Ranking the Best ACC Matchups of Week 13

It's rivalry week in the ACC!

While you're feeling stuffed from Thanksgiving, why not enjoy a great slate of games on the new television you bought amid a crazy rush of crazed people on Black Friday?

There are plenty of tasty and tantalizing matchups littered throughout the weekend in ACC land. Due to the fact that the rivalries span across the country, there are multiple intra-conference games with considerable implications on both postseason play and in terms of regional perception (especially when it comes to recruiting). 

Boston College at Syracuse

Charles Krupa/Associated Press

BC almost pulled the upset last week.

Syracuse and Boston College both could use some positive vibes in this season finale for both teams. 

The Orange recently announced their head coach Scott Shafer will not return. While they'll be looking for a new coach (perhaps Ed Orgeron?), BC will be searching for its first conference win on the year. 

The Eagles came close to pulling off a huge upset last week against Notre Dame. If the Eagles can play with similar energy, it has a very good chance of ending its season with a victory. 

Look for this to be a low-scoring, grind-it-out contest. 

Duke at Wake Forest

Gerry Broome/Associated Press

Will Duke win its final game?

In this battle between North Carolina programs, the Blue Devils are trying to get back to their winning ways against a struggling Wake Forest team. 

David Cutcliffe's team has lost four straight games after beginning the year 6-1. It's been a disappointing turn of events for this program—especially considering how Cutcliffe has turned Duke from a dilapidated program to one with tangible expectations. 

Wake would like nothing more than to defeat what's perceived as one of the top programs in the state. Although it isn't eligible for a bowl appearance, this is for all intents and purposes the Demon Deacon's postseason chance. 

Clemson at South Carolina

Rainier Ehrhardt/Associated Press

Can Clemson take care of business against a weakened SC squad?

Ranked as the No. 1 team in the country, all that stands in Clemson's way from a perfect regular-season record is in-state foe South Carolina. 

The Tigers do hold a considerable advantage in talent and depth—which is somewhat surprising considering the Gamecocks' success in recent years. With that said, these two programs couldn't be heading in more opposite directions. 

The situation is made a bit trickier by the fact this game will be played in Columbia. However, Clemson should have no problem winning this contest against an opponent plagued by inconsistency and inexperience. 

Virginia Tech at Virginia

Steve Helber/Associated Press

Can Beamer win his last game?

Could this be the last game for both Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer and Virginia head coach Mike London? 

At 4-7, the Cavaliers won't feature in a bowl game for the fourth straight season. As for the Hokies, they'd love to send Beamer out with a victory to finish his absolutely fantastic career in Blacksburg. A victory would make Virginia 6-6—and bowl eligible. 

Virginia Tech has absolutely dominated the rivalry between both programs, winning the last 11 meetings. However, there's a real chance Virginia pulls out a victory in what could be the most even matchup in years. 

North Carolina at NC State

Rob Brown/Associated Press

Switzer and the Tar Heels may have Clemson on their minds.

Having clinched the Coastal Division, North Carolina has NC State in its way before a monumental clash with Clemson for the ACC Conference crown. 

The Tar Heels are in the midst of their best season since 1997—when a Mack Brown-led team finished with an 11-1 record. 

North Carolina State is having a solid season, having accrued a 7-4 record thus far. With that said, the Wolfpack are 3-4 in their last seven games and have looked shaky against conference opponents. 

With UNC's offense functioning at an incredibly high clip, NC St. signal-caller Jacoby Brissett will need to have a fantastic game if the Wolfpack are to pull the upset. 

Georgia at Georgia Tech

Lynne Sladky/Associated Press

It's been a rough season for GT.

This has the potential to be one of the more exciting games of the slate. 

On paper, this doesn't appear to be a close contest. Georgia virtually gets to cherry-pick the top prospects from the state. As a result, it is the more talented team. The Bulldogs also enter with an 8-3 record—compared to the poor 3-8 record of Georgia Tech. 

With that said, the Yellow Jackets do feature their funky triple-option offense. Quarterback Justin Thomas is potentially lethal with the ball in his hands. Georgia has also been somewhat inconsistent from an offensive standpoint this year. 

Couple that with the fact this game is being played in Atlanta, and anything truly can happen. 

Miami at Pitt

Mike Stewart/Associated Press

Pitt has had a very solid season in '15.

Pitt has acquitted itself quite nicely since joining the ACC.

In Pat Narduzzi's first year as head coach, he's engineered an 8-3 record—including an impressive 6-1 mark in conference play. 

The tumultuous nature of Miami's season has hindered the efforts of the football team considerably. Consistency issues—and instability within the program—can account for some of the bizarre scorelines. 

In this contest, look for Pitt to use its toughness and physicality to wear out the Hurricanes at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh. 

Louisville at Kentucky

Fred Vuich/Associated Press

UL/UK should be a close contest.

"The Bluegrass Battle" pits an ACC team in Louisville against its SEC foe from Lexington in Kentucky.

The Wildcats have yet again stumbled in the second half of their schedule for the second straight season. Mark Stoops could desperately use a victory against the Cardinals—who've won four of the past five games. 

A win for Kentucky would also make it bowl eligible for the first time since 2011. 

Already bowl eligible, Louisville will be looking to win its fifth straight against Kentucky. A victory here would knot the all-time series at 14-14. 

Florida State at Florida

Mark Wallheiser/Associated Press

Can Cook lead the Seminoles to a victory?

This game is fascinating from a number of angles. 

From a recruiting standpoint, both programs are fighting over some of the same recruits. A win either way could turn the tide for multiple prospects (especially within the state of Florida). 

Perhaps most significantly from a perception standpoint, each wants to be known as the program within the Sunshine State. FSU running back Dalvin Cook will look to exploit a beat-up Florida defensive front. 

Dually, Florida will want to play well and garner some momentum ahead of its appearance in the SEC title game. 

This game features the best collection of talent compared to the the other eight contests featuring ACC programs.