Collegiate Times

Just when you thought the ACC was on its way back, it crumbled beneath itself yet again this past weekend. NC State set the tone with an embarrassing 44-14 loss to Cincinnati on Thursday night, then Maryland apparently forgot to show up for its game with Temple, losing 38-7. Miami, coming off a big win over Ohio State, didn’t help the conference reputation either, with a head-scratching 28-24 loss at home to Kansas State. For a conference that so desperately seeks to regain credibility amongst its peers, the ACC sure does a terrible job of making it happen. Now, it’s on to the meat of the conference schedule as the calendar turns to October. At least somebody has to win now. 

Wake Forest at Boston College, 12:30 p.m. 

The Eagles picked up their first win of the season last week against FCS foe Massachusetts. Preseason ACC Player of the Year Montel Harris made his season debut with nine carries and 27 yards in the 45-17 rout. With Harris back in action, the Eagles should be a new team.

The Demon Deacons are 1-0 in ACC play, but that 34-27 win over NC State on Sept. 10 looks much less impressive after the Wolfpack’s debacle last week. The Deacons haven’t beaten Boston College since 2006.

Prediction: Boston College 30, Wake Forest 23 

Towson at Maryland, 3:30 p.m. 

The Terps need this game to lick their wounds following back-to-back losses. That season-opening win over Miami seems like it was ages ago.

Prediction: Maryland 42, Towson 14 

Georgia Tech at NC State, 3:30 p.m. 

The Yellow Jackets proved they were for real with a 35-28 win at home against North Carolina last week. They average nearly 400 rushing yards per game, but the biggest difference between this year’s team and 2010 is the emergence of receiver Stephen Hill. The junior has 462 yards on 14 catches this season and four touchdowns. Tech’s offense is only effective when there is a deep threat in the passing game and with Hill filling that role, the Yellow Jackets are contenders in the ACC.

NC State, meanwhile, is as one-dimensional on offense as it can be. The ‘Pack average 2.8 yards per carry, 11th in the ACC. It would help if they didn’t give up 44 points again, too. Is Tom O’Brien coaching for his job now?

Prediction: Georgia Tech 35, NC State 17 

Idaho at Virginia, 3:30 p.m. 

The Cavaliers’ bowl hopes were severely damaged with a 30-24 home loss to Southern Miss last week. This week’s contest against the Vandals is an absolute must-win for Mike London’s squad. Look for true freshman David Watford to get a majority of the snaps at quarterback for Michael Rocco, who threw three picks last week. The Hampton native entered last week’s game in the second quarter and managed the game reasonably well, completing 10 of 20 passes for 81 yards and a touchdown.

Idaho has yet to be competitive in a game against an FBS foe.

Prediction: Virginia 24, Idaho 6 

Bethune-Cookman at Miami, 3:30 p.m.

The Hurricanes showed so much promise in a dominating effort against a ranked — albeit depleted — Ohio State squad two weeks ago. Last week was a different story, as Kansas State stuffed the ‘Canes in the final minute after Miami had first and goal from the two-yard line.

Keep an eye on Miami’s quarterback situation. Jacory Harris has not done enough to solidify himself as the starter ahead of Stephen Morris.

Prediction: Miami 59, Bethune-Cookman 7 

Duke at Florida International, 7 p.m. 

The Panthers made a statement in the second week of the season when they went up to Louisville and beat the Cardinals. Duke sputtered out of the gate against Richmond, but has looked much better since. Like Virginia, the Blue Devils need this win for any hope of a bowl game.

Remember the name T.Y. Hilton. The senior receiver for the Panthers had 201 yards and two touchdowns against Louisville.

Prediction: FIU 23, Duke 20 

North Carolina at East Carolina, 8 p.m. 

Simply put, the Tar Heels beat themselves in the loss to Georgia Tech. Turnovers and blown defensive assignments were among a plethora of other things that cost North Carolina. Lost in the defeat was the continued emergence of redshirt freshman running back Gio Bernard. He ran for 155 yards on 17 carries against the Yellow Jackets.

This is the Pirates’ first-ever “black-out” game, and along with it being in prime time, it gives them a distinct home-field advantage. Can the mistake-prone Carolina quarterback, Bryn Renner, handle the pressure?

Prediction: East Carolina 28, North Carolina 21

A version of this article appeared in the Sep 30 issue of the Collegiate Times.