2010 ACC Fearless Predictions
Week 2 ... Sept. 11 Games
ACC
Atlantic
Boston Coll |
Clemson
| Florida
St
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Maryland
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NC St
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Wake Forest
Coastal
Duke |
Georgia
Tech |
Miami
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North
Carolina |
Virginia
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Virginia
Tech
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More College Football Picks (and NFL, too)
Fearless Predictions
- Sept.
11, Part 2 (FSU at OU)
-
Sept. 4
|
Sept. 4, Part 2
GAME OF THE WEEK
Miami (1-0) at Ohio State (1-0) Sept. 11, Sept. 11, ESPN
Here’s The Deal … The last time these two mega-powers took the field, they played, arguably, the greatest college football game of all-time (or at least one that belongs in the team photo). After Ken Dorsey’s last gasp pass failed to connect and Ohio State pulled out the 2002 national championship with a 31-24 Fiesta Bowl win, the programs went in different directions and now each is using this game as a shot to make a huge statement in the BCS Championship race.
Ohio State hasn’t won another title since its big night in Tempe, but over the last seven years it has played in two national title games and six BCS games. A clunker, at this point, is an 8-4 2004 campaign with double-digit win seasons and Big Ten titles the norm rather than the exception. This year, head coach Jim Tressel has a good, sound team that might not be anywhere near his most talented, but it’s full of strong veterans and has a superstar under center who’s just now entering his prime. If the Rose Bowl was Terrelle Pryor’s official coming out party as a next-level performer, then this might be the game where he starts to truly carve out himself as a potential legend.
Miami hardly hit the skids after losing to the Buckeyes, winning 29 games over the following three seasons, but it hit a stretch of mediocrity after joining the ACC with a losing 2007 campaign, just one bowl win since 2004 (and that being the mighty MPC Computers Bowl), and an 0-for-6 run on playing in ACC title games. After a strong 9-4 2009, and with head coach Randy Shannon stockpiling talent, the belief is that the program is ready to run again before it can walk. Forget about just winning the ACC title, Miami expects national championships, and winning in Columbus would show that the program is ready to take that next step forward. However, there’s a very, very long journey ahead.
Even if the Canes beat the Buckeyes, they can’t take a break with road games at Pitt and Clemson to follow and the date with Florida State once it’s finally back to home. For OSU, a win over the Canes means a 4-0 start with Ohio and Eastern Michigan to follow, and it would take something special to prevent 6-0 with at Illinois and Indiana to follow before the showdown at Wisconsin.
Why Miami Might Win: Terrelle, get ready to get hit. Pryor is fantastic on the move and he has quickly become a better decision maker. He’s doing a better job of keeping his eyes down the field to find his targets rather than look short before taking off. This week, he’ll have to make his adjustments and his reads well before the snap against a defensive front that should be in the backfield all game long. OSU has a good offensive line, but not an elite one, and Miami should come up with a handful of sacks. The Buckeye line is wee bit better than Florida A&M’s, but it could have a nightmare of a time with the pressure applied from a defensive front that came up with eight sacks and 14 tackles for loss last week. If Marshall could get three sacks last week, the Miami could come up with six unless the Buckeyes go ultra-conservative.
Why Ohio State Might Win: Miami might run for under 50 yards. The O line is Miami’s biggest issue with a hodge-podge mix of players that form a decent, but underwhelming front five. Pass protection is going to be a problem, and getting physical in any way against Cameron Heyward and the Buckeye defensive front is going to be a big issue. If Jacory Harris and the Miami passing game isn’t clicking early, it’s going to be a long afternoon, and if the turnover problems of the past rise up, it’s going to be a long, long, afternoon. Even though the OSU offense might not have been as conservative as it was in the past, this is still a Tressel coached team and it’s still going to be stingy with the ball. Miami needs to be +2 in turnover margin to win, and it’s going to have a hard time doing that.
