Saturday, September 27

Virginia (1-2) at Duke (2-1), 12:00 EST, ESPNU
Why to watch: If there were any doubts whether David Cutcliffe would have an impact at Duke in his first go-round, they’ve already been dismissed. Beyond just the first 2-1 start since 2003, the Blue Devils are playing with more confidence and far better fundamentals. The next order of business is to snap that 25-game losing streak in ACC games. A visit from struggling Virginia presents a golden opportunity to finally end the futility. Not much was expected from Virginia this season. Not much is exactly what the program appears capable of producing. The Cavaliers weren’t competitive in losses to USC and Connecticut, and barely escaped the Richmond Spiders with their dignity. Now, the program’s quarterback of the future, Peter Lalich, has been dismissed from the program.
Why Virginia might win: This is still Duke football, where futility has become an annual happening. The defense ranks 11^th in the ACC against the run, getting exposed by James Madison and Navy. The Cavaliers will turn to two of their brightest offensive players, backs Mikel Simpson and Cedric Peerman. While neither has been able to break out in September, a visit to Wallace Wade Stadium could be the perfect antidote for getting the running game untracked.
Why Duke might win: You can usually count on Al Groh’s teams to be stingy on defense. Not this year. It’s one thing to get spanked by USC, but when Connecticut also administers a beating, you know it’s going to be a long year. Virginia is pulling up the rear of the ACC in most defensive categories, which the Blue Devils will exploit with an improving offense. QB Thaddeus Lewis has clearly benefited from the hiring of Cutcliffe, opening the year with six total touchdowns and no turnovers. In senior Eron Riley and freshman Johnny Williams, he’s got two quality targets who can beat the Cavs on intermediate and deep routes.
Who to watch: For the first time in years, the Blue Devils are showing a pulse in the running game. Much of the credit goes to Clifford Harris, who’s been largely anonymous in his first three seasons in Durham. He’s filled a void since Re’Quan Boyette’s knee surgery, giving opposing defenses a reason to pay attention to someone other than Lewis and the receivers.
What will happen: Duke has never been more ready than now to break that nasty losing streak in ACC games. The Blue Devils will pounce on the opportunity to get to 3-1, getting three touchdowns from Lewis and celebrating on the field with hundreds of students who’ll rush the field when the clock runs out.
CFN Prediction: Duke 27 … Virginia 17 ... Line: Duke -6.5
Must See Rating: (5 Debate No. 1 - 1 The 2008 Primetime Emmys) … 2
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North Carolina (2-1) at Miami (2-1), 12:00 EST
Why to watch: In the wide-open ACC Coastal division, this game will go a long to determining who’s in the race and who’s facing an uphill climb. That’s especially true for North Carolina, which lost a tough three-point game to Virginia Tech and can ill-afford an 0-2 start in league play. The Tar Heels have also lost starting QB T.J. Yates to a broken ankle, meaning the offense will be in the hands of Mike Paulus and Cam Sexton. After securing so much goodwill with a nationally-televised rout of Rutgers, the program is in danger of sliding back to the .500 mark. Miami, on the other hand, is riding high after pummeling Texas A&M on the road, 41-23. It was one of the best efforts for the ‘Canes under Randy Shannon, and the type of win that can propel the young team into ACC contention. The visit from Carolina is the start of a rugged three-game homestand that will define how far Miami is capable of reaching this season.
Why North Carolina might win: With the uncertainty on offense, the Heels will lean even harder on a young defense that’s playing well in September. Led by an instinctive set of linebackers and a ball-hawking secondary, Carolina has allowed just 32 points to Rutgers and Virginia Tech, and has five more picks than touchdown passes allowed. Linebackers Mark Paschal and Quan Sturdivant have been particularly stout in run defense, helping hold the Hokies to a three-yard average Saturday. If Miami freshman QB Robert Marve gets rattled, he’ll get his pocket picked by safeties Deunta Williams and Trimane Goddard.
Why Miami might win: If the Hurricanes can keep special teams ace Brandon Tate from changing the complexion of the game, the defense will hold a sizable edge over the Tar Heel offense. Neither Paulus nor Sexton can be counted on to move the ball consistently through the air, putting pressure on RB Greg Little to be the catalyst on offense. He’s good, but he’ll be hemmed in by an athletic Miami front seven that gets to the ball very quickly and can intimidate an inexperienced quarterback.
Who to watch: The Miami defense has gotten a boost from the return of DE Allen Bailey, who was virtually unblockable in the spring. A superb blend of size, speed, and strength, he gives the ‘Canes a ferocious pass rusher who can whip the Carolina tackles. He’s made plays behind the line in each of the last two games, and is poised for a breakthrough performance on Saturday.
What will happen: While the Tar Heels remain on the right path, they’re not going down to South Florida and beating Miami with a backup quarterback calling signals. The ‘Canes will suffocate the short-handed Carolina offense, while getting another 100-yard day from RB Graig Cooper.
CFN Prediction: Miami 27 … North Carolina 14 ... Line: Miaimi -7.5
Must See Rating: (5 Debate No. 1 - 1 The 2008 Primetime Emmys) … 3
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Rhode Island (1-3) at Boston College (2-1), 1:00 EST
Why to watch: Boston College came out of its first bye week healthy and focused on getting back on track, racing past UCF, 34-7. While the Eagles remain an unfinished product on offense, the defense has been outstanding for a second straight season. Whatever is ailing the offensive attack needs to be addressed against Rhode Island because the rest of the schedule does not provide any more sparring partners. The Rams have dropped three games in-a-row after opening the season with a three-point win over Monmouth. They like to air it out on offense with QB Derek Cassidy, who threw 61 passes in a loss to New Hampshire and has already thrown for more than 1,110 yards.
Why Rhode Island might win: Boston College’s win over UCF was a little deceptive. Yeah, the Eagles pulled away in the second half, but the offense continues to struggle, producing just a field goal in the first two quarters. Chris Crane has thrown just two touchdowns to five interceptions, and the running game has lacked consistency. If BC continues to sputter on offense, Cassidy and his wave of veteran receivers will keep the Rams from falling far behind.
Why Boston College might win: Everyone knew the Eagle defense was going to be solid this year, but it’s actually exceeding expectations. Through the first three games, Boston College has allowed just 26 points and leads the country in pass efficiency defense. The young secondary has picked off six passes without yielding a touchdown pass. Rhode Island won’t be able to move the ball through the air, which will end any though of a monumental upset.
Who to watch: It’s taken a few weeks, but Boston College looks to have found a back it can build the running game around. In the first extensive action of his career, true freshman Montel Harris bust loose for 112 yards on only 13 carries in last week’s victory. With Josh Haden resting a sore ankle, Harris seized the opportunity, earning more reps even after the starter gets back in the lineup.
What will happen: Boston College will roll early and often, emptying the bench in the third quarter and getting valuable reps for second-stringer Dominique Davis, the quarterback of the future. The shutout will be its second of the season, improving the Eagles already stellar defensive numbers.
CFN Prediction: Boston College 41 … Rhode Island 0 ... Line: No Line
Must See Rating: (5 Debate No. 1 - 1 The 2008 Primetime Emmys) … 1
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- ACC Week Five Predictions, Part 2