Thursday, October 11, 2007

Carolina will Win and State won’t lose…

An early start to the picks this weekend with the Deacs and ‘Noles playing the ESPN Thursday Night game. After last week’s 4-3 record, I definitely don’t need to give up my day job.

Thursday, Oct 11

7:30 PM

Florida State @ Wake Forest
Winston-Salem, N.C.
TV: ESPN (XM 190/191)
GameTracker
ACC ISP Sports Radio Network

The ‘Noles are looking for revenge as they head into BB&T Field (Groves Stadium)… Now that’s a statement I never thought I would make. Few people expected the Deacs to beat the ‘Noles last year… let alone post a 30-0 win. Talent wise there is not the gap you would expect between these teams. Wake’s misdirection offense is tailor made to cause FSU’s speedy defense plenty of trouble, while FSU’s offense is nothing special. The Deac’s barely managed wins against Maryland and Duke and will need a full 60 minutes of effort to repeat their win against the ‘Noles. Wake 23-17.

Saturday, Oct 13

12:00 PM

Virginia Tech @ Duke
Durham, N.C.
TV: R/LF (XM 190)
Livestats
Duke has been able to score plenty of points, but they have not seen a defense like they will face this weekend. Although the VT offense is not clicking this year, they are starting to show some signs of life, plus VT’s special teams should be worth at least one touchdown. Not a good homecoming for the Blue Devils. VT 28-14

Georgia Tech @ Miami
Miami, Fla.
TV: ESPN (XM 191)
GameTracker
Hard to figure this Georgia Tech team. They’ve played well enough to be 3-1 in the conference, but after falling behind 21-7 at Virginia and 21-3 at Maryland, they look to be out of the running for the for the Coastal Division crown. Despite last week’s loss after spotting the Heels 27 points, the ‘Canes are still have a shot at a trip to Jacksonville. On paper, Tech is just too good on defense for the ‘Canes to score a lot of points. GT 20-13… unless Tech spots Miami a big lead.

3:30 PM

South Carolina @ North Carolina
Chapel Hill, N.C.
TV: ABC (XM 191)
GameTracker
The Old Ball Coach has fond memories of his last trip to Chapel Hill… even has pictures to remind him. I’m still a bit suspicious of UNC’s defense and SC is only giving up127 passing yards per game. In order for the Heels to win, they will need to establish the run and play flawless defense… Look for Spurrier to have another photo opp… South Carolina 31-17

Connecticut @ Virginia
Charlottesville, Va.
TV: ESPNU (XM 192)
Livestats
Virginia was lucky to escape Middle Tennessee State with a win last week. UConn is undefeated, but they haven’t played anyone… although the 45-14 win against Duke should get Virginia’s attention. I don’t know how the ‘Hoos keep on winning, but since the Wyoming game they have continued to find a way… they are sort of the anti-Georgia Tech. It won’t be pretty, but look for the ‘Hoos to continue their winning ways. UVa. 31-21

Boston College @ Notre Dame
Notre Dame, Ind.
TV: NBC (XM 190)
GameTracker
BC is having their best season ever and a bad Notre Dame team is a big underdog at home… That alone should be enough to worry Eagle fans, but memories of 1993 should scare the crap out of them. That year, the Irish cruising toward the national championship when an unheralded BC team upset them. Think the Irish might have a bit of revenge on their minds? On paper this should not be a contest, but something about playing in front of “Touchdown Jesus” might just trip the Eagles up a bit. If Matt Ryan has a big day, he could propel himself to a Heisman frontrunner. If he has a bad game, his Heisman hopes are over. I’m betting that the Irish aren’t good enough to get revenge… BC 35-10

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