ACC Weekly Recap

Another wacky week in the ACC is in the books and if we’ve learned anything so far this season, it’s that the ACC is a competitive and unpredictable conference. Bettors may be worried heading into this week’s slate of games in the ACC, but they shouldn’t be. As always, there is much we can glean from what transpired last week and take a more informed approach to making wagers for this weekend. In case you missed it, here’s what happened on Saturday and what we can look forward to this weekend.

#3 FSU Goes Down

FSU was shocked by NC State this week

Everything was going according to plan for the third-ranked Seminoles this weekend, as they took a 16-0 into the locker room at halftime, but things quickly got scary and then upsetting as NC State rallied to win 17-16, scoring a touchdown with just 16 seconds remaining. The Noles, who were averaging over 50 points per game coming into their matchup with the Wolf Pack, are still very much in the hunt for an ACC title, although their National Championship hopes may have been dashed with the loss.

Next week should be a cake walk for FSU as it squares off against Boston College, a team that is coming off a loss to Army. Florida State will be heavy favorites, but bet FSU with caution. They are sure to bounce back with a win, but they are not playing top notch right now and may not be victorious by more than two touchdowns. Meanwhile, NC State will get a bye this week, but keep an eye on the Wolf Pack as a possible contender now in the conference. They only have one ACC loss and have already earned a tiebreaker in the Atlantic Division with former odds-on favorite FSU.

North Carolina Hands V Tech Second Straight Loss

Virginia Tech has had a history of slow starts to seasons, but at 3-3 so far this year, the light at the end of the tunnel is dimming on the Hokies. V Tech suffered another tough loss to a conference foe this week as North Carolina put up plenty of points on the once great Hokie defense and won 48-34. Although it’s been a rough go for Virginia Tech, it still certainly isn’t out of contention with just one conference loss this season.

Virginia Tech is a team that may seem like a sinking ship, but I wouldn’t jump overboard just yet. They may not win the conference this season or even their division, but the Hokies will still be favored in most of their remaining games this season. They have an interesting matchup against 5-1 Duke this week at home. Duke is that fun underdog that many people want to do well, but talent wise, the Blue Devils will still be outmatched against the Hokies. Take V Tech at home in this one. North Carolina will also have its hands full this week with Miami, who although got blown up by Notre Dame 41-3 on Saturday, is still one of the most powerful teams in the ACC. I like the Hurricanes to bounce back with a win over the Tar Heels this week.

Clemson Improves to 5-1

Clemson may be top dog in the ACC now

With the Florida State loss this week, Clemson suddenly looks like maybe it is the team to beat in the ACC after its 47-31 win over Georgia Tech. Clemson has been steady and strong all season long and even in the loss to FSU earlier this year, looked consistent on both sides of the ball. If FSU and Virginia Tech continue to stumble, look for the Tigers to rise above the pack and win the ACC. They will have the week off this Saturday, but have a big showdown with the Hokies coming on October 20th. We’ll have to see how V Tech fares this week, but if I had to bet right now, I would take the Clemson Tigers.