's embarrassing game against South Carolina to open the season, but I still think the Atlantic division race comes down to Clemson, FSU, and NC State. This game could be a big one.

Clemson will be coming off a big win against FSU, and Tom O'Brien will have his boys ready to end Clemson's five game win-streak against the Wolfpack...but they'll come up just short and Clemson pulls out a sixth straight.

Week 12 (November 21): NC State at Virginia Tech.

No doubt, this is sort of a slow week in ACC play towards the end of the season (another reason I don't like games like Miami at FSU the first week of the season).

This has the potential to be an interesting match-up. It could be an ACC Championship game preview, it could be NC State hanging on for dear life to their bowl hopes. No matter what both teams will rely heavily on their defenses. It will be a "classic" ACC game.

I like Virginia Tech pulling it out on a cold, rainy day, 13-9.

Week 13 (November 28): Virginia Tech at Virginia.

Yea, I'm biased, so what? I grew up 30 minutes from Charlottesville and went to Tech - this is a big game to me. And, it really is probably the biggest game of the week in the ACC.

Virginia fans may try to tell you this could be for a shot at the ACC title. No, but it will be Virginia's "bowl" game, their shot to keep Tech out of the ACC title and a BCS bowl.

This game will be closer then it should be, Virginia Tech pulls away in the end. Virginia goes 5-7...and still won't fire Al Groh.

Week 14 (ACC Championship Game)