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2009 ACC Fearless Predictions
Week 12 ... Nov. 21 Games
Atlantic
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Boston College |
Clemson |
Florida
State |
Maryland |
NC
State |
Wake
Forest
Coastal
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Duke
| Georgia
Tech |
Miami
| North
Carolina |
Virginia |
Virginia Tech
ACC Fearless Predictions
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Week
12, Part 2 (NC State at VT, & UVA at Clemson
Game of the Week
Duke (5-5) at Miami (7-3),12:00 EST, ESPNU, Saturday, November 21
Why to watch: For one of the first times all year, Miami has begun to show its youth and spate of injuries, playing poorly at North Carolina and getting eliminated in the Coastal Division race. At 7-3, the ‘Canes are at a crossroad in the season. At 9-3, the campaign is a success that could net a higher-end postseason invitation, like the Chick-fil-A or Gator Bowl. At 7-5, however, all of that equity and momentum built in September would be squandered. The clock is ticking on Duke’s quest of becoming bowl eligible for the first time since 1994. After getting outclassed by Carolina and Georgia Tech in consecutive weeks, the Blue Devils are now down to two chances to pick up that coveted sixth win. A third loss in-a-row could put the program in a tailspin and create a colossal amount of pressure for the regular season finale with Wake Forest.
Why Duke might win: Over the last month, the Miami defense has gotten exposed, allowing at least 27 points three times and struggling with quality quarterbacks. Thaddeus Lewis, who’s returning to his native Florida, is capable of keeping the ‘Canes reeling. Although the offense has sputtered in recent weeks, the All-ACC caliber hurler is surrounded by an ensemble of capable receivers, who’ll keep the chains moving. If Miami continues having problems mounting a pass rush, Lewis will have all day to locate TE Brett Huffman and receivers Donovan Varner, Conner Vernon, Austin Kelly, and Johnny Williams.
Why Miami might win: Against better competition, Duke has wilted, especially on defense. The Blue Devils have had some moments, but the Hurricanes aren’t Maryland or Virginia with the ball. Yes, Jacory Harris has been inconsistent, throwing too many picks, but a visit from the Duke D should get him back on track. A combination of his passing to Leonard Hankerson and LaRon Byrd, and the running of Graig Cooper and Damien Berry will be too much for the Devils. Miami is averaging 31 points a game this fall, a number that’ll be within reach on Saturday.
Who to watch: One of the few Miami players consistently excelling on defense is junior LB Colin McCarthy, who has always had the talent, but was hampered in the past by injuries. Now fully healthy, he leads the ‘Canes in tackles and has been a standout performer in run defense. One of the surest tacklers on the squad, he had a season-high 13 stops last week in Chapel Hill, including nine solos.
What will happen: Break out the antiperspirant, Miami. Duke is going to make you sweat. The Hurricanes have not played well in a long time, and the Blue Devils are treating every week like a playoff game. Harris and Lewis will duel until the final gun, a back-and-forth affair that’ll be more entertaining than it is crisp. The ‘Canes will survive on the strength of its superior backs, getting 100 yards and a score out of Cooper.
CFN Prediction: Miami 30 … Duke 24 ... Line: Miami -19.5
Must See Rating: (WWII in HD 5 … Old Dogs 1) … 3
-Free Expert Football Predictions
Maryland (2-8) at Florida State (5-5),12:00 EST, ESPN360, Saturday, November 21
Why to watch: If nothing else, no one can label Florida State predictable this season. On the brink of bowl extinction for the first time in almost three decades, the Seminoles delivered one of their better games of the year, putting a whooping on Wake Forest, 41-28, in Winston-Salem. Plus, they did it with first-time starter E.J. Manuel replacing Christian Ponder behind center, lending hope for the future beyond just a December bowl game. For Maryland, this dreadful campaign cannot end soon enough. Mired in a five-game losing streak and coming off a lopsided home loss to Virginia Tech, the Terrapins will spend the next two weekends getting good looks as some of the younger players and peaking ahead to offseason preparations.
Why Maryland might win: Three wins in the last four games do not mean Florida State has solved its issues on defense. On the contrary. The ‘Noles are still a mess on that side of the ball, ranking at the bottom of the ACC in run defense and pass efficiency defense. The Terps will look to attack with QB Jamarr Robinson and RB Davin Meggett. Robinson, in particular, is the type of multi-dimensional threat that’s capable of giving this defense fits. In his debut as a starter, he struggled as a passer, but did rush for 129 yards, showing outstanding athleticism outside the tackle box.
