Georgia Tech (6-5) at No. 3 Georgia (10-1)
Where: Athens, Ga., Sanford Stadium (93,058)
When: Noon
The blitz:
Georgia has won three straight in the series and 10 of the last 11, and
the odds are strong that trend will continue. However, the Yellow
Jackets are playing their best ball of the season, and with the triple
option, there’s always a chance, especially against a defense that has
had a few rough patches. The keys for Paul Johnson’s team are if the
Bulldogs are flat and if Georgia Tech takes advantage hitting on some
surprising long passes to loosen up the defense.
Pick: Georgia, 35-20.
Virginia (5-6, 2-5) at Virginia Tech (5-6 3-4)
Where: Blacksburg, Va., Lane Stadium (66,233)
When: Noon
The blitz: The
Hokies will extend their bowl eligibility streak to 19 seasons if they
can notch a victory. Virginia had been playing well until North Carolina
blitzed the Cavaliers a week ago Thursday night. Virginia Tech will be
as prepared and fired up to play this game as any all season and will
put forth its best performance, too. Don’t be surprised if it’s a lot
like last season’s 38-0 finale in Charlottesville, though it’s uncertain
whether or not the Hokies offense can score that many pints without the
aid of defensive or special teams touchdown or more.
Pick: Virginia Tech, 43-17.
Miami (6-5, 4-3) at Duke (6-5, 3-4)
Where: Durham, N.C., Wallace Wade Stadium (33,941)
When: 12:30 p.m.
The blitz:
Had Miami not opted out of the postseason earlier this week, the
Hurricanes would have a huge edge in being inspired by going after the
Coastal Division title. But it’s impossible to get a gauge on how the
young team will go into this contest now that it’s only for pride. Odds
are they will be down, which is a break for the struggling Blue Devils,
who have lost three consecutive games by an average score of 49-17. Duke
may get a spark from some accomplished seniors and secure a seventh
victory for just the fourth time in 50 years.
Pick: Duke, 33-28.
Boston College (2-9, 1-6) at N.C. State (6-5, 3-4)
Where: Raleigh, N.C., Carter-Finley Stadium (57,583)
When: 3 p.m.
The blitz: This
likely will be the final game for Boston College coach Frank Spaziani
and there are rumblings along Tobacco Road this might be the final
regular season game for North Carolina State head man Tom O’Brien
regardless of the outcome of this contest. Keys here are simple: Will
the Wolfpack be ready to play; can their secondary keep B.C.’s Chase
Rettig from posting big numbers; and which team will win the turnover
battle?
Pick: N.C. State, 34-16.
Maryland (4-7, 2-5) at North Carolina (7-4, 4-3)
Where: Chapel Hill, N.C., Kenan Stadium (63,000)
When: 3 p.m.
The blitz:
The Terrapins only stand a chance if North Carolina QB Bryn Renner and
tailback Giovani Bernard don’t play. Even then, it’s doubtful this would
be a competitive game. A linebacker playing QB for the Terps against a
team that can score a lot of points is a recipe for a blowout.
Pick: UNC, 40-6.
No. 6 Florida (10-1) at No. 10 Florida State (10-1)
Where: Tallahassee, Fla., Doak Campbell Stadium (82,300)
When: 3:30 p.m.
The blitz: The
team’s statistics suggest this should be a very low scoring game. But
sometimes big games don’t go according to their billing, and this one
may end up that way. The biggest difference between these clubs is that
Florida’s offense just isn’t any good regardless of the opponent. The
Gators scored 27 versus Bowling Green, 27 vs. La-Lafayette, and 23 vs.
FCS member Jacksonville State a week ago. If the game ends up lopsided,
it will be in favor of the Seminoles.
Pick: FSU, 20-9.
Vanderbilt (7-4) at Wake Forest (5-6)
Where: Winston-Salem, N.C., BB&T Field (31,500)
When: 3:30 p.m.
The blitz: The
Commodores went 5-3 in the SEC this season, which means they are a
pretty darn good club. Neither team has been very electric on offense,
but Vandy’s defense is much better, and that’s where the game will be
won. Wake can’t run power and its passing game has been awful of late.
Vandy will methodically pull away.
Pick: Vandy, 26-10.
No. 13 South Carolina (9-2) at No. 12 Clemson (10-1)
Where: Clemson, S.C., Memorial Stadium (81,500)
When: 7 p.m.
The blitz:
South Carolina won a third straight in the series with a
three-touchdown victory in Columbia a year ago. This time around, the
Tigers are playing as well as they have in years, South Carolina is
banged up, and in the end, it’s hard to imagine any team stopping Tajh
Boyd, Andre Ellington, DeAndre Hopkins, Sammy Watkins and company, much
less slowing them down. Clemson still has to match the Gamecocks’
toughness, and that could be a key if the game is slower than the Tigers
prefer.
Pick: Clemson, 30-21.
Last week: 7-0
Season record: 70-17
