ACC Football: Official Game Predictions for Week 12
In the ACC this weekend, there is only two games where the spread is under double digits. There can always be surprises, but this week could be less than exciting.
The division races are wrapped up and that might take some of the intrigue out of the games, but not entirely. Clemson and North Carolina are still clinging to hope of making it to the College Football Playoff and will be big favorites at home this weekend.
There are quite a few non-conference games on the slate as well this weekend. Florida State faces Louisiana, Boston College takes on Notre Dame, and Virginia Tech takes on Liberty.
Note: You can find my official prediction for Georgia Tech vs North Carolina right here
So who wins in the ACC this week?
Florida State (-24) vs Louisiana
Florida State has been on a roll for the last few weeks
The Seminoles are finished with ACC play and have two non-conference games to finish the season. FSU has been on a tear lately and is a heavy favorite against a team that has had a lot of success in the Sun Belt in recent seasons.
However, this Louisiana team is not like any of the previous years under Billy Napier. This team is 5-5 and has not lived up to the expectations it had before the season. I think Florida State is playing well right now and will be 8-3 heading into the rivalry game with Florida.
Final Score: Florida State 34, Louisiana 10
Virginia Tech at Liberty (-10)
It says a lot that Liberty just lost to UConn and is still a double-digit favorite over Virginia Tech. The Hokies played Duke tough for a while, but could not muster up any offense to seriously challenge the Blue Devils.
Liberty has another chance to not only beat a power five team but one that is in its own state. The Flames are hoping for a double-digit win season and they'll get one win closer on Saturday.
Final Score: Liberty 27, Virginia Tech 17
Duke at Pittsburgh (-7.5)
Can Duke beat Pittsburgh and reach 8-0?
Duke keeps winning games and is going to get a shot to reach eight wins in Mike Elko's first season if they can go on the road and beat a Pitt team that is coming off of a blowout win against Virginia.
I am a little surprised to see Pitt favored by a touchdown here, given how well Duke has played and considering that Pitt has struggled quite a bit throwing the ball and on offense in general at times. I see a close game playing out, but the Panther's defensive line will be the difference in this one.
Final Score: Pittsburgh 28, Duke 24
Boston College at Notre Dame (-21)
Boston College wide receiver Zay Flowers has been one of the most dynamic players in the country this season
The Eagles pulled the surprise of the weekend in the conference last week by beating NC State as a big underdog, but can they do it again this week against Notre Dame?
This could be a look-ahead spot for the Fighting Irish, who have a big rivalry game with USC next week and like NC State, the Notre Dame offense is not trustworthy. However, I think Boston College does not have enough outside of Zay Flowers on offense to win this game on the road and after last week's upset, Notre Dame won't be taking these guys lightly.
Final Score: Notre Dame 34, Boston College 13
Miami at Clemson (-19)
Miami is back in the win column after beating Georgia Tech last week, but that does not mean that everything is fixed. It is still up in the air who starts at quarterback for Miami and if it is again true freshman Jacurri Brown, this is going to be a tall task for the Hurricanes.
Clemson bounced back last week and won a convincing game against Louisville 31-16. I think its defensive line and running game will control the game against Miami and the Tigers finish the year 8-0 in ACC play.
Final Score: Clemson 38, Miami 17
NC State at Louisville (-4.5)
After losing last week to Boston College, NC State still finds itself ranked in the college football playoff rankings, but they are underdogs to unranked Louisville this weekend. For Louisville, it will all be about whether Malik Cunningham will be able to play or not. If he can't, moving the ball on this elite NC State defense will be tough.
I think NC State can win this game, but my confidence level is low. I bet Cunningham plays and the Cardinals bounce back from the Clemson loss.
Final Score: Louisville 24, NC State 17
Syracuse at Wake Forest (-10)
This is going to be the battle of two formerly ranked teams trying to stop losing streaks. Syracuse is coming off of a blowout loss to Florida State, while Wake had a close loss to North Carolina.
This game is truly unpredictable, but I think the Demon Deacons are healthier heading into Saturday. My bet is Sam Hartman snaps out of the funk that he has been in and gets Wake back on track.
Final Score: Wake Forest 35, Syracuse 24
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