ACC Week 9 Matchups and Predictions

Big week for N.C. State and FSU, as well as Wake Forest, to see if we can get our season back on track.

Got several interesting matchups this week, so let's jump right into it. Enjoy!

Note: I went 4-1 last week, with the only miss coming in the Boston College-Maryland game.

Florida State (6-1, 4-0) ( -3.5) @ N.C. State (5-2, 2-1)  (Thursday @ 7:30)

Everything that I have seen online points to a Florida State victory in the 3-4 point range. I think Florida State is the better team, but there is something special about Thursday night football games in Raleigh, NC. I believe that Russell Wilson will show America that he can live up to the hype in big games, and lead the Pack to a victory. The offensive line for N.C. State will have to block for Wilson though, because the 'Noles lead the nation in sacks.

BSD Prediction: N.C. State- 28 Florida State- 24

Clemson (4-3, 2-2) (-7.0) @ Boston College (2-5, 0-4)  (Saturday @ 12)

The Tigers are on a roll right now, and the Boston College Eagles...well not so much. I predicted last week that BC would make a bowl, but that suffered a serious hit when they lost at home to Maryland last weekend. It doesn't get much easier for the Eagles now, as they welcome Clemson in to Chestnut Hill. Things are also bleak for BC due to the injury bug on their defense. This game could be pretty tough for Frank Spaziani, and I expect Andre Ellington to have another big day as the Tigers roll. Most of the predictor ratings out there have Clemson winning by 12-14, but I think they may tack on an extra TD late and push it to a 20-22 point victory.

BSD Prediction: Clemson-31 BC-10

Miami (5-2, 3-1) (-14.0) @ Virginia (3-4, 0-3)  (Noon)

The Hurricanes have their swagger back, and are also back into the polls @ #22. They need to keep winning to have a legitimate shot to take down VT as the Coastal champs. The winning should not stop this weekend in Charlottesville. Although the Cavs got their first FBS win in the Mike London Era over Eastern Michigan last weekend, the Hurricanes are a completely different animal. This one could get ugly in a hurry for London if the Cavaliers don't execute their gameplan perfectly. 

BSD Prediction- Miami- 35 UVA- 14

Wake Forest (2-5, 1-3) @ Maryland (5-2, 2-1) (-7.5)  (3:30)

Here comes my first homer pick of the season. Everything is going against Wake Forest right now. We are on a five game losing streak, our defense is atrocious, and Maryland is coming off a big road win against Boston College. Compound that by the fact that it is Maryland's homecoming, and a win makes them bowl eligible before November even rolls around. NOT SO FAST MY FRIEND. Jim Grobe has had two weeks to prepare the team for this game. Since 2006, coming off a bye week, or 9 days rest (Thursday night game-Saturday night game), the Wake Forest Demon Deacons are 9-1. Interestingly enough, the only loss was to Maryland in '08 (26-0), in personally one of the worst losses I have ever seen by Wake Forest. The O-line is blocking this week, Josh Harris is hitting the holes for 150-200, Tanner Price manages the game well, and the defense, YES THE DEFENSE, finally makes a stop to win the game for the Deacs.

BSD Prediction: Wake Forest- 31 Maryland- 27

William and Mary (6-1, 4-1 CAA) @ UNC-Ch (4-3, 2-2) (NL)  (3:30)

There is no line since this is an FCS vs. FBS game. I would put the line at 14-17 right now in favor of the Tar Heels. I am not willing to say that the Tribe will win this game, but I will say that the Tar Heels should not overlook W&M, unless if they want to wind up like Virginia Tech. Mike Paulus is the QB for the Tribe (played @ UNC before transferring), and may get some time if the starter is not fully back from injury. Also interesting is the fact that the UNC offensive coordinator, John Shoop, will face his brother, Mike Shoop, the defensive coordinator for William and Mary. I think the Tribe will start off strong, but the Heels will come back to win it in the 2nd half.

BSD Prediction: UNC-35 William and Mary-21

Duke (1-6, 0-4) @ Navy (5-2, 1-1 ACC) (-14.5)  (3:30)

The MIdshipmen are looking to become bowl eligible on Saturday with a win over the Duke Blue Devils. This may not be too hard to come by due to the fact that Duke is not very good. I think the score will be closer than the line, but it may be because of a late touchdown by Duke. I am interested to see how the Navy defense does against Sean Renfree, as well as a QB that goes downfield more on passes. Navy is rolling, coming off a huge win over Notre Dame last weekend. Duke has lost 6 in a row. 

BSD Prediction: Navy-31 Duke-17

Looking back on it now, there are really only two games that I want to see this weekend...of course the Wake game on Saturday, but also the FSU-NCSU game tonight. Both should be close and I hope Wake and State give me at least one victory. At least the Panthers won last week to finally remind me what winning a game feels like...

Comments/Concerns/Criticisms always welcome. As always...GO Deacs!!! DO NOT FEAR THE TURTLE!!!