Week 5 ACC Predictions And Previews

Colorado State (2-1) at Boston College (3-1) Sept. 27, 12:30, RSN  

Here’s The Deal: Boston College’s fifth of five straight games in the state of Massachusetts could go a long way to determining if it bowls for a second straight year. The Eagles followed up their monumental upset USC by disposing of Maine, 40-10. But BC cannot let up here, but it finishes with seven straight ACC games, including four on the road. Colorado State is making its first-ever trip to Chestnut Hill. The Rams have made good use of their first bye week, getting much-needed rest for some of their banged-up players. 
Why Colorado State Might Win: The Rams have had two weeks to prepare for this matchup. BC has just a week to ready for Colorado State’s offensive balance. The Rams can stretch the field in all directions, from the passing of Garrett Grayson to Rashard Higgins to a deep backfield. Treyous Jarrells and Alabama transfer Dee Hart fuel a ground game averaging more than five yards a carry. 
Why Boston College Might Win: The 2014 Eagle rushing attack might be better than the 2013 edition. Yeah, Andre Williams was a monster last year, but now BC has options to go along with one of the country’s best ground game. A weak Colorado State run D must contend with shifty QB Tyler Murphy and a stable of five backs that have run for at least 100 yards so far this season. 
Who To Watch Out For: For the Rams to continue rolling on the ground, they’ll need to escape the clutches of the Eagle linebackers, especially Steven Daniels and Josh Keyes. While Daniels is more of a prototypical run-stuffer, Keyes will get backfield pressure, as evidenced by his team-high 7.5 tackles for loss and three sacks. 
What’s Going To Happen: Both teams will want to establish the run, and Colorado State actually holds an edge in overall offensive balance. But Boston College is playing better on defense, and will continue to do so this weekend. That defensive effort plus another solid day on the ground will net BC its third straight win. 
Prediction: Boston College 34 … Colorado State 24 
Line: Boston College -6.5 o/u: 59 
Must Watch Factor: (5: Roosevelts: An Intimate History – 1: Red Band Society) … 2 

Western Michigan (2-1) at Virginia Tech (2-2) Sept. 27, 12:30, ACC Network 

Here’s The Deal: Just two weeks after shocking Ohio State in Columbus, Virginia Tech is inexplicably in danger of circling the drain. The Hokies have not only lost back-to-back games, but they’ve done so in Blacksburg, which used to be a brutal assignment for opponents. They’ve got this week’s visit from Western Michigan to regroup before going on the road for consecutive ACC games. The Broncos have won consecutive games, but beating Idaho and Murray State has taught P.J. Fleck little about his second team in Kalamazoo. 
Why Western Michigan Might Win: The competition has been soft, but it’s allowed the Broncos build confidence on offense. Zach Terrell is in his second year as the starting quarterback, and he has diverse weapons, like rookie RB Jarvion Franklin and receivers Corey Davis and Daniel Braverman. The Hokies will be without one of their best linemen, tackle Luther Maddy. 
Why Virginia Tech Might Win: For Western Michigan, this is a major step up in weight class. The Broncos haven’t faced a defense with the Hokies’ talent, and their own D had problems stopping Purdue in Week 1. Tech will make life miserable for Terrell, while the offense makes every attempt to get runners Marshawn Williams and Shai McKenzie back on track. 
Who To Watch Out For: QB Michael Brewer has been a microcosm of Virginia Tech’s recent struggles. He’s been intercepted eight times in 2014, including five in the two losses. While the Hokies can lean on the ground troops this week, they still need Brewer to effectively feed WR Isaiah Ford, sans the poor decisions. 
What’s Going To Happen: A visit from Western Michigan comes at the right time for the slumping Hokies. Virginia Tech will commit to running the ball—and to stopping Franklin in his tracks. Both endeavors will be successful in a much-needed Hokie blowout. 
Prediction: Virginia Tech 45 … Western Michigan 14 
Line: Virginia Tech -21 o/u: 54 
Must Watch Factor: (5: Roosevelts: An Intimate History – 1: Red Band Society) … 2 

