ACC Football: Week Six Staff Picks

It’s a thin slate across the ACC this weekend for Week Six, but there are plenty of fun match-ups to pick nonetheless. Here are all of Mike, Jeff, and Justin’s picks for the weekend ahead across the conference.
 

#3 Clemson (5-0, 2-0 ACC) Vs. Boston College (3-2, 0-2 ACC), 7:30 PM ET Friday, ESPN

Line: Clemson -17.0

Cates: Clemson will win but I think BC will just barely cover. Emotions will be high as it’s the red bandana game and BC always plays well in those.

Greenberg: Clemson should win this game. They will win this game. And they will cover.

McDaniel: Tigers win and cover. Hard to envision a let down here with how good their defense has been of late.
 

Notre Dame (2-3) @ NC State (3-1), 12 PM ET Saturday, ABC

Line: NC State -2.5

Cates: Notre Dame is clearly untrustworthy when it comes to picking them. I won’t do it until things turn around in South Bend. State to win and cover

Greenberg: Notre Dame will pull off the “upset” in a shootout.

McDaniel: Notre Dame has one of the worst defenses in college football, but NC State lost to an East Carolina team that is not very good. I’ll take the Irish on the road for no reason other than they are more talented. Crapshoot pick though.
 

Georgia Tech (3-2, 1-2 ACC) @ Pittsburgh (3-2, 0-1 ACC), 12:30 PM ET Saturday, ACC Network

Line: Pitt -6.0

Cates: Pitt should win and cover. The Yellow Jackets are still searching for answers.

Greenberg: This will be a running the ball extravaganza. Pitt will win but not cover.

McDaniel: I’m taking Georgia Tech to cover but I think Pitt will win this game at home and get back on track.
 

#25 Virginia Tech (3-1, 1-0 ACC) @ #17 North Carolina (4-1, 2-0 ACC), 3:30 PM ET Saturday, ABC/ESPN (Check local listing)

Line: North Carolina -1.5 -18.5

Cates: It’s likely going to be too sloppy to pitch the ball around too much. Tech’s running game is better to this point on paper, so I’ll take them in the minor rain-soaked upset.

Greenberg: The weather here is a factor. Going with home field advantage and giving the Tar Heels the win and the cover.

McDaniel: Defense and an improved rushing attack are the reasons why I’m taking the Hokies to win in a rain-soaked affair in Chapel Hill.
 

Army (3-1) @ Duke (2-3), 3:30 PM ET Saturday, ACC Network

Line: Duke -5.5

Cates: Army is much improved and leading the nation in rushing. I’ll pick Duke to win and cover but with little confidence.

Greenberg: Duke won’t turn the ball over like last week. But will they stop the Army offense? I’ve got Duke by a TD.

McDaniel: Duke has been an enigma this season with mercurial swings in momentum with surprising wins and brutal losses. Army has a fantastic rushing attack, but Duke will find a way at home to win, but not cover.
 

Syracuse (2-3, 0-1 ACC) @ Wake Forest (4-1, 1-1 ACC), 7:00 PM ET Saturday, ACC Network

Line: Wake -4.0

Cates: I like the Orange in this one. Wake took a slight step back last week and the Orange offense is really firing right now.

Greenberg: Wake needs to start faster and rebound from their first loss. The defense will be key here. Wake will win at home by 3.

McDaniel: I’m all in on the Wake Forest improvement, but I’m having trouble envisioning that they score enough points to keep up in this one. Give me Syracuse in an upset.
 

#23 Florida State (3-2, 0-2 ACC) @ #10 Miami (4-0, 1-0 ACC), 8:00 PM ET Saturday, ABC

Line: Miami -3.0

Cates: Miami to win and cover. We may finally find out if the Canes are for real. FSU is trending in the wrong direction, but they’re still the best team Miami has faced.

Greenberg: Tough to read this game. Tough to gauge who the weather favors. I’m going with the Seminoles with the upset.

McDaniel: Miami. They’re good, but I’m not sure they’re #10 good. I’m picking them to win and cover because Florida State is lost on defense right now.
 

 

Follow us on Twitter @jeffgberg, @MikeMcDanielACC, and @BestCates and follow @InsideTheACC for more Atlantic Coast Conference coverage.

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