After a wild Week 5 in the ACC, Week 6 offers a much lighter slate of games. Clemson and Florida State are off this week before squaring off next week in Memorial Stadium. Here’s what’s on tap in the ACC this weekend:
(Photo by Eric Crawford)
The Cardinals are seeking their first ACC win since November 18, 2017 when they beat Syracuse 56-10 in Louisville. They’ll have a chance against, albeit five games in, a disappointing Boston College squad thus far. On paper, the Eagles should be really good. They have a top-five running back in the country in AJ Dillon, and a capable QB in Anthony Brown. Still, they were blown out by Kansas at home a few weeks ago and weren’t all that impressive versus Rutgers a few weeks ago. The key to this matchup will be the run game, as the Eagles rank 111th in rushing defense. Louisville’s duo of Hassan Hall/Javian Hawkins, as well as Malik Cunningham’s running ability, could give BC nightmares. If the Cardinals come out victorious on Saturday, people will be reaching for the panic button in Chestnut Hill.
The Hurricanes have won their last two games against inferior competition after starting the year 0-2. They welcome a struggling Virginia Tech team that barely put up 10 points at home in their blowout loss to Duke last week. Miami is led by freshman QB Jarren Williams, who’s already thrown for over 1,000 yards and zero interceptions through four games. Williams and the Hurricane offense should be able to put up points on a Hokie defense that’s allowing nearly 29 points per game. Virginia Tech needs an upset of the U on Saturday to avoid going 0-3 in ACC play for the first time in school history.
The Tar Heels were a two-point conversion away from shocking Clemson and the entire college football world last Saturday. While no coach believes in moral victories, Mack Brown should be encouraged by how his team went toe-to-toe with the defending National Champions. They’ll look to get back in the win column when they travel to Atlanta to face Georgia Tech Saturday. The Yellow Jackets, as expected, are in rebuilding mode with new head coach Geoff Collins. While their defense has been more than impressive this season, their offense is dreadful, averaging 13.5 PPG. Expect those struggles to continue, as the Tar Heel defense gave Trevor Lawrence and Clemson fits last Saturday.
The Blue Devils are coming off a 35-point shellacking of Virginia Tech, while Pittsburgh squeaked by FCS Delaware by three in Week 5. Pittsburgh’s QB Kenny Pickett is expected to play and start vs Duke after missing last week’s nail-biter vs. the Blue Hens. Quentin Harris was impressive for the Blue Devils against the Hokies, totaling 263 yards of offense and three TDs. Duke ranks 24th in passing defense while Pittsburgh ranks 23rd in passing offense. Another interesting stat to note: Since their opening season loss to Alabama, Duke has put up at least 40 points in every game since then.
Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.