Akron (1-2) at Pittsburgh (3-1) Sept. 27, 1:30, ESPN3 

Here’s The Deal: Pitt is coming off a stinging home loss to Iowa in a game it led throughout. Now, the Panthers will need to have a short memory, because Akron is making the 110-mile trip to Heinz Field with upset on its mind. The Zips have their own problems after being outclassed in their own building, 48-17, by Marshall. Despite the proximity of these schools, they’ve only met on two prior occasions. 
Why Akron Might Win: Last week’s loss aside, the Zips have shown flashes on defense. In the first two games with Howard and Penn State, they allowed just 21 points. Led by LB Jatavis Brown, Akron has been disruptive in opposing backfields. And Pitt has yet to show it can consistently balance Chad Voytik’s passing with the relentless running of James Conner. 
Why Pittsburgh Might Win: Conner has deservedly made most of Pitt’s headlines, but the no-name defense has quietly played very well. The Panthers are only allowing 17 points per game and four yards a play. Darryl Render and Khaynin Mosley-Smith are clogging running lanes, while CB Reggie Mitchell is doing a little of everything from the back end. Akron’s recent offensive hiccups won’t end this week in Pennsylvania. 
Who To Watch Out For: Pitt finally started getting the ball to star WR Tyler Boyd, which ought to continue this weekend. The sophomore caught 10 passes in the loss to Iowa, the kind of result that’ll help make it tougher to focus solely on Conner in the future. 
What’s Going To Happen: Pitt is smarting, but it should bounce back in Week 5. Conner and Boyd will stake the Panthers to an early cushion, and Akron QB Kyle Pohl playing from behind will be a recipe for errant throws, punts and turnovers. 
Prediction: Pittsburgh 40 … Akron 14 
Line: Pittsburgh -20 o/u: 48.5 
Must Watch Factor: (5: Roosevelts: An Intimate History – 1: Red Band Society) … 1.5  

Kent State (0-3) at Virginia (2-2) Sept. 27, 3:30, ESPN3 

Here’s The Deal: Virginia returns home after putting up a valiant effort in a loss to BYU. The Cavaliers actually outplayed the ranked Cougars in many phases, which they hope to build upon in this final non-conference game. UVa has done a lot of positive things in the first month, but there can be no letup for Mike London to solidify his job security. Kent State is still looking for its first win of the season. After competitive showings with Ohio and South Alabama, the Golden Flashes got torched by Ohio State, 66-0, two weeks ago. 
Why Kent State Might Win: The Flashes will need to catch the Cavaliers in a funk after they did everything to win in Provo … yet lost. Virginia has been erratic on offense, and Kent State was stout in the first two games. Led by sophomore S Nate Holley, the Flashes have forced eight games, recovering six, through three games. 
Why Virginia Might Win: Now that Taysom Hill isn’t in the other huddle, the Cavaliers can get back to being one of the ACC’s toughest defenses. Virginia has held playmakers below their season average all year, and that trend won’t end against the feeble Flashes, which have scored just four touchdowns. Kent State has no running threats, which will allow a dynamite back seven to slough off and force ineffective QB Colin Reardon to try and beat it. 
Who To Watch Out For: Virginia erupted for an uncharacteristic 519 yards against a physical BYU defense. Is it the dawn of a new day in Charlottesville? Khalek Shepherd led the ground game, and Greyson Lambert and Matt Johns collaborated for 327 passing yards. If the Cavs can build off that effort, they’ll be very dangerous over the final two months. 
What’s Going To Happen: The Kent State offense versus the Virginia D is a very poor matchup for the visitors. If the Flashes score, it’ll be long after the game is out of reach. The uprising of the Cav attack makes the likelihood of a competitive game even more remote. 
Prediction: Virginia 42 … Kent State 7 
Line: Virginia -22.5 o/u: 44.5 
Must Watch Factor: (5: Roosevelts: An Intimate History – 1: Red Band Society) … 1.5 