What To Watch Out For: Ohio State was up 35-7 against Marshall and was coasting to an easy win. Did the offense go into a shell to keep running the ball to go conservative? Not this year. Early in the second half, OSU went on a seven play, 42-yard drive with Pryor throwing it four times including an 11-yarder to DeVier Posey for a score. The coaching staff trusts Pryor a bit more this year and it’s letting him do more things with the passing attack. Opening it up a little bit will be a must in a game against an athletic Miami team that can tee off against the run if the Buckeyes come out vanilla, and Pryor’s improved passing skills should keep the Cane defense on its heels. However, Miami has the offensive talent to keep up in any sort of a shootout. The receivers are fast and talented, and Harris is a veteran who usually rises up to the biggest occasions. The pressure is all on Pryor and OSU, so don’t be shocked if Harris and the Canes play loose, relaxed, and really, really fast.
What Will Happen: Pryor is going to be okay, but not great. He’ll be just good enough to come up with a few big plays to keep the offense moving, but this game will be on the Ohio State defensive front that stuffs the run throughout and forces Harris to press too much. Harris will make this interesting, but he’ll also throw three picks to kill any sort of an upset bid.
CFN Prediction: Ohio State 27 … Miami 20 … Line: Ohio State -9.5
Must See Rating: Boardwalk Empire – 5 … Going the Distance - 1 … 5
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Georgia Tech (1-0) at Kansas (0-1) Sept. 11, 12:00 ET, Fox Sports Net
Here’s The Deal … Georgia Tech makes a rare trip to the Great Plains to face a Big 12 team for the first time since 1993. It’s also just the second meeting between these two schools, which last met in the 1948 Orange Bowl. Yet, with the Yellow Jackets bringing the option to face a Turner Gill-led team, there’ll be something oddly familiar about the match up. Tech began its quest for back-to-back ACC championships by easily disposing of South Carolina State, 41-10. The running game was predictably potent, piling up 372 yards, but there are question marks on both sides of the ball that have yet to be answered. Kansas was one of the biggest flops of the opening weekend, stumbling to North Dakota State, 6-3. It was hardly the debut anyone anticipated for Gill, indicating he might need more time than originally believed to turn this program around.
Why Georgia Tech Might Win: It’s only a week into the season, but the two offenses are already on completely opposite spectrums. The Yellow Jackets harbor veteran QB Joshua Nesbitt, the point guard of an offense that’ll wear defenses down with the running game. He has no shortage of available weapons, headed by complimentary backs Anthony Allen and Roddy Jones. Kansas, on the other hand, failed to reach the end zone on an FCS opponent. The Jayhawks were sloppy with the ball, brutal on third down, and unable to create space for the backs. And after Kale Pick was yanked late in favor of redshirt freshman Jordan Webb, there might also be a quarterback controversy brewing.
Why Kansas Might Win: Lost in the debacle of the opening weekend was the play of the defense, the fewest allowed in a Jayhawk loss since 1962. Kansas played surprisingly well considering all of its turnover, keeping the Bisons out of the end zone and holding them to 168 yards. Up front, the inside-outside combo of Richard Johnson and Jake Laptad could create problems for an up-and-down Tech offensive line. Plus, the threat of the Yellow Jacket passing game, an underrated component of the offense, isn’t what it used to be when WR Demaryius Thomas was stretching defenses. Nesbitt was just 1-of-6 for a career-low eight yards on Saturday.
What To Watch Out For: Tech defensive coordinator Al Groh might want to dial up a few more blitzes this week, turning loose LB Steven Sylvester and S Cooper Taylor. The Kansas offensive line, though experienced, is shaky, and whoever is taking snaps will be ripe for making poor decisions when the pocket starts to collapse.
What Will Happen: Georgia Tech is an imperfect product, but Kansas has a long way to go before achieving respectability. Each week will be a lesson. This Saturday, the Jayhawks will get schooled in stopping the run and filling lanes on defense. Nesbitt will once again be the catalyst of a Jacket win, running for 100 yards and a couple of scores.
