College Football Predictions 2010: Week 8 ACC Preview

Harlon Jordan ACC BlitzOct 23, 2010

The top spots in the ACC won't change after this weekends action, with Florida State and NC State on bye weeks and Virginia Tech playing Duke.

Second place battles are what will make this week interesting.

Atlantic action: Despite a loss to Clemson last week, Maryland is still sitting at 1-1 in conference play, so for the time being they are in the hunt. A win against Boston College obviously helps, but their late-season ACC tilt will likely get them.

Clemson is sitting at 1-2 in conference play and aiming to run the conference table, but Georgia Tech is the first hurdle of three. The Tigers have the talent in almost every key position, but lack experience and if they don't find a fix quick, they'll be staring at 1-3 and a middle of the pack finish in the division.

Over in the Coastal, Virginia Tech will almost undoubtedly move to 4-0 in ACC play. Georgia Tech, Miami and North Carolina are all still largely in the picture with only one conference loss each.

After tomorrow though, only two will remain in the hunt. The Jackets face a tough road test at Clemson, but it's the Miami-UNC game that will spell doom for one of those two squads. A second loss in that division spells disaster and means no trip to the ACC title game.

Things to Watch for in Week 8 ACC Football Action

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Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

ATLANTA - OCTOBER 09: Joshua Nesbitt #9 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets against the Virginia Cavaliers at Bobby Dodd Stadium on October 9, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

- The game between North Carolina and Miami has massive implications on the Coastal race. The winner puts itself in prime position to keep pace with Virginia Tech. Miami is in a better position, seeing as the Heels have already lost to Georgia Tech (who is also in the hunt).

- If the Yellow Jackets wish to stay in the thick of things, a win at Clemson is a MUST, which is a lot easier said than done considering the history between these two.

- Twelve of the last 15 meetings between Clemson and Georgia Tech, including the last three, have been decided by five points or less.

- Jacket coach Paul Johnson is 11-2 in games decided by five points or less.

- Georgia Tech QB Joshua Nesbitt needs just 44 yards to set an ACC career mark for most rushing yardage by a quarterback, a mark currently held by former Clemson Tiger Woodrow Dantzler (2,712).

- Speaking of Dantzler, Virginia Tech QB Tyrod Taylor joined him as the two players in ACC history to run for over 2,000 yards (2,017) and pass for over 5,000 (5,596) yards in his career.

- The game between Maryland and Boston College features two of the best tacklers in the nation—BC LB Luke Kuechly leads the nation (13.7/game) and Terp LB Alex Wujciak is 11th (11.0/game).

- NC State has had 14 different players score a TD this season.

- The ACC has already tied a season record with 15 scoring plays each of 80 or more yards. The ACC has recorded the 15 plays this year in just 59 games. It took 104 games to set the record last year.

Quick Hitters: Week 8 ACC Football Previews and Predictions

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The game between UNC and Miami has become a must win for both squads.

Duke at Virginia Tech 12:00—ACC Network

There really isn't too much to go into here. This one features the ACC's best offense versus the worst defense. Virginia Tech has been playing lights out since beginning the season 0-2 and getting flat embarrassed by James Madison. Duke has played decent on offense (sans last weeks performance against Miami) and actually feature three of the top four receivers in the ACC. Despite that, the Hokies will roll easy in this one. Don't be surprised to see 40 points in the first HALF by VT.

Prediction: Virginia Tech 52, Duke 17

Maryland at Boston College 1:00—ESPN3.com

The Terps came crashing back to reality last weekend with a 31-7 loss at Clemson, after starting the season 4-1. While this weeks game is a touch easier, it's not a gimme by any means. Boston College may be 0-3 in conference play, but this is an Eagle squad that has ability to win if they can get solid QB play. Their five point loss to FSU was a great example. The defense can play lights out, and the running game is solid but in that loss they didn't even hit 100 yards passing. For the Terps, it will be key to get a passing game going early against a, well how do I put this, crappy BC pass defense.

Despite another 100 yard game for Montel Harris, until BC shows it can have solid enough QB play to actually win, I have to go with Maryland.

Prediction: Maryland 24, Boston College 21

Georgia Tech @ Clemson 3:30—ABC/ESPN

Subplot after subplot in this one. I'm sure Clemson would love to serve up some revenge after two close losses to Tech last year. The 2010 version will feature two teams who are both not only a step behind where they were last year, but also facing a "must win scenario" in every remaining conference game. With Florida State and Virginia Tech sitting undefeated in each respective division, there is no room for error. It'll be interesting to see if Clemson can finally get an air attack going to give RB Andre Ellington a chance to shine. On the flip side, Tech needs to find a way to exploit the Tiger linebacking corp.

Despite having home field advantage, and momentum finally shifting after a win last week, I think the Tigers are simply lacking too much in the WR/LB department to win this one.

Prediction: Georgia Tech 28, Clemson 24

Eastern Michigan at Virginia 6:00—ESPN3.com

Coming off three straight losses is tough for any team, but the Cavs can take comfort in knowing they were against three of the leagues best teams. A blowout win for Coach London's boys is just what the doctor ordered. And considering Eastern Michigan easily possess' one of the worst defenses in all of college football, QB Marc Verica and RB Keith Payne should have a field day.

Prediction: Virginia 45, Eastern Michigan 17

North Carolina at Miami 7:30—ESPN2

This is a matchup I've had circled all year. After multiple failed attempts, it looks as if Randy Shannon might just beat Butch Davis this year. But it's not the Canes level of play he can thank; it's news of the Heels losing more players. TE Zack Pianalto is done for the year after breaking his leg, LB Quan Sturdivant is likely out with a hamstring injury, as is CB LeCount Fantroy with a shoulder problem and CB Kendric Burney is out because of more off the field issues.

The Heels have been hitting a stride lately, winning four in a row. And while Miami is back in the top 25, they haven't been playing like one. After getting past Clemson by only nine points (I say only because it should have been more considering the Tigers had six turnovers), they were blown out by Florida State and followed that up with a lack-luster performance against lowly Duke. The missing players will be Carolinas down fall in this one.

Prediction: Miami 31, North Carolina 21