Wake Forest (2-2) at Louisville (3-1) Sept. 27, 3:30, ESPNU 

Here’s The Deal: Wake Forest and Louisville meet for just the second time in a sequel to the 2007 Orange Bowl that was a historical high-point for Deacon football. Wake is rebuilding in Dave Clawson’s first season, with last week’s defeat of Army serving as a tangible show of progress. The team can move further north by competing with the Cardinals. Louisville bounced back from its league loss to Virginia by easily handling Florida International on the road a week ago. 
Why Wake Forest Might Win: The defense has been scrappy, which could be enough to stall an inconsistent Louisville offense dealing with QB Will Gardner’s balky knee. The Deacons are only allowing 20 points per game, while stiffening on third downs and in the red zone. The Ryan Janvion-led secondary is experienced, and the team ranks seventh nationally in making plays for minus yards. 
Why Louisville Might Win: Wake might trip up the Cardinal offense for a while, but it won’t score enough points to actually close out an upset. The Deacons are a long-term work-in-progress, as rookie QB John Wolford evolves without much help from his line or his skill players. Wake will bow to the speed of the Louisville D, particularly DE Lorenzo Mauldin, LB James Burgess and S Gerod Holliman. 
Who To Watch Out For: Sophomore LB Keith Kelsey has been a pleasant surprise so far at Louisville. He wasn’t even supposed to start this season, yet he’s been an asset in the middle. Kelsey leads the Cards with 24 tackles to go along with two sacks, presenting another hurdle for the Wake Forest offense. 
What’s Going To Happen: The Deacons can make this game interesting for a while, especially if Louisville continues to lack efficiency with the ball. However, Wake Forest won’t make the jump from moral victories to the tangible kinds until the offense pulls more of the weight. 
Prediction: Louisville 33 … Wake Forest 16 
Line: Louisville -21 o/u: 43.5 
Must Watch Factor: (5: Roosevelts: An Intimate History – 1: Red Band Society) … 2  

Florida State (4-0) at NC State (3-0) Sept. 27, 3:30, ABC 

Here’s The Deal: Carter-Finley Stadium has been an unfriendly stop for Florida State, which has lost five of the last seven times it traveled to Raleigh as a ranked team. The Noles will attempt to buck a trend that’s been festering since 1998, while rising back up after last week’s emotional, Jameis Winston-less win over Clemson. FSU remains No. 1 in the polls, but public support for the team has been waning. For second-year NC State coach Dave Doeren, it doesn’t get much bigger than this matchup. Sure, the Pack is 4-0, but it hasn’t played anyone better than Old Dominion or South Florida. Shock the world this week, though, and Doeren’s rebuilding plan goes into overdrive. 

Why Florida State Might Win: Four games into the season, the Pack still isn’t battle-tested. The schedule has been far too soft. NC State has issues on both lines, which are about to be exposed by the Seminoles. Yeah, the Florida State O-line has underachieved up to this point, but this is its chance to be dominant again, while springing RB Karlos Williams. And on defense, DT Eddie Goldman and DE Mario Edwards Jr. will create major matchup problems with a middling Pack front wall. 

Why NC State Might Win: The Wolfpack is confident and trending in the right direction. More than just winning, State is improving. It’s scored at least 42 points in each of the last three games, getting the balance that Doeren craves. The Pack is averaging 6.3 yards per carry, while new QB Jacoby Brissett has thrown 10 touchdown passes to just one pick. And it’s not as if Florida State has looked invincible in any of its first three victories. 

Who To Watch Out For: All eyes will be on Winston, who’s back in—full—uniform this week. Obviously eager to get back to action and prove himself, it’ll be interesting to see if he tries to do too much in the early going. State has plenty of veterans on defense, but not a lot of scary talent. Once Winston settles down, he can go about the business of finding WR Rashad Greene on deep balls and TE Nick O’Leary on the intermediate stuff. 

