Week 3: ACC Schedule and Predictions

Georgia Tech at Miami - Thursday, 7:45 pm EST

The Canes struggled to stop the option-offense last season as they lost 41-23 in Atlanta. However, they get Paul Johnson's squad at home this year and are looking to prove that they can win the Coastal Division. Georgia Tech has struggled to beat both of their opponents this year (Jacksonville State and Clemson) so I would expect a close game. However, with the Miami style of defense, I just think Georgia Tech will have too many big plays and should role the Canes by a touchdown or two.

Prediction: Georgia Tech - 38, Miami - 24

Duke at Kansas - Saturday, 12:00 pm EST

Todd Reesing had two scholarships coming out of high school, one from Duke and one from Kansas. Now in his senior season, Todd will get to show the Duke program what they missed out on four years ago. The Blue Devils are 1-1 heading into this road game with a win over Army and a loss to Richmond. Also, Duke has lost 36 straight games on the road against ranked opponents. So, logic says take Kansas here but I think Duke could put up a fight for the first half or so.

Prediction: Duke - 13, Kansas - 52

East Carolina at North Carolina - Saturday 12:00 pm EST

Sadly, this matchup could feature the two best teams in the state of North Caroina. UNC has struggled offensively in both of their first two games but thanks to a late safety against UCONN, they remain unbeaten so far in the 2009 season. ECU is in the same boat as they lost a hard fought game to West Virginia last week and almost lost to Appalachian State in week one. This is a big game for both teams as UNC would like to stay unbeaten heading into a showdown with the Yellow Jackets next weekend. ECU needs to build some confidence in the fact that they are capable of actually beating a division one opponent, something they did very well last season. This wil be a close football game but I'll go with the home team in this one.

Prediction: ECU - 20, UNC - 24

Boston College at Clemson - Saturday 12:00 pm EST

With Florida State falling to Miami in week one, the Atlantic division race is wide open. Clemson lost to Georgia Tech last week but with a win this weekend against the Eagles, they could be right back in the mix. Boston College suffered a tragic offseason but they have played very well in their first two games of the season, even though both were against lower tier opponents. Clemson is hard team to pick especially since they seem to disappear in big games, but they were my sleeper pick to win the Atlantic division this year and I'm sticking with them.

Prediction: Boston College - 13, Clemson - 17

Mid Tennessee State at Maryland - Saturday 3:30 pm EST

Revenge games are normally fun to watch and Maryland fans are hoping that remains true as Middle Tennessee State travels to College Park to take on the Terrapins. The Terps have been pretty bad so far this year, they got walloped by the Golden Bears in week one then won by a field goal in week two against JMU. This game could be a confidence builder for Maryland or it could be one that ruins the season for this team. However, I always like picking the team that has revenge on their minds, so I'll go with Maryland even though I'm not real confident on this one.

Prediction: MTSU - 20, UMD - 31

Virginia at Southern Miss - Saturday, 3:30 EST

If UVA is going to win a game this season, this may be one of their better opportunities even though they have to travel to Southern Miss. So. Miss is 2-0 with wins at home over Alcorn State and Central Florida. Neither one of those is a great win but they clearly have a better resume right now then UVA. The Cavs head into this game just looking for something positive to happen. Vic Hall is listed as questionable so with just Sewell and Verica behind center, this could be another long day for the Wahoo people.

Prediction - UVA - 10, USM - 38

Nebraska at Virginia Tech - Saturday, 3:30 EST

Another revenge game from last season as the Huskers head to Lane Stadium to take on the Hokies of Virginia Tech. Tech marched into Lincoln last year and walked away with a stunning victory, thanks in part to Dustin Keys who went 4 for 4 on field goals in that game. This years Nebraska team is a bit younger but every bit as talented as the team that the Hokies faced last season. However, Nebraska will need to find an answer to the Hokies fountain of youth at tailback. This should be the marquee game of the week in the ACC and if you're headed to Blacksburg, expect a close one.

Prediction: Nebraska - 23, Virginia Tech - 30

Gardner-Webb at NC State - Saturday, 6:00 pm EST

NC State struggled against an SEC defense in week one but exploded for 65 points in week two against Coach Beamer's old stomping grounds in Murray State. Against another FCS foe, expect the Wolfpack the light up the scoreboard again and walk away with another easy victory.

Prediction: G-Webb - 0, NC State - 63

Elon at Wake Forest - Saturday, 6:30 pm EST

Wake Forest has played two tough teams in the first two weeks of the season (Baylor and Stanford), but this week they'll finally get a bit of a break. Wake Forest has the better athletes and should be able to control this game fairly easily. With Wake's brand of football, I wouldn't be too surprised to see this one stay close for a while but the Demon Deacons should be able to ride off into the sunset in the 2nd half.

Prediction: Elon - 10, Wake Forest - 45

Florida State at BYU - Saturday 7:00 pm EST

What do you make of Florida State? They play stride for stride with Miami then lost on a last second play. Then in week two they almost lose to Jacksonville State. Something tells me that this weeks game may be a bit more about pride then actually winning the game. BYU is 2-0, coming off two impressive victories against Oklahoma and Tulane. I think FSU should be able to play with BYU in this one but I have a hard time picking the Noles here.

Prediction: Florida State - 17, BYU - 30