CFN Prediction: Georgia Tech 31 … Kansas 14 … Line: Georgia Tech -13.5
Must See Rating: Boardwalk Empire – 5 … Going the Distance - 1 … 2
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Duke (1-0) at Wake Forest (1-0) Sept. 11, 12:00 ET, ESPN Gameplan
Here’s The Deal … Duke and Wake Forest will pop the lid on the ACC portion of the schedule in a game with a lot of meaning riding on the outcome for the programs. While both got past FCS opponents in Week 1, the Devils over Elon and the Deacons over Presbyterian, this is the type of match up that could set the tone for the rest of the year. Each has designs on qualifying for the postseason, and a 2-0 start would qualify as a considerable step in that direction. The first weekend of 2010 also marked the successful debuts of the school’s quarterbacks, Sean Renfree at Duke and Ted Stachitas at Wake Forest, two of the league’s four new engineers behind center.
Why Duke Might Win: Even after factoring in the competition, Renfree was exceptional in his maiden voyage, looking like David Cutcliffe’s next star pupil at quarterback. He was in complete command, going 31-of-39 for 350 yards and two touchdowns. At the expense of an average Wake Forest defense, he’ll again look to spread the bal around to receivers Conner Vernon and Donovan Varner and tight ends Brandon King and Brett Huffman. They figure to create tough assignments for a young Demon Deacon secondary that’s still looking to jell together.
Why Wake Forest Might Win: While the Blue Devils will travel by air, the Demon Deacons will gobble up real estate by ground. Only one school amassed more rushing yards on the opening weekend, as Wake rolled an overmatched foe for 415 yards and six touchdowns. It’ll throw all kinds of options at a flimsy Duke D, including Stachitas, backs Josh Adams and Brandon Pendergrass, and WR Devon Brown on fly sweeps. The interior of the Devil defense is a huge issue that’ll be complicated by Deacon C Russell Nenon and G Joe Looney.
What To Watch Out For: Overshadowed in Wake’s 53-point outburst was the return of DE Kyle Wilber, who was sorely missed when he was injured in 2009. He quickly picked up where he left off two years ago, making five tackles for loss, three sacks, and a forced fumble. His head-to-head with LT Kyle Hill will go a long way to determining whether Renfree has the time he needs to check down and spot open receivers.
What Will Happen: Wake Forest won last year’s game in a shootout, which could end up being a harbinger of what’s to come on Saturday. Both schools are fueled by their offenses and concerned about the play of the defenses. It should make for an entertaining game. Renfree is an up-and-comer, but on this afternoon, he’ll bow to Stachitas and a power running game that’ll control time of possession and narrowly escape with a win.
CFN Prediction: Wake Forest 35 … Duke 30 … Line: Wake Forest -4.5
Must See Rating: Boardwalk Empire – 5 … Going the Distance - 1 … 3
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James Madison (1-0) at Virginia Tech (0-1) Sept. 11, 1:30 ET
Here’s The Deal … Good luck getting up for this one, Virginia Tech. Just five days after losing an emotional heartbreaker to Boise State, 33-30, the Hokies must host an opponent from the FCS. It’s a part of the job, but that doesn’t mean it’ll be easy. While they left a lot on the Fed Ex Field Labor Day night, they also played well after falling behind 17-0, and recognize that winning the ACC is no less attainable than it was a week ago. James Madison began its season by rolling overmatched Morehead State, 48-7, at home. The Dukes are a perennial contender out of the Colonial Athletic Association, one of the deeper leagues in the lower division. However, this year’s team must regroup after losing six all-stars to graduation.
Why James Madison Might Win: The Dukes could be catching Virginia Tech at the right time, when they’re emotionally and physically spent. This program is always well-coached and is no stranger to going on the road and facing teams from the ACC. Their offense is built around a running game that is deep and disciplined. Senior Drew Dudzik flashes dual-threat potential when he’s not giving the ball to Jamal Sullivan, Jordan Anderson, or Griff Yancey. James Madison will look to soften a Hokie front seven almost totally rebuilt from a year ago.
Why Virginia Tech Might Win: Had Boise State’s Kellen Moore not thrown the game-winning strike late in the fourth quarter, Hokie QB Tyrod Taylor may be getting some Heisman buzz today. He was that good in rallying the Hokies on Monday night. He presents a major problem for a reshuffled James Madison defense, as do RB Ryan Williams and receivers Jarrett Boykin and Danny Coale. There is simply too much size and speed on the Virginia Tech offense for the Dukes to keep them in check. If Dudzik can’t establish the pass, it’ll allow the Hokies to stack the line to stop the run.
