Saturday, October 18

Florida State (4-1) at North Carolina State (2-4), 7:30 EST, ESPN, Thursday, October 16
Why to watch: Florida State comes out of its bye with as much depth as it's had all year and a chance to get back into the Atlantic division race. The Seminoles have no margin for error, courtesy of a loss to Wake Forest, but beating Miami two weeks ago could provide a catapult for the second half of the year. In that game, they racked up 41 points and 310 rushing yards, signs that the offense may finally be emerging from its funk. Although North Carolina State is one of the ACC’s bottom-feeders, it’s played the ‘Noles tough in recent years, especially at Carter-Finley Stadium. The Wolfpack will need to overachieve once again in order to turn around a season that’s slowly slipping away. It’s just 1-4 versus FBS teams this season, and the lone win over East Carolina doesn’t look as good as it did last month.
Why Florida State might win: Line play, especially on offense, is a problem that plagued NC State throughout the first half of the season. The Pack just doesn’t create much of a push, a concern that’ll grow against the Seminole front seven. Florida State will dominate up front with ends Everette Brown and Neefy Moffett, and linebackers Derek Nicholson and Dekoda Watson. State has no running game to lean on, and hasn’t had any success navigating quality defenses. The Seminoles have the nation’s second-rated D.
Why NC State might win: Are we really ready to announce that the Florida State offense is back? QB Christian Ponder has run the ball extremely well, but remains a work-in-progress as a passer, throwing just one touchdown and six interceptions in three games against FBS opponents. The ‘Noles have been turnover-prone, and the line is still a question mark. If linemen Shea McKeen, Willie Young, and Antoine Holmes can get a push up front, it’ll force Ponder into the kinds of mistakes that keep the home crowd in the game.
Who to watch: The most pleasant surprise for Florida State in 2008 has been a running game that’s No. 14 nationally at 231 yards a game. Over the last two games against Colorado and Miami, the ‘Noles have cranked out 569 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground. The spark has been provided by Antone Smith with a little help from true freshman Jermaine Thomas. If they keep running the ball well, it’ll allow Ponder to develop at a more reasonable pace.
What will happen: North Carolina State will come out pumped and ride the wave of emotion for a quarter before reality sets in and talent takes over. Florida State will dominate with its defense, shutting down the Pack running game and cashing takeaways into points. The ‘Noles will grind out yards on offense against an NC State defense that hasn’t been the same without injured star LB Nate Irving.
CFN Prediction: Florida State 24 … NC State 16 …. Line: Florida State -11.5
Must See Rating: (5 The Real Housewives of Atlanta – 1 Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew) … 2.5
- Click here to receive ATS Consultants FREE selections                                                                             

Wake Forest (4-1) at Maryland (4-2), 12:00 EST, ESPN GamePlan
Why to watch: Wake Forest and Maryland meet in College Park for a game with implications in the ACC Atlantic race. The Demon Deacons lead the division, but the Terrapins can move into a first-place tie with a victory. The always schizophrenic Maryland program is trying to figure where it stands at the halfway point of the season. The same team that beat Cal and Clemson during a three-game winning streak also lost to Middle Tennessee State and was destroyed by Virginia before the bye week. The Terps’ season will turn on the outcome of this game. Wake Forest took an early lead in the division race with an emotional win over Clemson in a defensive struggle. Back in the Top 25, the Deacons basically eliminated the Tigers from contention, and can do the same to Maryland with a win. With Florida State also in the win column, Wake has a chance to take complete control of the division this weekend.
Why Wake Forest might win: Whatever plagued the defense in the Week 2 close call with Ole Miss has been solved. The Deacon D has been sensational over the last three games, holding Florida State, Navy, and Clemson to an average of 254 yards and 11 points a game. It’s been impossible to throw on Wake Forest, and the run defense held Clemson’s James Davis and C.J. Spiller to 35 yards on 14 carries. With the Robinsons, Boo and Matt, getting penetration, the sporadic Maryland offense will be driven back into its shell.
Why Maryland might win: The thing about the Terrapins is that you never know when they’ll rise up and deliver a solid game, like they did against Cal. Wake Forest is having all kinds of issues on offense, which is good news for a Maryland defense that’s lacked consistency. The Demon Deacons are next to last in the ACC in rushing, averaging less than 100 yards a game, and the offensive line has underperformed. The Terps will press up linebackers Dave Philistin, Alex Wujciak, and Moise Fokou, eliminating Josh Adams and forcing Wake to win with its passing attack.
Who to watch: The match up to watch on Saturday pits Maryland WR Darrius Heyward-Bey with Wake Forest CB Alphonso Smith. Two of the best athletes in the country at their positions, the two will battle all afternoon for big plays. The Terps want to establish the run with Da’Rel Scott and play-action downfield to Heyward-Bey. If Chris Turner is off the mark, Smith, who has 17 career interceptions, will make him pay.
What will happen: No one should be shocked if Maryland plays its best game of the year and upsets Wake Forest. It’s just that type of an unpredictable program. The Terps will battle for four quarters and have chances late, but the Deacons are well-coached at winning close games. They’ll survive on the strength of the defense and move a step closer to a division title.
CFN Prediction: Wake Forest 21 … Maryland 17 …. Line: Wake Forest -1
Must See Rating: (5 The Real Housewives of Atlanta – 1 Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew) … 3.5
- Click here to receive ATS Consultants FREE selections   

- ACC Predictions, Oct. 18, Part 2 (Georgia Tech vs. Clemson)