ACC Pickoff

Since we have a Thursday night game in ACC country this week, I will do my picks a day early. Off to the races we go...

North Carolina at Rutgers

This has an interesting storyline as Butch Davis was once Greg Schiano's boss down at Miami. Both teams have something to prove, but I think homefield in Jersey is too much

Rutgers 24 UNC 17

23 California at Maryland

If the ACC ever needed a marquee top 25 win, this would be it. Home field at Byrd Stadium isn't what it used to be and Cal has too many offensive weapons. Is this the year Fridge gets the boot?

Cal 27 Maryland 20

Navy at Duke

You may see some offense in this one folks. Expect a heavy dose of the option and the ground game from Navy, and Thaddeus Lewis of Duke continues to have good numbers through the air. Duke may win more then 3 games this year. Write it down.

Duke 31 Navy 28

Clemson at NC State

Um, this one could get ugly, and quick. NC State has struggled on the offensive side of the ball, though their defense could be better then advertised. It better be, against the likes of Spiller and Davis. Thunder and Lightning strike. Often.

Clemson 48 NC State 14

Georgia Tech at Virginia Tech

This is definitely the ACC game of the week, with two Coastal division hopefuls vying for position in their division. For those of you who haven't seen Navy or Air Force play before, welcome to the triple option. LOTS of ground game from GT and hopefully from Tyrod and company as well. This is why we love college football - grind it out for 4 quarters, knock the other opponent off the ball, smash mouth, run game. I am uncertain of this pick, but Beamer is MAD this week. Just ask any of his coaches or players. I think it makes the difference.

Virginia Tech 17 Georgia Tech 14

Tennessee-Chattanooga at FSU

FSU flexed it's offensive muscle last week against Western Carolina, and I don't expect this one to be any different. Expect heavy doses of Christian Ponder and Richardson under center with lots of throwing and running. Last chance for a tune up before Wake comes calling.

FSU 55 Chattanooga 3

Virginia at Connecticut

Randy Edsall has done a masterful job coaching and recruiting for UConn since he arrived and they have surprised some teams. They are solid all over, and Virginia has way too many question marks. This is the ACC's last chance for an OOC win of the weekend, but it's Virginia. Sorry.

UConn 38 UVA 17

Have fun watching the games and GO HOKIES!!!!