Take Your Pick: ACC Week 5

As with every Friday, we're here to give you some insight into what's going on around the league this weekend.

Georgia Tech (-27.5) vs Middle Tennessee State

As I mentioned in my earlier article, conventional wisdom says that Georgia Tech covers here -- but this isn't a year where we can take anything for granted. I'm not going in expecting a blowout...but we'll just say that it still wouldn't surprise me if it were. I think Georgia Tech comes into this game focused and ready to go, and covers a 4-touchdown spread.

NC State (+3) @ Miami (FL)

We found out last week how good Miami can be, and we found out three weeks ago how bad they can be. That said, I'll guess that they play well here at home against an NC State team that's struggled to score points against worthy foes. Miami covers.

Duke (+3) @ Wake Forest

I'm pretty conflicted here because both teams have had impressive performances, while they've also had terrible performances. Wake Forest beat UNC, and a week later couldn't get on the board against Florida State, followed by allowing 37 to Army. Duke's offense has been pretty potent outside of their loss to Stanford, while they also gave up 50 in that loss. I think I'll take Wake Forest to cover, but the game will likely be decided by no more than 10 points.

North Carolina (-23.5) vs Idaho

Idaho is yet to win a game, losing even to 1-3 Wyoming last week, and will be an awfully long way from home. If this game is anywhere near an actual contest, I'll stop worrying entirely about our November match-up in Chapel Hill. UNC is too powerful for Idaho here and covers, winning by 30+.

Virginia (+3.5) vs Louisiana Tech

This seems like a silly one to pick, with Louisiana Tech not being a household name and Virginia being at home. However, looking at results show that Penn State lost to Virginia a lot more than Virginia won, and the previous two weeks (against us and TCU) the Cavaliers have looked pretty straight-up awful. Meanwhile, Louisiana Tech has scored 50+ in all 3 games this year and is yet to lose. Louisiana Tech covers and takes this one by 2 touchdowns.

Virginia Tech (-6.5) vs Cincinnati

Cincinnati is 2-0, with only one "real" test coming against Pittsburgh, the team that delivered Virginia Tech's only loss to date. Unfortunately for Virginia Tech, their issue in the loss to Pitt was in rushing defense, as Pitt's running backs combined for about 250 yards on the ground, while Cincinnati's bread and butter is their rushing attack. I think Cincinnati covers here, but Virginia Tech wins straight up.

Clemson (-9.5) @ Boston College

Boston College is struggling to keep their heads above water after losses at home against Miami and on the road against Northwestern. Both are good teams, yes, but you know who else is good? I'll give you a hint, their name rhymes with "Schmauburn with a lake" and their coach's name originated from a catch phrase of one of the main characters in The Flinstones. Clemson covers here and wins by 17.

Florida State (-15.5) @ South Florida

South Florida's not a bad team necessarily, but they've been unimpressive to date and are playing a team that's as hot as hot gets in the ACC. Florida State covers and wins big.

There you have it. My picks this week seem pretty uncreative, but I feel like I justified them pretty well. Now I turn to you -- what did you read here that surprised you? Where am I wrong? What will surprise the masses this weekend?