What’s Going To Happen: While Florida State has an obvious edge in talent, this is not an easy spot. Raleigh rarely is for the Noles. They’ve got the ultra-intense Clemson game behind them, and NC State will be revved up to have the top-ranked team in town. The Pack can stay close in this game, but not for 60 minutes. FSU’s edge in the trenches will eventually create separation, while Winston captures some on-field redemption for his off-field gaffes. 

Prediction: Florida State 41 … NC State 23 
Line: Florida State -19 o/u: 58 
Must Watch Factor: (5: Roosevelts: An Intimate History – 1: Red Band Society) … 3.5  

North Carolina (2-1) at Clemson (1-2) Sept. 27, 7:00, ESPNU 

Here’s The Deal: Carolina and Clemson are at early crossroads in the 2014 season. What happens in Death Valley Saturday could go a long way to determining which direction each campaign turns. The Tigers are coming off a crushing loss to Florida State, a game it had numerous chances to win. This week also marks the beginning of the Deshaun Watson era at Clemson, a time of great hope and anticipation. The Heels are still smarting from last week’ unimaginable 70-41 loss to East Carolina. It was a shocking show of defensive futility for a program that began the season ranked. 

Why North Carolina Might Win: The defense is struggling, but Larry Fedora’s offense can still put up points. The Tar Heels are averaging more than 42 points per game, and versatile QB Marquise Williams is surrounded by an abundance of playmakers, such as receivers Quinshad Davis, Ryan Switzer and Mack Hollins. Carolina has the right personnel, on offense and special teams, to give opposing coaches sleepless nights. 

Why Clemson Might Win: The gap between the defenses couldn’t starker right now. While Carolina is in a state of disrepair after being torched by Shane Carden, Clemson just finished holding Florida State to 13 rushing yards on 27 carries. The Heels’ young O-line is in for a long evening of trying to contain DE Vic Beasley, NT Grady Jarrett and LB Stephone Anthony. If Beasley, in particular, isn’t walled off, Williams and the passing attack will be completely neutralized. 

Who To Watch Out For: What a great spot for Williams to make his first career start. Carolina was lost against East Carolina, which bodes well for Clemson’s rookie hurler. He has a ton of poise and polish to go along with emerging young weapons, like receivers Mike Williams and Artavis Scott. Still coordinator Chad Morris would like to get more from his backs, who’ve been ineffective in the first three games. 

What’s Going To Happen: Clemson is primed to bounce back from last week’s gut-wrenching loss in Tallahassee. Returning home to face a reeling opponent will certainly help. Watson will shine in his first big moment, exploiting the holes in the Carolina pass defense. And once the Tigers grab a lead, their D will make sure it remains safe until the final whistle. 

Prediction: Clemson 38 … North Carolina 21 
Line: Clemson -14 o/u: 67 
Must Watch Factor: (5: Roosevelts: An Intimate History – 1: Red Band Society) … 3  

Duke (4-0) at Miami (2-2) Sept. 27, 7:30, ESPN2 

Here’s The Deal: In an ACC Coastal Division that probably won’t be decided until the final weekend of the regular, this is a key early matchup in the race. Duke is the defending divisional champ, and off to a clean start. But it hasn’t faced anyone tougher than Tulane. A second straight win over Miami, especially in South Florida, would speak to the Blue Devils’ staying power. The Hurricanes have dropped two games, most recently at Nebraska, and they’ve dropped a league game, so their margin for error is thinning. 

Why Duke Might Win: David Cutcliffe plus a struggling Miami D should equal plenty of points Saturday night. Duke’s averaging 43 points, which is due partly to the competition and partly to balance and blocking. The Blue Devils have allowed just three sacks, while opening holes for a ground game averaging 6.4 yards per carry. And contributions are coming from all over—Anthony Boone to Jamison Crowder, Max McCaffrey and Issac Blakeney. And back-breaking runs from dynamite rookie RB Shaun Wilson and backup QB Thomas Sirk. 

