The first two weeks of the season have been anything but predictable, and Week 3 in the ACC is highlighted by some marquee matchups. Two intriguing games in North Carolina/Wake Forest and Kansas/Boston College kick things off Friday night. Here’s three bold predictions for the ACC in Week Three:
UNC’s Sam Howell Will Throw for 300+ Yards vs. Wake Forest
Against two high-caliber defenses in South Carolina and Miami, Howell has averaged 260 yards through the air. Wake Forest, on the other hand, is allowing 356 passing yards per game on defense. That includes 416 yards to Utah State’s Jordan Love in the season opener. Love threw three interceptions in that game, too, and the Demon Deacons defense still gave up over 400 passing yards in a narrow victory. In fact, Wake Forest ranks 117th out of 120 teams in passing yards allowed per game. Look for Same Howell to continue his hot start and eclipse 300 yards passing versus a suspect Wake Forest secondary.
Louisville Covers (-10) vs. Western Kentucky
Last year, the Hilltoppers were one of two teams all season to fall to the Cardinals, as they missed a late field goal to send it into overtime. This season, Louisville appears to be much more improved under Scott Satterfield. The Cardinals hung with Notre Dame for three quarters and shut out Eastern Kentucky 42-0 on Saturday.
Western Kentucky fell to FCS Central Arkansas by seven at home in Week 1 and squeaked past FIU on Saturday in Miami. Louisville is quicker, more talented and better coached compared to the Hilltopers, and albeit a 10-point spread on a neutral field is respectable, it seems a little low. Expect a motivated, hungry Cardinal team to cruise to an easy victory against their other in-state foe.
Virginia Beats Florida State by 14+ Points
It may be a relatively new season, but it’s the same problems that continue to plague the Seminoles. Poor offensive line play and an undisciplined defense is why Florida State should be 0-2. That does not bode well for a struggling team heading into their first true road game of the season. Especially when it’s against a ranked conference opponent with a very talented, mobile quarterback in Bryce Perkins.
Willie Taggart does not seem to be the right man for the job in Tallahassee, and it appears Florida State may be in for another nightmare season. The Cavaliers are currently favored by 7.5, but based on the Seminoles’ offensive line and defensive secondary, look for Virginia to double the point-spread against FSU.
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