This week the ACC will have some key conference match-ups with Miami (FL) taking on Florida State and Georgia Tech traveling to Memorial Stadium to square off against Clemson.
Here are my ACC Week 6 Picks:
Friday, October 9
24 NC State at Virginia Tech 20
Its fair to say that Virginia Tech is not a good football team and if Frank Beamer wasn’t on the hot seat two months ago he definitely is now. NC State is coming off their first loss of the season to a decent Louisville team and will look to bounce back behind the arm of Jacoby Brissett. Brissett hasn’t been as effective on the ground as he was last season, but his accuracy has improved and he looks like one of the better QBs in the conference. Matthew Dayes is another guy to watch for the Wolfpack. The junior running back has already rushed for 522 yards and 10 touchdowns. I expect the NC State offense to have a big game, giving the Hokies their fourth loss of the season.
Saturday, October 10
31 Duke at Army 3
The Blue Devils defense has been great so far and that shouldn’t change on Saturday.
17 Virginia at Pittsburgh 21
Virginia was absolutely embarrassed the last time they took the field and Mike London cannot afford to lose this one if he wants to keep his job.
6 Wake Forest at Boston College 17
Boston College has struggled to score against good defenses and have already lost two close games this season. Wake Forest has an average defense and could keep the game close, but at the end of the day the Eagles are too strong for the Demon Deacons.
27 Georgia Tech at #6 Clemson 24
Clemson hasn’t lost to an unranked opponent since November 19, 2011, when they went to NC State and got blown out, 37-13. Georgia Tech may be catching the Tigers at the perfect time. Clemson is coming off a major win over Notre Dame and may be hungover after a big game. The Yellow Jackets will come in to the game hungry and will rely on quarterback Justin Thomas to carry them to a victory. I like Georgia Tech in a close one.
28 Syracuse at South Florida 14
Syracuse surprised me against LSU a few weeks back and now get to take on a struggling South Florida team. I’ll take Syracuse by two touchdowns.
31 Miami (FL) at #12 Florida State 28
Florida State isn’t playing very well right now and will be without Terrance Smith and possibly Dalvin Cook and Nate Andrews. If all three players miss the game it will give Miami the edge they need. Miami’s pass defense has been spectacular and should have no issues shutting down the Seminoles passing game. Florida State will struggle to score points if Cook doesn’t play. I think Brady Kaaya will have a big game and lead the Hurricanes to their first win over Florida State since 2009.
Last Week
4-3
Season
42-13