Why Miami Might Win: True freshman QB Brad Kaaya is growing up exponentially with each passing week. Kaaya is the key to a potentially high-powered attack averaging 38 points since the opener. As the game slows down for him, it makes Miami’s most explosive weapons, RB Duke Johnson, TE Clive Walford and WR Phillip Dorsett, markedly more dangerous. Duke is in for a rude awakening after beginning the season with a string of second-rate offensive attacks.

Who To Watch Out For: The Blue Devil D has looked good on paper, but will it continue on grass this weekend? Duke is allowing just 11.5 points per game, and DE Jordan DeWalt-Ondijo, LB David Helton and pretty much the entire secondary has been getting the job done. Miami, though, presents unique challenges for its ability to stretch the field in all directions. If the Duke defense steps up here, go ahead and label this team the favorite to repeat as the Coastal champ. 

What’s Going To Happen: This matchup, like so many others, will come down to coaching and quarterbacks, which gives an edge to the visitors. The collaboration of Cutcliffe and Boone, who’s yet to lose a regular season game, is ahead of Al Golden and Kaaya. Duke won’t roll the way it has in the first month, but it’s a veteran team playing well in all phases right now. And it’s not as if Sun Life Stadium gives the Canes a decided home-field edge. It’ll be entertaining, high-scoring and further evidence that Duke is here to stay. 

Prediction: Duke 34 … Miami 30 
Line: Miami -7 o/u: 60 
Must Watch Factor: (5: Roosevelts: An Intimate History – 1: Red Band Society) … 3  

Notre Dame (3-0) vs. Syracuse (2-1) Sept. 27, 8:00, ABC 

Here’s The Deal: Notre Dame’s surprisingly fast start to the season makes a stop this week at MetLife Stadium, just west of New York City. The Irish, besieged by turmoil in August, have won their first three games by an average of 26 points to rise to No. 8 in the polls. However, their worst outing was their most recent one, a sluggish 30-14 defeat of a bad Purdue team in Indianapolis. Syracuse took a considerable step back last Saturday. A week after throttling Central Michigan, the Orange fell to Maryland in the Carrier Dome, despite outgaining the Terps by 220 yards. 

Why Notre Dame Might Win: Unless the Orange can showcase balance, it’s going to stall against the Irish D. Coordinator Brian VanGorder’s first unit in South Bend has been stout, giving up just 10 points per game. The group has size and speed, led by LB Jaylon Smith and linemen Sheldon Day, Jarron Jones and Romeo Okwara. The Irish are giving up less than three yards a carry, which could force Syracuse QB Terrel Hunt to make more plays over the top. 

Why Syracuse Might Win: Balance is no doubt important, but the Orange can go a long way with its diverse running game. Syracuse has three viable options, Hunt and complementary backs Prince-Tyson Gulley, the slasher, and Adonis Ameen-Moore, the bruiser. And it’s not as if the ND offense has been multi-faceted of late either. QB Everett Golson has had his hand in 11-of-13 offensive touchdowns, and budding WR Will Fuller has been his only consistent playmaker at the skill positions. 

Who To Watch Out For: Notre Dame has got to run the ball better than it did against Purdue. Brian Kelly addressed the issue during the off week by shaking up his entire offensive line. What Kelly can’t control is an opposing defense that’s played the run well so far in 2014. Syracuse is only allowing 2.7 yards per carry, and LB Cameron Lynch is playing as if he’s headed to an All-ACC finale. The Irish fate will once again rest on Golson’s shoulders. 

What’s Going To Happen: Syracuse can compete with Notre Dame as long as it does make the costly errors that resulted in a big deficit versus Maryland last week. Unfortunately for the Orange, the Irish are excelling in takeaways. ND is going to be challenged this week, even longer than Purdue did two weeks ago. A Hunt mistake and a well-orchestrated Golson, though, will help keep the Irish perfect for another week. 

Prediction: Notre Dame 30 … Syracuse 24 
Line: Notre Dame -10 o/u: 48 
Must Watch Factor: (5: Roosevelts: An Intimate History – 1: Red Band Society) … 3