This is without a doubt the thinnest ACC slate of the season, as only four conference games are in action this weekend across the conference. The showdown of the weekend in the ACC features a Thursday night bash between Miami and Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, which is a huge game for the fate of the Coastal Division race. Mike, Justin, and Jeff get together for their weekly segment, and pick the winners of all four games across the conference.
Miami (4-2, 1-2 ACC) Vs. Virginia Tech (4-2, 2-1 ACC), 7:00 PM ET Thursday, ESPN
Line: VT -6.0
Cates: Both teams are banged up and coming off of tough losses. This should be a hard-hitting slugfest and a close game. I’ll take the Hokies at home with very little confidence after last week.
Greenberg: The atmosphere should be electric in Lane Stadium Thursday night. Miami is on the ropes in must-win situation for them. Picking the Canes in an upset.
McDaniel: It might just be a gut feeling, but I believe that Virginia Tech is a much better football team than Miami and will cover and then some. Hokies by two touchdowns at home in Blacksburg.
NC State (4-2, 1-1 ACC) @ #7 Louisville (5-1, 3-1 ACC), 12:00 PM ET Saturday, ABC
Line: LOU -19.5
Cates: State is playing well and Louisville is fresh off a bit of a clunker. I have a feeling the Cardinals will right the ship with a win, but State will keep it closer than a three touchdown line.
Greenberg: Louisville will be ready to show that last week was a fluke against Duke. However, I don’t know if they’ll do it by 20 or more points. Louisville wins, NC State covers.
McDaniel: Love the Cards to win, but NC State should cover in this one. They’re an improving football team.
Syracuse (3-4, 1-2 ACC) Vs. Boston College (3-3, 0-3 ACC), 12:30 PM ET Saturday, ACC Network
Line: BC -4.5
Cates: I have no idea why BC is favored in this one. The Orange are clearly improved and BC is trending in the wrong direction. I like the Orange to win comfortably.
Greenberg: Just like my pick last week of Pitt being the lock of the year, Syracuse is the LOCK of the week and will beat Boston College.
McDaniel: In what could be a surprise despite being favored, I actually like Boston College to win this game. I think the running game will be paramount, and it will be a ball control offense in this one to get the Eagles a win by a field goal.
#22 North Carolina (5-2, 3-1 ACC) Vs. Virginia (2-4, 1-1 ACC), 3:00 PM ET Saturday, ACC Network
Line: UNC -9.0
Cates: The ‘Hoos are no longer an easy out, but UNC is the better team. I think Virginia will win some games down the stretch, but it won’t start here. Carolina should win.
Greenberg: North Carolina better not overlook an improving Virginia team if they plan on competing for the Coastal Division. The offense will score points and the defense is showing improvement every week. The Tar Heels will win and cover on the road for their 9th road win in a row.
McDaniel: Virginia is improving and has a great chance to cover the spread here. With that being said, I still like the Tar Heels to win.
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