ACC Week 4 Predictions

After last week's monster non-conference showdowns, this week appears to be a little more tame for the ACC. Most teams are continuing or finishing up their non-conference games, but there are a couple divisional matchups that should provide for an entertaining game. Both could also play a big factor into the final conference standings in their respective divisions.

Gimme Games
Virginia Tech over Marshall

Upset Watch
Maryland over Temple
Duke over Tulane
Miami over Kansas State
Cincinnati over NC State

50/50 Games
Georgia Tech over UNC
FSU over Clemson
Southern Miss over UVA
UMass over Boston College

The only game on this list that should be a guarantee win (not counting the fact I'm writing this after the beatdown Cincy gave the Pack), is the Hokies over the Herd.

Maryland could probably be 2-0 right now if they didn't wait until late in the 3rd quarter to start their comeback against WVU last weekend. They're going to be a good team this year, but can't afford to start slow against ranked teams on their schedule.

Duke didn't really impress me too much last week in their first win, as Boston College lost it as much as Duke won. They have the chance now to take the momentum and get to .500 on the year after September. Boston College right now probably think they're cursed and afraid that no matter what they do they will find a way to lose. That isn't a good mindset to have against an inferior opponent who is feeling good about themselves right now.

Clemson and Florida State are right now playing for the early lead in the Atlantic Division, with the winner in a great position to go to Charlotte already up essentially two games over their likely closest opponent in the standings at the end of November. EJ Manuel might be the key to whether or not the Noles can rebound from last week's loss to #1. If he can't play, or is played sparingly, this could be the perfect opportunity for the Tigers to build on last weeks win. (As I will be in attendance for the game next week, and the Hokies need all the help they can get with SOS, I'm slightly pulling for Clemson in this one.)

Georgia Tech and UNC play in as equally important of a game, although the winner won't be the automatic favorite in their division. Both teams are undefeated, albeit against no real competition. GT however has looked far and away the most consistent and dangerous on offense out of the entire ACC so far. It will be fun to watch how they do against one of the strongest defenses in the league.

And I'm picking Southern Miss to upset UVA in Charlottesville. Don't think about it too hard, just go with it.

H-O-K-I-E-S HOKIES!!!

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