Week 9 ACC Preview

Oct. 25
BC at North Carolina, Noon, Raycom
Wake Forest at Miami, Noon, ESPNU
Duke at Vanderbilt, 3 p.m.
NC State at Maryland, 3:30 p.m.
Virginia at Georgia Tech, 3:30 p.m., ESPNU
Virginia Tech at Florida State, 3:30 p.m., ABC/ESPN2 (Reverse Mirror)
BYE: Clemson

Fans of chaos are rooting hard for UNC, Miami and NC State this weekend.

Virginia Tech (2-1) at Florida State (2-1)

Both teams are tied in the loss column of their respective divisions. It being an inter-division game, both teams can lose this game and still wind up in Tampa.

However, a loss for either team would mean they would likely have to win out in order to win their division. I doubt there will be a team in Tampa with three conference losses.

The Hokies aren't going to do much on offense against Florida State. Awww, who the hell am I kidding, the Hokies probably aren't going to do much on offense against any of their remaining opponents. I just hope they show signs of life against the Noles.

A big loss to Florida State (which is more than within the realm of possibility) could send this season spiraling out of control like a Big East-era Tech team. However, a big road win would put the Hokies back on track for the ACC title game.

Virginia Tech hasn't lost an ACC road game outside of Boston, but also hasn't won in Tallahassee since 1975.

Boston College (2-1) at North Carolina (1-2)

The Tar Heels have to win out and hope the Hokies lose twice to make it to Tampa. The Eagles can lose this game and still control their own destiny.

If North Carolina can move the ball through the air, they'll have a shot at knocking off the Eagles. Conversely, BC will have to rely on its ground game if it wants to beat Carolina.

Wake Forest (2-1) at Miami (1-2)

I think this will be the best game in the ACC this week. Like VT/FSU and BC/UNC, both teams desperately need this game, especially the Deacs, who have been struggling.

This game will be strength against strength and weakness against weakness. The Canes' offense has been putting up a lot of points and face a Wake Forest D that is the third best in the conference. Meanwhile, Miami's MASH-unit defense faces a stagnant Wake Forest offense.

Duke (1-2) at Vanderbilt

A win in the Billionaire Bowl would give Duke four wins on the season and a nice road win over an SEC opponent. I think they can do it. However, getting to six wins and a trip to a bowl game is a completely different story.

NC State (0-3) at Maryland (2-1)

Maryland should roll. As a Hokie fan, I have to hope Maryland plays well in this one because it means the Terps will lay an egg in Blacksburg on Nov. 6.

Virginia (2-1) at Georgia Tech (3-1)

Amazingly, it's the Hoos that still control their own destiny in the ACC, not the Jackets. If Virginia gets a road win against one of the best teams in the conference, it will suddenly be a threat to go to Tampa. A win by the Jackets puts a lot of pressure on the Hokies.