ACC Game Predictions: Week 1

Yes… It is that time folks.  To get you ready for the kickoffs tonight and this weekend, here are the ACC locks for the week.

Wake Forrest vs Presbyterian: This is a cake walk for Wake, as Presbyterian went 0-11 last season.  Yes, they didn’t win a single game even against lower Football Championship Series teams.  Wake Forrest is far from a great team, hell they might not even be a good team, but this game should be scary.  The line is 44.5, a line usually reserved for the Floridas and Oklahomas of the world, and is enticing to take the dog and points.  I would really suggest to stay away from the line on this game, and put your action somewhere else.  Wake 41- Presbyterian 9

Miami vs Florida A&M:  Another ACC vs FCS game.  This game features much better teams, as Miami has as much talent as almost any team in the country.  Florida A&M has talent as well, and could go deep in the FCS football playoffs (yes I said football playoffs, even the NCAA JV teams have it right).   The line is 40, again a pretty tough line.  It is hard to beat anyone by 40 points.  Again I would stay away from the line, as Miami is very inconsistent, and you never really know what you will get from them.  Miami 52-Florida A&M 20

Clemson vs North Texas:  Clemson has too many play makers on defense for this game to be close.  I would not be surprised to see a shutout here.  Clemson could struggle replacing CJ Spiller’s explosiveness, but with the line only 24.5, they should score more then enough to cover thanks to that defense.  Clemson 38- North Texas 10

North Carolina at LSU:  This game was going to be one of the highlights of the opening weekend, but now it will be a laugher.  UNC has 16 players suspended, including some of their defensive superstars.   The line is only 6.5.  Take LSU to cover and do it quickly, before increased action pushes the spread higher.  LSU 34 – UNC 17

Maryland at Navy:  Maryland will have it’s hands full with Navy and a ton of other teams this season.  If the old line holds true, “Home field advantage is worth a field goal,” then this line is very enticing.  Navy can score in bunches, and the Maryland defense shouldn’t slow them down too much.  Navy has trouble stopping opponents, but Maryland doesn’t have the kind of explosive offense that gives Navy trouble.  Navy is favored by 6, I say bet Navy to cover and laugh your way to the bank.  Navy 45 – Maryland 34

Florida State vs Samford: There is no line on this game… That should tell you everything you need to know.  Florida State 55- Samford 10

Virginia vs Richmond:  Richmond is looking to knock off an ACC team for the second year in a row.  I would not put it past them.  If Virginia comes out flat and struggles, they don’t have the talent to run away with this game.  I am going to go with the upset here.  Richmond 28- Virginia 24

Duke vs Elon:  Elon sounds like it is a crayon in a 256 pack.  But it turns out Elon football is no joke, Elon is a good FCS team.  Duke is an improving team with offensive playmakers on the outside. I don’t see this game being close.  Duke 38 – Elon 17

Georgia Tech vs South Carolina State:  Joshua Nesbitt and his triple option attack will run wild.  They would run wild over South Carolina, and the school they play is named State.  Georgia Tech 42 – South Carolina State 9

Boston College vs Weber State:  March madness gurus might know the name Weber State, unfortunately this is football.  The biggest storyline might be Mark Herzlich making his triumphant return to the gridiron after a long battle with the cancer.  Boston College 38 – Weber State 3

North Carolina State vs Western Carolina:  North Carolina State will struggle in ACC play this year, but this isn’t ACC play.  NC State 42 – Western Carolina 13

And the BIG GAME

Virginia Tech vs Boise State:  What a game.  Virginia Tech has the best backfield in the country, Boise State has a Heisman front runner at QB.  These teams have different styles and will make a great game to watch.  VT is favored by 2 points, and FedEx Field will be rocking (more or less a home game for Virginia Tech).   I expect the Boise offense to struggle early, and surge late in the game.  But Virginia Tech will wear down Bosie State’s defense with their superior running game.

Virginia Tech 31 – Boise State 27

Now go get your money up!