ACC Predictions For Week Eight: Can FSU, UVA, and BC Pull Off Upsets?

Besides Clemson-Miami , the ACC has a few other compelling games this weekend including out of conference tilts with Notre Dame and Navy. Last week was a good week going 5-0 SU in the ACC. Here is how I see the games shaping up this weekend.

Florida State at North Carolina

What the ACC thought might be a prime time game between top 25 teams has turned into a game of division cellar dwellers. We have one of the ACC’s best offenses (FSU) going up against one of the best defenses (UNC). But we also have one of the ACC’s worst defenses (FSU) matching up with one of the worst offenses (UNC).

The Seminoles tried to rally the troops after a trustee came out calling for an end to the Bowden tenure two weeks ago but, lost to Georgia Tech. What do they do now for an encore? North Carolina is playing at home on Thursday usually a tough spot for road teams.

Pick: North Carolina


Georgia Tech at Virginia

With all the hubbub about Ga Tech’s win over Va Tech last week you might have missed that the 2-0 Cavaliers actually lead the Coastal Division. Last season, GT was also 6-1 and a two touchdown favorite versus UVA, but the Cavs came into Atlanta and shocked the Yellow Jackets.

Virginia was once again finds itself under dog to Georgia Tech. Can a team that lost to William & Mary beat a top 15 team?

Pick: Georgia Tech (but close)


Boston College at Notre Dame

The Eagles have won six straight against the Fighting Irish who are coming off a bitter last second defeat to USC, their eight straight to the Trojans. Notre Dame is considerably better on offense than last year when BC shut them out. Boston College has struggled at QB using Montel Harris in the Wild Cat formation a lot last week in blowing out NC State.

BC has beaten NC State, FSU, and Wake Forest while losing to Clemson and Virginia Tech. I think ND is closer to the latter teams and picks up the home win.

Pick: Notre Dame in thrilling and controversial fashion


Maryland at Duke

The Blue Devils had a bye week to get ready for the Terps while Maryland lost at home to Virginia last Saturday. Duke has already beaten NC State by 21 this season and has their eyes on a bowl bid with three wins already. It says a lot about Maryland when they are nearly a touchdown underdog and the line has stayed there.

Pick: Duke


Wake Forest at Navy

These two teams will meet for the third time in 13 months, both winning one game last season. The Deacons certainly have a familiarity with the Midshipmen offense and have had decent success in slowing it down. In Wake’s regular season loss last year in Winston Salem they had trouble holding onto the ball. If the Deacs limit the turnovers then I like them in this one.

Pick: Wake Forest