Why Florida State might win: After a brief bout of stability in October, the legs have officially given out on the Maryland D. The Terps have been beaten for 74 points over the last two weekends and their tackling has been atrocious. Manuel is hardly a finished product, but like Robinson, he has a live arm and the ability to hurt defenses with his long stride. He also has access to RB Jermaine Thomas, who’s been one of the brighter bulbs in an otherwise dismal season in Tallahassee. The sophomore has gone over 100 yards in each of the last three games and will be the focal of the attack. When Manuel decides to throw, he’ll catch receivers Bert Reed and Jarmon Fortson in mismatches with a weak Maryland secondary.
Who to watch: A dilapidated Maryland offensive line could create opportunities for DE Markus White, Florida State’s best pass rusher. The ‘Noles have not excelled at creating backfield pressure, though White has been an exception, notching a tackle for loss in five of the last six games. If he’s able to flush Robinson from the product, youthful mistakes will be the result.
What will happen: Although you never truly know what you’ll get from Florida State, a visit from Maryland should remove some of the built-in uncertainty. While the Terps don’t have much fight left in them, the Seminoles have a little bounce in their step after climbing back to .500. They’ll have few problems with a team playing an inexperienced quarterback and getting little support from the backs. Takeaways and a defensive score will provide an added boost to the FSU onslaught.
CFN Prediction: Florida State 37 … Maryland 13 ... Line: Florida State -18.5
Must See Rating: (WWII in HD 5 … Old Dogs 1) … 2
-Free Expert Football Predictions
North Carolina (7-3) at Boston College (7-3),12:00 EST, ESPN2, Saturday, November 21
Why to watch: In arguably the best ACC match up of the weekend, a couple of 7-3 teams meet in Chapel Hill, with hopes of improving their postseason destinations. Actually, in the case of Boston College, the Atlantic Division still remains in play...sort of. After just getting by Virginia a week ago, the Eagles need to win their final two games and have Clemson lose at home to the Cavs in order to make it back to a third straight league championship game. Kudos to Butch Davis and Carolina, who’ve rebounded nicely from an awful collapse to Florida State back on Oct. 22 to win three straight, including games with Virginia Tech and Miami. Saturday’s 33-24 victory over the Hurricanes might have been the kind of season-saver for the Heels that provides a springboard into the postseason.
Why North Carolina might win: Defense. There might not be a better unit in the conference, which is a major concern for one-dimensional Boston College. The Tar Heels are allowing an ACC-low 268 yards and 16 points a game, while creating a mess of sacks and turnovers. What happens if Eagle RB Montel Harris is unable to navigate LB Quan Sturdivant, DE Robert Quinn, and a run defense that ranks ninth in the country and is yielding just 2.8 yards a carry. If QB David Shinskie is asked to do too much, he’ll wind completing more passes to corners Kendric Burney and Charles Brown than his own guys.
Why Boston College might win: Defense. Don’t be fooled by the 33 points Carolina put up last weekend. That was more about the opportunistic defense than an offense that still ranks 113th in the country. Despite losing so many players from a year ago, the Eagles have persevered to once again be a stingy group that limits big plays. They’ll cut off running lanes on the Heels with a combination of Damik Scafe and Alex Albright up front, and Luke Kuechly at linebacker. Kuechly has been sensational in his rookie year, leading the team in tackles and tackles for loss. Carolina has no one that can stretch this defense or beat it on the perimeter.
Who to watch: This is one of those nip-and-tuck November games that hinges on the feet of the placekickers. Touchdowns will surely be at a premium. Boston College’s Steve Aponavicius has been perfect on his seven field goal attempts and 35 extra point tries. North Carolina’s Casey Barth has nailed his last 13 three-pointers dating back to Sept. 26. Both will be in the spotlight as the offenses repeatedly stall in the red zone.
What will happen: This is going to be a close, low-scoring defensive struggle. There’s just no way around it. Neither team has the playmakers to pop off a game-breaking run or reception, so field position and turnovers will be particularly crucial. Barth and the Carolina defense have been just a bit more reliable than this week’s host, which will be the difference in a game that could turn on one play or one mistake.
CFN Prediction: North Carolina 19 … Boston College 16 ... Line: Boston College -3.5
Must See Rating: (WWII in HD 5 … Old Dogs 1) … 3
-Free Expert Football Predictions
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Week
12, Part 2 (NC St at VT & UVA at Clemson)