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ACC Picks Week 12
Florida State got jumped by Oregon in this week’s poll, which I think is complete crap (listen here). I’m not a fan of FSU, but as long as they are undefeated they deserve to be ranked ahead of the a one loss team. Oregon has beat the same amount of ranked opponents and lost at home. The Seminoles will be looking to prove the playoff committee wrong this week, when they travel to play Miami (FL). The Hurricanes have been great at home this season, with all three of their losses coming on the road to very good teams. Miami also has the benefit of being off last week, while FSU played a tough game with Virginia. The Hurricanes have dominated their opponents the last three weeks, winning each game by three touchdowns or more. Their star running back Duke Johnson has had some big games lately, rushing for 249 yards against Virginia Tech. Johnson has rushed for over 100 yards in his past five games, and he has scored a touchdown in his past eight games. Johnson is the key for Miami, if he isn’t able to run the ball they will have no chance. But, I think he will have great success in this game. Jameis Winston has had some great comebacks this season and he is truly the best second half quarterback in college football. But, I don’t think he will prevail this week, I got Miami winning in a classic.
Georgia Tech is currently second in the coastal division, behind a game to Duke. Duke beat the Yellowjackets earlier this season. Georgia Tech needs Duke to lose two of their next three games against Virginia Tech, North Carolina, and Wake Forest. I don’t see Duke losing to any of those teams, but the Yellowjackets still need to take care of business this week. It’s the last conference game of the season for Georgia Tech, who plays at Georgia next week. A lose against Clemson this week will pretty much eliminate them from a chance to play in the ACC championship game. Clemson comes into the game with a similar situation. Their only conference loss came at the hands of FSU, the Tigers now trail by a game in the atlantic division. Clemson would need the Seminoles to lose to Miami and Boston College, which sounds almost impossible, but you never know. The Tigers have won six straight games, since losing in overtime to FSU. This is a big game for both teams and should be a fun one to watch. I had a tough time picking this game, but I had to go with Georgia Tech, since they do have the home field advantage.
Overall this will be a very exciting week in the ACC and I have to wonder if Duke will get the credit they deserve in the rankings. The Blue Devils only loss came at Miami earlier this season and they are still not in the top 20. It just doesn’t make since to me.
17 Virginia Tech @ #21 Duke 38
23 #19 Clemson @ #22 Georgia Tech 27
21 Pittsburgh @ North Carolina 24
14 Wake Forest @ North Carolina State 42
17 #3 Florida State @ Miami (FL) 21
5-0
Season
43-20
