JB TALKING SPORTZ — ACC PREVIEW & PREDICTIONS
The ACC’s two biggest brands, Miami and Clemson, have the weekend off, but the conference still offers several compelling matchups.
Florida State and Louisville should produce Friday-night fireworks. Undefeated Pitt must move forward without its starting quarterback, while Duke and Georgia Tech meet in a game that could be heavily affected by rain.
Here are my predictions.
Florida State at Louisville
This may be the most entertaining ACC game of the weekend.
Florida State appeared to find something offensively in its 38–7 victory over Virginia. Ashton Daniels accounted for five touchdowns and gave the Seminoles the dynamic quarterback play they had been missing.
Louisville can create explosive plays as well. Lincoln Kienholz is completing nearly 70 percent of his passes, and the Cardinals lead the country with eight touchdowns of at least 50 yards. The problem has been a defense that continues to surrender too many yards and points.
Florida State’s defense can be vulnerable, but its ability to pressure the quarterback could produce the deciding turnover.
Prediction: Florida State 38, Louisville 34
Upset Alert: Florida State
North Carolina at No. 25 Pitt
Pitt is undefeated, but losing quarterback Mason Heintschel to a season-ending knee injury changes this matchup considerably.
Veteran Holden Geriner will take over an offense that may become more conservative. North Carolina’s defensive front must attack him early and force Pitt into obvious passing situations.
The Tar Heels have an opportunity to steal this game, but Pitt is at home and still has the better overall team. I expect the Panthers to survive, but this will be much closer than it would have been with Heintschel.
Prediction: Pitt 24, North Carolina 20
Wake Forest at NC State
Wake Forest enters this rivalry playing excellent football. The Demon Deacons are 4–1 and just dismantled Stanford 57–3.
Gio Lopez gives Wake Forest the advantage at quarterback, and NC State could be missing multiple starters along its offensive line. That is a serious problem against a Wake defense capable of disrupting the backfield.
NC State will feed off the home crowd and keep it competitive, but Wake Forest is healthier and playing better football.
Prediction: Wake Forest 31, NC State 24
Duke at Georgia Tech
Duke may be the most overlooked team in the ACC.
The Blue Devils are undefeated, allowing only 11 points per game and coming off a bye week. Their defense should have an advantage against a Georgia Tech offense that has struggled to consistently finish drives.
Heavy rain could make this a physical, low-scoring game. That favors Duke’s defense and its ability to protect the football.
Georgia Tech may hang around into the second half, but Duke eventually takes control.
Prediction: Duke 24, Georgia Tech 13
Virginia Tech at California
This is a difficult travel situation for Virginia Tech, but the Hokies are still the more complete football team.
Virginia Tech is coming off a heartbreaking 35–33 loss to Pitt and must avoid carrying that disappointment across the country. California has also struggled to finish close games and has not generated enough offensive consistency.
The Hokies should be able to pressure Cal’s quarterback and create favorable field position. It may not be pretty, but Virginia Tech gets out of Berkeley with a win.
Prediction: Virginia Tech 27, California 20
Syracuse at Virginia
Virginia was overwhelmed by Florida State and allowed quarterback Ashton Daniels to account for five touchdowns. The Cavaliers must respond by controlling the football and keeping Syracuse’s young offense on the sideline.
Syracuse is 0–2 in ACC play and beginning its third consecutive road game. The Orange have struggled to start fast, protect the quarterback and finish drives with touchdowns.
Virginia quarterback Beau Pribula must protect the football, but his ability to create plays with his legs should give the Cavaliers the advantage.
Prediction: Virginia 28, Syracuse 17
Stanford at No. 3 Notre Dame
Stanford is coming off a 57–3 loss to Wake Forest. Now the Cardinal must visit an undefeated Notre Dame team that is playing at a championship level.
This is a complete mismatch. CJ Carr should have another productive afternoon, and Notre Dame’s defense will make it extremely difficult for Stanford to generate points.
The only question is how long Notre Dame keeps its starters on the field.
Prediction: Notre Dame 45, Stanford 7
JB’S ACC PICKS
Florida State over Louisville
Pitt over North Carolina
Wake Forest over NC State
Duke over Georgia Tech
Virginia Tech over California
Virginia over Syracuse
Notre Dame over Stanford
GAME OF THE WEEK: Florida State at Louisville
UPSET ALERT: Florida State over Louisville
MOST LIKELY BLOWOUT: Notre Dame over Stanford
PICK I FEEL BEST ABOUT: Duke over Georgia Tech
WEATHER GAME: Duke at Georgia Tech
