Week one in the ACC last week went about as smooth as the conference could have hoped. For the first time in awhile, the ACC beat every FCS team it played (not even the mighty SEC can say that) and finished the week 10-2. I too finished the week 10-2 in my picks so hopefully I can keep that momentum flowing into my predictions for this weekend.
There are some huge out of conference matchups this weekend as well as the first in conference game between the Devils and the Demon Deacons. Florida State will head out to Norman, Oklahoma to battle the Sooners while the Hurricanes of Miami head north to play Ohio State. If the ACC could win either one or both of those games, it would be a huge victory for the conference as a whole. Alright, with out any further delays let's dive into this week's matchups.
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Duke at Wake Forest – Sept. 11th – 12 p.m.
Last Meeting: (2009) Duke L 45-34
Location: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Why Duke Should Win:
In his first college start last weekend, Sean Renfree threw for 350 yards and two touchdowns. Not bad for a sophomore who was making his first career start. If Renfree can duplicate that again this weekend then Duke should be able to win this game in a shootout fashion.
Why Wake Forest Should Win:
Duke has come a long way under Coach David Cutcliffe but Wake Forest will still be the better team when these two take the field on Saturday. The Demon Deacons are a lot stronger on defense than Duke and should be able to hold Renfree in check. If Ted Stachitas can have another solid game then expect Wake Forest to win this one.
Prediction: Duke – 34, Wake Forest - 31
Georgia Tech at Kansas – Sept. 11th – 12 p.m.
Last Meeting: Not Recently
Location: Lawrence, Kansas
Why Georgia Tech Should Win:
The Jackets have the premiere rushing attack in the nation with Josh Nesbitt leading the way at QB and Roddy Jones at running back. GT racked up over 350 rushing yards last week and with Kansas in rebuilding mode, expect a similar amount of yards in this game.
Why Kansas Should Win:
Turner Gill could really redeem himself with a win after losing to North Dakota State last week. Expect Kansas to be jacked up for this game but if they can’t play disciplined on defense, this one will likely get ugly fast.
Prediction: Georgia Tech 34, Kansas - 10
Virginia Tech vs. James Madison – Sept. 11th – 1:30 p.m.
Last Meeting: 1999 VT W 47-0
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Why Virginia Tech Should Win:
After a tough loss against Boise State, the Hokies will likely look at this game as a chance to redeem themselves. I’m sure the coaches would love nothing more to jump out to a huge lead early on so they can allow Logan Thomas to get some snaps at QB. As long as Tech just doesn’t tank it, they will win this game.
Why JMU Should Win:
When you’re playing an in-state D1 program, you always tend to play a bit above yourself. With JMU being a solid defensive team with a chance to be special on offense, JMU could definitely give VT some trouble early on.
Prediction: VT – 45, JMU - 13
Florida State at Oklahoma – Sept. 11th – 3:30 p.m.
Last Meeting: Not Recently
Location: Norman, Oklahoma
Why Florida State Should Win:
The FSU offense was sloppy in their first game under new head coach Jimbo Fisher but I would expect the O to sharpen up in game two. With Oklahoma looking less than impressive at home against Utah State, this is shaping up to be a huge win for the ACC this weekend.
Why Oklahoma Should Win:
Landry Jones had a terrible game on Saturday, throwing three interceptions against below average competition. However, I’m willing to chalk it up to first game jitters and it’s hard to believe that this offense will struggle against an average Florida State defense. With this game being at home, the Sooners have a great shot at beating one of the better teams in the ACC.
Prediction: FSU – 37, Oklahoma - 30
Boston College vs. Kent State – Sept. 11th – 3:30 p.m.
Last Meeting: (2009) BC W 34-7
Location: Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
Why Boston College Should Win:
The Eagles were less than impressive last week against Weber State but the good news is that Kent State isn’t that much better of a team. As long as Boston College doesn’t turn the ball over, they should win this one going away. The key to this game will be getting Montel Harris going.
Why Kent State Should Win:
The Golden Flashes got off to a fast start last week with a 41-10 win over Murray State however, playing BC in week two will be a completely different animal. If sophomore QB Spencer Keith can have a solid game, I think Kent State could hang around for a while but I just don’t see them pulling off the upset. The Eagles should be able to move the ball although its hard to deny Kent State holding Murray State to (-65) yards of rushing last week.
