Week 5 in the ACC: Picks

Mostly conference games this week, and it'll be that way for the rest of the season (until, obviously, bowl season).

Clemson (-13) at Maryland

Clemson may not have gotten a signature win last week, but they'll probably get a conference win this week. Maryland has not shown any indication that they are a competitive team. That's a big spread, so I don't know if Clemson will cover it, but I'm pretty confident that they'll win anyway. Pick: Clemson

#6 Virginia Tech (-17) at Duke

Another big spread, and Duke is not as bad as Maryland, but Virginia Tech is the best team in the conference. This sounds like an entertaining basketball matchup, but not football.  I'd be surprised if the Blue Devils made a game of this.  Pick: Virginia Tech

Virginia at North Carolina (-13.5)

ANOTHER big spread, and another game where I might be inclined to give the points if I were a betting man. North Carolina is now unranked, but there's no worse team in the conference than the Cavaliers. I doubt they'll be any match for the Heels. Pick: North Carolina

Florida State (-4) at Boston College

Coming on Friday




North Carolina State at Wake Forest (-1)

This is a difficult game to pick, as both of these teams are pretty close in terms of strength. NC State is better in terms of quarterback play (Wilson 12-0 touchdowns to picks, Skinner 8-5). The Wolfpack's defense is amongst the best-rated in the country at the moment as well, so on those two factors, I will go with the underdog. Pick: NC State

#25 Georgia Tech (-6) at Mississippi State

I don't feel as though I have a great read on either one of these teams right now. Both the Jackets and Bulldogs are statistically similar, but I think Georgia Tech's offense, particularly in the running game, is a little better. Tough call. Pick: Georgia Tech

#8 Oklahoma (-7.5) at #17 Miami

Whether or not Sam Bradford plays is key, but statistically, Oklahoma still has one of the best offenses AND defenses in the country. Miami has had a brutal early schedule and they're still reeling from getting pounded in Blacksburg. They're going to have an energetic crowd but I think the Crimson and Cream will overpower them. Pick: Oklahoma