What To Watch Out For: Just how motivated will Virginia Tech be for this one? Sure, the home crowd will help, but this is a veteran team just a few days removed from an excruciating loss. Although Frank Beamer and his staff will do their best to keep the team’s eye on the ball, don’t be surprised if the Hokies go through the motions for the first quarter or more. Lucky for them that the opponent won’t be able to capitalize beyond making things interesting for a while.
What Will Happen: Even if it starts slowly, Virginia Tech will get the engine cranking before this one becomes an upset threat. While the defense has work to do, the offense has all of the ingredients to be special. After Taylor owned the spotlight on Monday, partly because of the early deficit, Williams will bask in it on Saturday, running for 150 yards and two touchdowns.
CFN Prediction: Virginia Tech 41 … James Madison 10 … Line: No Line
Must See Rating: Boardwalk Empire – 5 … Going the Distance - 1 … 1.5
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Kent State (1-0) vs. Boston College (1-0) Sept. 11, 3:30 ET, ESPNU
Here’s The Deal … It sure wasn’t pretty, but it sure was memorable. Boston College kicked off Frank Spaziani’s second season with the program with a lackluster 38-20 win over Weber State of the FCS. The big news, through, was the successful return to action of LB Mark Herzlich, who was back on the field a little over a year after being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. The Eagles have this week to work out the kinks before the schedule makes a U-turn with visits from Virginia Tech and Notre Dame. Kent State welcomed back a star of its own in Week 1, regaining the services of prolific RB Eugene Jarvis, who missed all of 2009 with an injury. He only carried the ball 11 times for 45 yards, but wasn’t needed to carry the load in a 41-10 Golden Flashes blowout of Murray State. This is a critical season for Doug Martin, whose 24-46 record over six years has him squarely on the hot seat.
Why Kent State Might Win: When Jarvis is on, he’s one of the most exciting and productive backs in the country. After dipping his foot into the 2010 season, he should be ready to make a splash if the Flashes don’t fall too far behind in the early going. The Kent State defense is one of the better-kept secrets of the MAC. With all-star candidates Monte’ Simmons at end, Cobrani Mixon at linebacker, and Brian Lainhart at safety, this unit is capable of giving problems to a Boston College offense that continues to be one-dimensional.
Why Boston College Might Win: That one dimension ought to be enough to carry the Eagles on Saturday afternoon. Montel Harris is one of the ACC’s top backs, benefitting from running behind Anthony Castonzo, Thomas Claiborne, and a behemoth BC line that’ll engulf the undersized Kent State front wall. On defense, Boston College always seems to do a solid job of stopping the run. Besides the presence of Herzlich, LB Luke Kuechly is a tackling machine, who’ll be searching for the diminutive Jarvis at all times. The best way to beat this unit is through the air, but Kent QB Spencer Keith won’t be the guy to get it done.
What To Watch Out For: Boston College QB Dave Shinksie was shaky in the opener, needing to turn things around. Despite facing an inferior opponent, he only managed to go 10-of-20 for 185 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. If he starts slowly again, don’t be shocked if he gets the hook in favor of young Mike Marscovetra. With what looms on the schedule, the Eagles have to get their backups reps now, especially if their roles are going to increase later in the month.
What Will Happen: The unheralded Kent State defense and running of Jarvis will keep this game surprisingly close for a while. It’ll be enough to make the home crowd uncomfortable until the Eagles finally wear down the Flashes with their edge in size, strength, and physicality. While long-gainers will come at a premium, Harris will lead the charge by grinding out 125 yards and a couple of scores on 30 carries.
CFN Prediction: Boston College 30 … Kent State 16 … Line: BC -17.5
Must See Rating: Boardwalk Empire – 5 … Going the Distance - 1 … 2
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Fearless Predictions
- Sept.
11, Part 2 (FSU at OU)
-
Sept. 4
|
Sept. 4, Part 2