Before we get going with Week 9 picks in the conference, let’s chack out the game from last week in the ACC and how I did. In all straight out I went 4 and 1 (9-2 overall), and 3 and 1 against the spread (6-4 overall). This week has seven games in the conference, and once again the only team in action that is not playing against a conference opponent is Pittsburgh, who takes on Navy tomorrow.
Wake Forest (4-3 & 2-2 ACC) at #7 Miami (6-0 & 2-0 ACC)
12:00 p.m. EST (ESPNU/WatchESPN)
Miami favored by 23
After the lackluster game in Chapel Hill and the sunshine state showdown with #2 Florida State coming up next week is this game that Miami loses against an improving Wake Forest? The Deamon Deacons upset Maryland last week and have allowed less 13 points or less in three of the last four games they have played. However, after the bad showing against UNC I doubt that the coaching staff will have the `Canes not ready to play, especially when they are at home. Result: I see Miami winning, but definitely not covering, as they take the game 31 to 21.
Georgia Tech (4-3 & 3-2 ACC) at Virginia (2-5 & 0-3 ACC)
12:30 p.m. EST (ESPN3)
Georgia Tech favored by 10
Virginia is coming into this one with a four loss slide, while GA Tech stopped their skid last week when when they destroyed SU. UVa has not been scoring during ACC games and against GA Tech, who is looking to lock down a bowl bid, this is going to be a problem. Result: I see this as a game that slips away from UVa, with Georgia Tech winning 35 to 24, covering the spread as well.
Pittsburgh (4-2) at Navy (3-3)
1:00 p.m. EST (CBS Sports Network)
Pittsburgh favored by 5.5
In a game that the Panthers need, but will have to take from a team that plays the option on just one week of preparation, this should not be easy for Pitt. Navy has already played against a conference squad this season, losing to Duke 35 to 7. Pitt will have to use their stingy D to stifle the Midshipmen, if they do not this could be a loss they do not need. Result: Like last week, Pittsburgh will struggle to put away its opponent, but in the end they will win, this one 31 to 24, also covering the spread in the end.
N.C. State (3-3 & 0-3 ACC) at #2 Florida State (6-0 & 4-0 ACC)
3:30 p.m. EST (ABC)
Floridat State favored by 31.5
The only way that this is a scare for the Noles if they are concentrating more on next week’s match up with Miami than the opponent they have in front of them. On the other hand, being the team behind Alabama, which means they have to keep thinking about not only winning but also showing the BCS that they can win big. Also, this FSU team needs to revenge the lost they suffered on the road to the Wolfpack a year ago. So, some could see a trap game, I do not. Result: This gets ugly until Florida State decides to let off the pedal in the end, winning convincingly 42 to 17, but not enough to cover the spread.
#9 Clemson (6-1 & 4-1 ACC) at Maryland (5-2 & 1-2 ACC)
3:30 p.m. EST (ESPN/WatchESPN)
Clemson favored by -14
Clemson has its six games to be bowl eligible. Maryland needs one more for that. The Terps were upset last week. The Tigers were also defeated last week. If this game had been played a month ago, I would say that this could be a game that MD would win, but with all the injuries that the program has had, the game is not going to go well for them this time as Tajh Boyd rebounds from one of his worst games ever as a collegiate player. Result: Clemson lays down the law and the points in this one, defating Maryland by 21, with the final score bing 41 to 20.
Duke (5-2 & 1-2 ACC) at #14 Virginia Tech (6-1 & 3-0 ACC)
3:30 p.m EST (ESPNU/WatchESPN)
Virginia Tech favored by 13.5
Once again a game between a team having the bowl option locked up and one needing to improve in order to be playing in the post season. The Blue Devils are on a three game winning streak, on the other hand, none of their opponents are anywhere close to what they will face today against Va Tech. Duke will attack by the air, but they will face one of the best D’s in the nation. Result: Look for Virginia Tech to make a statement in this one, taking the game by 21, final score being 31 to 10, also covering the spread in this one.
Side Note: As you will notice the game between North Carolina and Boston College is not in this post as I do not pick the games that involve the Tar Heels. However, I usually do a preview and recap of the Carolina games on another site.
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