Hello, @HereGoJayAgain with the Week 14 installment of ACC football predictions. Well Week 13 was a dud. Duke lost to UNC after being in the proverbial driver’s seat of the Coastal Division, Virginia Tech lost to Wake Forest in double overtime 6-3, and Virginia upset Miami in convincing fashion to keep their bowl hopes alive. With this week being ACC-SEC Rivalry Week for many teams, these games will see many teams’ best efforts, especially in the Virginia/Virginia Tech annual Commonwealth Cup game.
Last week predictions were 4-3, putting our overall record at 23-12 for the season.
Virginia (5-6, 3-4 ACC) @ Virginia Tech (5-6, 2-5 ACC)
Friday Night Lights makes a surprise appearance in Blacksburg in an 8pm match up with bowl eligibility and the Commonwealth Cup on the line. The Hokies, however, have held the Commonwealth Cup for 3,650 days and counting, will the count stop on Friday?
I think so. The Hokies haven’t won a conference game at home all season. The Cavaliers snapped a 4-game losing streak in the conference last week, while the Hokies lost to probably the conference’s worst team in Wake Forest. While the Hokies have won the last ten meetings against the Cavaliers, last week saw one team overcome adversity while the other fell apart. There could be mayhem in Blacksburg on Friday night, look out.
Prediction: UVA 17 – VA Tech 14
South Carolina (6-5, 3-5 SEC) @ #21 Clemson (8-3, 6-2 ACC)
The ACC-SEC rivalry kicks off with the Gamecocks visiting Death Valley and the Clemson Tigers. Whether the Tigers win or lose falls solely on the status of freshman quarterback Deshaun Watson. Their offense is a totally different beast when Watson is on the field and if he plays, look for Clemson to win handily. If not, it’s the SEC defeating the ACC in what looks like an easy win for Clemson on paper.
Prediction: Clemson 35 – S. Carolina 30
#16 Georgia Tech (9-2, 6-2 ACC) @ #9 Georgia (9-2, 6-2 SEC)
Two teams looking to make noise in their Conference Championship games meet for bragging rights in the state of Georgia. While the Bulldogs have won 38 of the last 50 meetings between the two teams, it has to be last year’s 41-34 double overtime defeat that’s still fresh on the Yellow Jackets.
The Yellow Jackets have the fourth best running attack in the NCAA (327.9 yards). Behind that Triple Option offense, Paul Johnson has to have upset on his mind.
On the other hand, the Bulldogs have won 12 of 13 meetings between Georgia Tech under head coach Mark Richt. Georgia’s defense may have the blueprint to stop the Triple Option this game.
Prediction: Georgia 40 – Ga Tech 30
Kentucky (5-6, 2-6 SEC) @ #22 Louisville (8-3, 5-3 ACC)
Louisville has been a great addition to the ACC, especially in football with the 9th ranked defense in total yards (290.2). Last week, the Cardinal upset Notre Dame in their first ever visit to South Bend 31-28. Behind freshman quarterback Reggie Bonnafon, the Cardinal also seemed to have found their offense.
Behind a nation best 23 interceptions, look for the Cardinal to make quick work of the Wildcats. This isn’t basketball after all.
Prediction: Louisville 35 – Kentucky 20
Syracuse (3-8, 1-6 ACC) @ Boston College (6-5, 3-4 ACC)
The Orange have lost their last four games. Boston College lost a close one on the road at Florida State. With Boston College looking for a final home victory for their seniors, look for the Eagles to pour it on early with their run game.
The Eagles are bowl eligible looking to go out with a bang, while Syracuse is just looking to get to next season.
Prediction: BC 31 –Syracuse 14
NC State (6-5, 2-5 ACC) @ North Carolina (6-5, 4-3 ACC)
Tobacco Road rivals meet after North Carolina defeated Duke rather convincingly at home last week 45-20. The Wolfpack, while they’ve been loud to the media, they may not have much to offer the Tar Heels.
Quarterback Marquise Williams was stellar last week in his performance against the Blue Devils scoring 3 times, once throwing a pass and twice on the ground. Expect Williams to lead the Tar Heels to victory no matter how many hits he takes this week.
Prediction: North Carolina 28 – NC State 10
Florida (6-4, 4-4 SEC) @ #3 Florida State (11-0, 8-0 ACC)
Whether its an ugly win or a blowout, Florida State knows how to win. While “game control” has been an added verbiage to describe how teams are winning and losing, it seems that the final result being the outcome has become lost on some people. With Will Muschamp on his way out, look for Florida State to make a statement here.
With senior Nick O’Leary at tight end, look for Jameis Winston to get him going early in order to send him out with a bang. It won’t be pretty, but Florida State wins.
Prediction: Florida St 35 – Florida 27
Wake Forest (3-8, 1-6 ACC) @ Duke (8-3, 4-3 ACC)
Duke was in control on their own destiny not too long ago on the road to their for Coastal Division title. After losing two weeks in a row, they look to finish on a high note against Wake Forest, who got their first ACC win of the season last week against the Hokies.
The Blue Devils have turned the ball over six times in their last two games, something they’ve limited early on in the season. If they can get back to playing offense with balance, look for them to bounce back against Wake Forest.
Prediction: Duke 28 – Wake Forest 9
Pittsburgh (5-6, 3-4 ACC) @ Miami (6-5, 3-4 ACC)
After losing to UVA last week, one has to wonder which Miami team shows up this week. Pittsburgh is playing for bowl eligibility so they may not take this game lightly.
Miami is looking to finish strong after dropping their last two games, especially one against Florida State in which they led. The Panthers need that elusive sixth victory to become bowl eligible but that won’t happen on Miami’s senior day. Miami’s Duke Johnson should go out on top here, ending what has been a career season for him.
Prediction: Miami 24 – Pittsburgh 21
What are your thoughts? Feel free to share your opinion in the comments or on Twitter @AllSportsDACC !
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