ACC Predictions: Week 12
Virginia Tech at Miami (Thursday)
This should serve as an elimination game for the Coastal Division race to ease up the three-way race between VT, UNC, and Miami. Virginia Tech controls its destiny and looks to capitalize on their newfound offense in Darren Evans.
Winner: Virginia Tech
Duke at Clemson
Clemson must win their final three games to even become bowl eligible. Their quest should get an easy start.
Winner: Clemson
Wake Forest at N.C. State
N.C. State must win their final three games to become bowl eligible, and starting off with Wake Forest will not be easy. Talented, but young, N.C. State quarterback Russell Wilson could possibly give Wolfpack fans something to look forward to in the future if he pulls off the upset against the experienced Wake defense.
Winner: Wake Forest
(17) UNC at Maryland
Maryland controls their destiny in the ACC Atlantic but begins what is probably the toughest remaining ACC schedule left (UNC, FSU, Boston College.) Maryland seemingly plays their best football when their opponent is ranked (Wins: California, Clemson, Wake Forest) and their worst against non-ranked teams (Losses: Virginia Tech, Virginia, Middle Tennessee).
UNC is showing they are the most well-rounded team in the ACC, coming off two strong wins against Boston College and Georgia Tech.
Winner: UNC
Boston College at (20) Florida State
FSU looks to avenge their loss in 2006 to Boston College, when they first debuted the Unconquered black uniforms, and Boston College looks to avenge the 27-17 loss last year at BC, when the Seminoles knocked off the No. 2 team in the nation.
BC's defensive front seems like they should be a mismatch against the young FSU offensive line, but the young FSU front has allowed the Noles to average 205 rushing yards a game. Florida State's pressure on Cullen Harper last week (six sacks, one interception returned for a touchdown) should be a warning to how BC's Chris Crane expects to be treated in Tallahassee this weekend.
Winner: Florida State
This weekend should hopefully start to clear up the ACC races in each division. But if Miami, NC State, UNC, and Boston College all win, then it is anyone's guess as to who will represent each division at the end of the season.
