ACC Football: Week two predictions for every ACC game
The ACC could not have hoped for a better week one of the 2023 season.
The ACC's top programs took on teams from the SEC and came away with victories in two of the biggest games of the season. Florida State pummeled LSU on national TV and North Carolina's defense looked like a much-improved unit from last year, totaling nine sacks against South Carolina.
It was a decent week for the picks. I was wrong on Florida State vs. LSU and I picked Boston College to beat Northern Illinois and Clemson to beat Duke, but it was a 9-3 week overall.
So what is in store for the conference in week two? Let's pick every ACC game in week two.
Note: A preview and prediction for Georgia Tech vs South Carolina State will be coming later this week.
Thursday, Sept. 7th
1. Louisville vs. Murray State (7:30 p.m. ACC Network)
Louisville scored a big comeback win over Georgia Tech in week one and will follow that up with a blowout win over Murray State.
Final score: Louisville 52, Murray State 7
Saturday, Sept. 9th
Florida State scored a big win in week one
2. Wake Forest (-10.5) vs. Vanderbilt (11:00 A.M. ACC Network)
Wake Forest is looking for another victory over Vanderbilt and a 2-0 start to the season. The Demon Deacons offense looked fine in their week one win over Elon, but the defense could be tested vs Vanderbilt. Wide receiver Jahmal Banks has a big game and Wake starts 2-0.
Final Score: Wake Forest 38, Vanderbilt 24
3. NC State vs. Notre Dame (-7.5) (12:00 p.m. ABC)
This is one of the biggest games of the week in the ACC. Notre Dame comes in 2-0 and looks very good so far, although it has been against weak competition. NC State started slowly against UConn last week, but Dave Doeren's team found a way to get a win on the road to start the year.
The game is in Raleigh, which is a tough place to play and I think that is what might make things tough for Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish will be tested by this NC State defense, but I think this new-look Notre Dame offense and Sam Hartman will get a closer-than-expected win.
Final Score: Notre Dame 27, NC State 21
4. Virginia Tech (-3.5) vs. Purdue (12:00 p.m. ESPN2)
Virginia Tech started slow on Saturday night but got a pretty good win over Old Dominion, who has gotten the better of them in recent years. Purdue lost their season opener against Fresno State and the defense looked very shaky. I am not sure if I trust the Virginia Tech offense all the way, but the game is at home and Purdue looked bad enough on that side of the ball where I would feel comfortable picking a Virginia Tech win.
Final Score: Virginia Tech 24, Purdue 20
5. Boston College vs. Holy Cross (12:00 p.m. ACC Network Extra)
Boston College suffered an embarrassing loss in the opener to Northern Illinois and the hot seat is turning up on Jeff Hafley. Fortunately for the Eagles, they get Holy Cross at home this week in what should be a breezy victory.
Final Score: Boston College 38, Holy Cross 10
6. Virginia vs. James Madison (-7.5) (12:00 p.m. ESPNU)
Yes, you read that right. James Madison is a favorite on the road against Virginia this week. It was a tough first game for the Cavaliers, having to play Tennessee in Nashville, and the team did not look very good, especially on offense. This is going to be a huge game and one they do not want to lose, but it is hard to have faith they have the firepower to pull this off. James Madison is going to be ready to take on the Power Five program in the state and get a big win for their program. Saturday will also mark the first home game for UVA since the tragedy last season and I do think that will have them plenty motivated, but I don't think it will matter in the end.
Final Score: James Madison 30, UVA 23
7. Clemson vs. Charleston Southern (2:15 p.m. ACC Network)
The Tiger's offense needs to get right and in a hurry if they want to win the ACC Championship. They will be fine this week, but long term is uncertain.
Final Score: Clemson 45, Charleston Southern 7
8. Miami vs. Texas A&M (-4) (3:30 p.m. ABC)
This is another marquee game where the ACC could get a win against the SEC and one of its most talented teams. While both teams were massive disappointments in 2022, they looked much improved in week one, although it was against weak competition.
The matchup to watch will be Texas A&M's offense vs. Miami's defense. The Hurricanes suffocated Miami (OH) last week, while the Aggie's much-maligned offense looked solid in the first game with Bobby Petrino calling plays. The wide receivers for Texas A&M vs. the Miami secondary will be the position matchup to watch.
In the end, I think the more talented team finds a way to win and I think it is Texas A&M.
Final Score: Texas A&M 20, Miami 17
9. Syracuse (-23.5) vs. Western Michigan (3:30 p.m. ACC Network Extra)
Syracuse made it look easy on Saturday vs. Colgate and I think they will do the same on Saturday vs. Western Michigan. The offense for the Orange looked sharp last week and I think they continue that on Saturday.
Final Score: Syracuse 45, Western Michigan 20
10. North Carolina (-18.5) vs. App State (5:00 p.m. ACC Network)
North Carolina had a great performance against South Carolina in week one, but they can't afford to get complacent in week two with App State coming to town. This was one of the best games of the 2022 season, but I don't think App State will have a repeat performance. They will have the full attention of North Carolina and the Tar Heels get the win.
Final Score: North Carolina 35, App State 17
11. Duke vs. Lafayette (6:00 p.m. ACC Network Extra)
Duke was one of the most impressive teams in the ACC in week one and they will get a dominant victory this weekend.
Final Score: Duke 48, Lafayette 10
12. Pittsburgh (-7.5) vs Cincinnati (6:30 C.W. Network)
Pitt looked solid against Wofford in their season opener, but the Bearcats also had a convincing victory. I think this game could be closer than some think, but I have a hard time seeing Pitt lose at home to Cincinnati.
Final Score: Pitt 27, Cincinnati 21
13. Florida State (-30.5) vs. Southern Miss (8:30 p.m. ACC Network)
Florida State looked every bit like the best team in the ACC last week and looked like a national title contender. The Seminoles just need to avoid a letdown this week against Southern Miss.
Final Score: Florida State 52, Southern Miss 20
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