Prediction: Boston College – 27, Kent State - 10
Clemson vs. Presbyterian – Sept. 11th – 3:30 p.m.
Last Meeting: Not Recently
Location: Clemson, South Carolina
Why Clemson Should Win:
Wake Forest dominated Presbyterian on Thursday so I have a hard time believing that the Tigers will struggle much in this affair. With a big win over North Texas last week, as long as Parker takes care of the ball this one should be a blowout.
Why Presbyterian Should Win:
I think if Presbyterian can just find a way to hang around they might have a chance in this one but the Tigers are just too talented. After week one it’s hard to call anything a sure thing but this one is pretty close to being just that.
Prediction: Clemson – 52, Presbyterian - 7
Miami at Ohio State – Sept. 11th – 3:40 p.m.
Last Meeting: (2002) Miami L 31-24 2OT (National Championship game)
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Why Miami Should Win:
The Hurricanes played a near perfect game against Florida A&M this past weekend but going into Columbus will be a whole different animal. If Jacory Harris plays to his capability and Miami can slow down Terrell Pryor than the Canes should be able to emerge victorious in the game of the week in the ACC.
Why Ohio State Should Win:
With the home crowd on their side, the Ohio State defense should be able to limit the Hurricanes offense and make it hard on Harris to get in a rhythm. Harris and this Miami defense tends to struggle away from Miami so expect that to stay true on Saturday. Ohio State should be able to win this one by more than a touchdown.
Prediction: Miami – 20, Ohio State - 30
Maryland vs. Morgan State – Sept. 11th – 6:00 p.m.
Last Meeting: Not Recently
Location: College Park, Maryland
Why Maryland Should Win:
Who predicted that Maryland would beat Navy? Nobody, well ok then. The Terps played well enough on both sides of the ball last week to head into week two with some confidence. With Morgan State being borderline terrible, the Terps should win this game.
Why Morgan State Should Win:
Although I wouldn’t put anything past the Maryland Terrapins, I just don’t see how they could lose to Morgan State. The Bears don’t have much of an offense or defense, which should allow for Maryland to actually run up the score on somebody this season.
Prediction: Maryland – 48, Morgan State - 6
NC State at UCF – Sept. 11th – 7:30 p.m.
Last Meeting: (2007) NC State L 25-23
Location: Orlando, Florida
Why NC State Should Win:
Quarterback Russell Wilson threw for 306 yards and four touchdowns against Western Carolina on Saturday. With VA native already firing on all cylinders, it may be tough for UCF to slow down this Wolfpack offense on Saturday. As long as this NC State defense rises to the challenge, I would expect a win here despite this being a road game.
Why UCF Should Win:
How often do you get an ACC caliber team to come play in your backyard? UCF dominated South Dakota in week one and will look for that momentum to carry over to week two. If quarterback Rob Calabrese articulates another solid performance, then the Golden Knights could emerge victorious on Saturday night.
Prediction: NC State – 34, UCF - 17
Virginia at Southern Cal – Sept 11th – 10:30 p.m.
Last Meeting: (2008) UVA L 52-7
Location: Los Angeles - California
Why Virginia Should Win:
Obviously, USC didn’t look very impressive against Hawaii last Thursday so if London can get his team to execute, the Cavs could pull off the monumental upset. However, UVA will need to establish their running attack and find a way to cool off Matt Barkley who should be able to pick apart this UVA pass defense.
Why USC Should Win:
Let’s not kid ourselves, even with the scholarship reductions USC is still the more talented team and this game is played at home. As long as the offense continues to score points, USC will win this game.
Prediction: USC – 31, UVA - 28
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
It will not be 31-28 for that UVA game lol.
JC, smh, it’s probably gong to be 40-3 (remember, Lane Kiffin goes for the 2 point conversion regardless of the score).
I’m going to give UVA some props here and say that London does a good job slowing USC down. Ras-I Dowling should play this weekend and that will help but I hope you’re right. Would love to see another 52-7 beatdown like in 2008. But after the Hawaii game, I dunno what the think about USC. I think this game should be very telling of where both teams are at right now.
Seriously, I think it will be closer than I said, but I still say that Lane will be a bad sport and go for the two-point conversion regardless of score.