ACC Football: Week Seven Staff Picks

Fans across the ACC are hoping for some better weather this weekend after a rain-soaked Week Six thanks to Hurricane Matthew. With more exciting conference games being played across the slate this weekend, Mike, Justin, and Jeff are back to give their predictions on all of the ACC games in Week Seven.
 
Duke (3-3, 0-2 ACC) Vs. #7 Louisville (4-1, 2-1 ACC), 7:00 PM ET Friday, ESPN

Line: Louisville -34.5

Cates: The Cardinals should romp in this game, though a bit of rust may have oxidized during the bye week. Expect them to shake it off and take care of Duke with ease.

Greenberg: I just don’t see any way that Louisville loses this game. However, this is more of a week 1 spread and I think the Blue Devils will cover.

McDaniel: Man oh man, that is a huge line. Is it sickening that I think Louisville can cover? Still trying to figure out the Blue Devils…Cards roll.
 

NC State (4-1, 1-0 ACC) @ #3 Clemson (6-0, 3-0 ACC), 12 PM ET Saturday, ABC

Line: Clemson -18.0

Cates: Clemson is heavily favored but if State can find a way to run the ball they should be able to keep it close. Still, I like Clemson here.

Greenberg: Clemson has everything sitting in front of them. They won’t let that pass them by and will cover at home against an outmatched Wolfpack team.

McDaniel: Clemson’s offense is clicking, and Deshaun Watson is starting to gain momentum in the Heisman race against fellow ACC quarterback Lamar Jackson. NC State has a talented group, but I’m not sure they’ll cover in this game. I like the Tigers here at home.
 

Georgia Southern (3-2) @ Georgia Tech (3-3, 1-3 ACC), 12:30 PM ET Saturday, ACC Network

Line: GT -10.5

Cates: The Yellow Jackets have been scuffling but they should find a way to beat Georgia Southern at home.

Greenberg: Georgia Tech is looking for a way to get over the hump in their games. A visit from Georgia Southern will do just that as the Yellow Jackets will win and cover.

McDaniel: Don’t tell me Georgia Tech won’t cover in this game. Their defense has more than enough in this game to force some Georgia Southern turnovers and win this thing comfortably at home.
 

Pittsburgh (4-2, 1-1 ACC) @ Virginia (2-3, 1-0 ACC), 12:30 PM ET Saturday, ACC Network

Line: Pitt -3.5

Cates: Virginia has been improving as the season has progressed, but Pitt is a much better team. Expect the Panthers to win a close one.

Greenberg: I wish I were a betting man because I would bet the house on Pitt to cover this week. This should be the LOCK of the year!

McDaniel: Pitt by a field goal. I think this game could be moderately high-scoring and I’d be surprised if Virginia rolled over at home. This should be highly competitve and an under-the-radar fun game to watch.
 

Wake Forest (5-1, 2-1 ACC) @ #14 Florida State (4-2, 1-2 ACC), 3:30 PM ET Saturday, ESPN

Line: FSU -21.5

Cates: Wake is better than people think, but now the heavy lifting on the schedule comes. FSU should win with a healthy dose of momentum from the Miami win.

Greenberg: The Seminoles will build off their big win over Miami and defeat Wake Forest but will not cover.

McDaniel: Florida State should be poised to continue their positive momentum off of an emotional win against rival Miami. Look for the Seminoles to return home and beat a pesky Wake Forest team that continues to look like one of the most improved teams in the country. Wake to cover, Seminoles to win by 17.
 

North Carolina (4-2, 2-1 ACC) @ #16 Miami (4-1, 1-1 ACC), 3:30 PM ET Saturday, ABC/ESPN2 (Check local listings)

Line: Miami -7.0

Cates: Both of these teams are reeling from very different losses last week. This should be a great game, but look for Miami to get it rolling in the second half.

Greenberg: Injuries add all sorts of questions here. Both teams coming off tough losses. UNC will rebound in the sun for the upset.

McDaniel: I like Miami to win this game at home but I like the ‘Heels to cover in this game. Both teams will come ready to play, but Miami will have a bit too much firepower at home on the defensive side of the football to lose this one.
 

#17 Virginia Tech (4-1, 2-0 ACC) @ Syracuse (2-4, 0-2 ACC), 3:45 PM ET Saturday, ESPNU

Line: VT -20.0

Cates: The Hokies shut down a top offense in the much of hurricane Matthew last weekend, but can they do the same in the climate controlled Carrier Dome? The Orange may score some points, but Tech should win comfortably.

Greenberg: The Hokies will continue the hot hand and I think they will cover in the road.

McDaniel: This could turn into a shootout in a hurry. The difference in this game will be the Virginia Tech defense. Look for the Hokies to get a few more stops than the Orange, which should help decide the winning margin. Syracuse will cover at home, but Virginia Tech will win going away.
 

 

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