Oct 1, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Miami Hurricanes running back Mark Walton (1) runs the ball for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Photo Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
Florida State at Miami – The Seminoles’ national championship hopes came to a halt on Saturday when North Carolina blew a 14-point lead before Nick Weller kicked a 54-yard field goal at the horn for a 37-35 Tar Heels victory. FSU, which saw its home winning streak end at 22, hasn’t played well on defense and gives up a total of 438.4 yards per game. Miami offers a balanced offense that can move the football through the air via Brad Kaaya or on the ground with Mark Walton, who has been over 100 yards in three out of four games. The Hurricanes schedule has been cushy so far. The key is playing at home and a defense that gives up 253 yards per game and had two returns for scores last week versus Georgia Tech. Hurricanes 37, Seminoles 34.
Virginia Tech at North Carolina – Mitch Trubisky and his deep wide receiving corps were at the heart of the win over FSU and now North Carolina comes home to host a Hokies team that has scored 103 points in their last two games. Of course, those were wins over Boston College and East Carolina, so the jury is still out on where this Virginia Tech offense stacks up. Jerod Evans is a good dual threat quarterback and the key may be outscoring a Tar Heels offense that averages 248 yards per game through the air. Tar Heels 41, Hokies 28.
Georgia Tech at Pittsburgh – The running game is a featured show here with James Conner and Pitt hosting the Yellow Jackets’ triple-option. The Panthers average 250 yards per game behind Conner, who gains 4.2 yards per rush. The Panthers are fourth in the nation against the run at 69.8 yards per game as Georgia Tech must hit some passes to have a shot in the Steel City. Panthers 28, Yellow Jackets 17.
Clemson at Boston College – Struggling Boston College is a good game for the Tigers to have, even on the road, after an emotional win in their 42-36 classic over Louisville on Saturday night. Deshaun Watson re-emerged on the Heisman Trophy scene from with 397 total yards, 91 on the ground, and five touchdown passes. That was in response to 462 yards by Lamar Jackson as he rushed for two scores and threw for one. BC has wins over Buffalo and Wagner and will be no threat to the Tigers’ national title run. Tigers 45, Eagles 10.
Notre Dame at NC State – The Fighting Irish regained some confidence in tagging Syracuse with half of a century in their 50-33 win on Saturday. The key against NC State may be an Irish defense that was not a real factor due Notre Dame’s ability to score at will against the Orange. Eric Dungey threw for 363, but there was no threat to DeShone Kizer’s 23-of-35 for 471 effort. The Wolfpack does its running game by committee and at times, the Irish has been vulnerable to the run and pass equally as they are 106th nationally in total defense. Irish 40, Wolfpack 34.
Syracuse at Wake Forest – The Demon Deacons were brought down after four wins to start the season in that 33-16 loss in Raleigh. Both Wake Forest and Syracuse will need to find a consistent rushing attack as the Deacons had to eschew the run after falling behind 17-0 after one quarter. Dungey is easily the best passer the Demon Deacons have faced and balance on offense will equal an Orange win. Orange 34, Demon Deacons 27.
Army at Duke – The Blue Devils were flat after their 38-35 win in South Bend over Notre Dame last week. That resulted in a 34-20 Virginia win and pushed Duke to 2-3 as the Cavaliers picked off quarterback Daniel Jones five times. Army’s rushing attack has producede 1,499 yards and seven touchdowns in the Black Knights’ 3-1 start with Andy Davidson leading the attack with 414 yards. A troubling loss to Buffalo in overtime two weeks ago is the only blemish. Black Knights 30, Blue Devils 27.
