Hello, @HereGoJayAgain with this week’s installment of ACC football predictions. Week 11 saw an undefeated week of predictions(5-0) despite some lopsided scores and impressive road performances from Duke who scored 17 points in the 4th quarter and Georgia Tech who put up 56 at NC State. The prediction record sits at 16-7 on the season and now for some Week 12 predictions.
#19 Clemson (7-2, 6-1 ACC) @ #22 Georgia Tech (8-2, 5-2 ACC)
Clemson fans are breathing a sigh of relief now that their playmaking quarterback Deshaun Watson returns for a tough road game. The Yellow Jackets have won their last three ACC games, two on the road. Last week the Yellow Jackets defense showed promise on defense scoring 2 defensive touchdowns (1 fumble, 1 interception) and forcing three turnovers. However, they will be battle tested against a much better Clemson offense this week.
The Tigers return QB Deshaun Watson after recovering from a hand injury and it’s just in the nick of time. Riding a 6 game conference winning streak, the Tigers have their eyes on a high bowl bid. Their defense has held strong despite the injury so far but the Tigers needed all four quarters to put away Wake Forest on the road last week. With a better field general in Watson expect Clemson to come out firing on all cylinders, picking up where they left off before Watson went down with a hand injury.
Prediction: Clemson 34 – Georgia Tech 28
Virginia Tech (4-5, 1-4 ACC) @ #21 Duke (9-1, 4-1 ACC)
The Duke Blue Devils have been the ACC’s Cinderella story these past few seasons. Imagine a world where Duke University dominates in basketball and football, that reality may be coming soon. The Blue Devils are hard to pick against, they stick to their guns which is a balanced passing and rushing attack. and the way this team finishes games has been something to marvel at. Against a young and inexperienced Virginia Tech team expect the Blue Devils to keep their Coastal Division title hopes alive.
The Hokies have been limited in what they’re able to do due to inexperience and injuries on offense and defense. Fighting for bowl eligibility is the name of the game here. While the Hokies are coming off a week of rest, they’ve lost their last three games. Their last performance against Boston College showed promise but they’re still missing a few key pieces to be the old Virginia Tech that fans are used to seeing.
Prediction: Duke 35 – Virginia Tech 20
Pittsburgh (4-5, 2-3 ACC) @ North Carolina (4-5, 2-3 ACC)
Two teams fighting for bowl eligibility and it’s hard to bet against the Tar Heels at home. The Tar Heels are coming off a bye week and bitter road defeat at Miami. Hoping to redeem themselves, I’d say the Tar Heels come out sharp putting Pittsburgh away early. They lost a close game against a tougher Notre Dame team earlier in the season and with the beating they took from the Hurricanes still on their mind, you expect they come out with a chip on their shoulder.
After opening their home conference slate with a win against Virginia Tech, they’ve dropped their last two conference games. While they showed promise winning against Boston College in Week 2, the Panthers have lost five of their last six games including a crushing double-overtime loss to Duke at home 51-48. Pittsburgh may keep it close but they may walk away from this one with another loss.
Prediction: North Carolina 35 – Pittsburgh 31
Wake Forest (2-7, 0-5 ACC) @ NC State (5-5, 1-5 ACC)
The best thing about this game is if the Wolf Pack win, they’re bowl eligible, however, after last week’s home showing, there’s no telling what may occur this week. After snapping their 12 game conference losing streak the week prior, the Wolf Pack saw the Yellow Jackets cruise to a 56-23 victory on their home field. The Deacons may not do the same but it’ll be interesting to see which Wolf Pack team shows up.
The Deacons haven’t won a game since September 20th. They’ve scored 20 points or more four times this season and they average 15 points a game on offense. This should be a quick one.
Prediction: NC State 30– Wake Forest 10
#3 Florida State (9-0, 6-0 ACC) @ Miami (6-3, 3-2 ACC)
Despite winning their last three games, Florida State may be the toughest opponent Miami has faced in a while. The Seminoles are riding a 25 game winning streak and despite impressive rushing numbers from the Hurricanes, the Seminoles defense has only given up 200+ rushing yards on one occasion this season. Duke Johnson will have his work cut out for him this week as he has rushed for at least 100 rushing yards or more in his last five games.
The Seminoles have won 25 games in a row and Jameis Winston has smiled in the face of adversity all season long. While it remains to be seen how Winston’s ankle will hold up this week, you have to expect the offensive line will be extra prepared to protect their quarterback. The Hurricanes will have upset on their mind but I think the Seminoles walk away with a close victory.
Prediction: Florida State 38 – Miami 28
Byes This Week: Syracuse, Louisville, Boston College, Virginia
What are your thoughts? Feel free to share your opinion in the comments or on Twitter @AllSportsDACC !
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