Posted on October 29, 2024
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ACC college football continues in Week 10 with six games.
I preview all of them here, breaking down what’s at stake and what both teams must do to win.
Last week, I went 6-2 straight up, hitting 75% of my predictions. That gives me a 54-26 conference record, good for a 68% success rate on the season.
My picks for this week, both against the spread and straight up, are included with each breakdown as summarized in the table below.
Duke at No. 5 Miami
Saturday, November 2
9:00 am PT, ABC
BETMGMSPORTSBOOK Line: Miami -20.5
What’s at Stake: Miami is undefeated and seeking a bye in the Playoff.
The Vegas oddsmakers expect a convincing win, but Duke might be better than they expect. The Blue Devils are coming off a tough loss, though, and have dropped two of their last three.
A convincing Miami win would be noted by the Selection Committee.
Why Duke Wins: The Blue Devils contain the Miami running backs and Maalik Murphy doesn’t turn the ball over.
Why Miami Wins: The Hurricanes’ offensive line wins the line of scrimmage to establish the run game and Cam Ward passes with his normal efficiency.
Against Spread: Duke
Straight Up: Miami
Stanford at NC State
Saturday, November 2
9:00 am PT, ACC Network
BETMGMSPORTSBOOK Line: NC State -10
What’s at Stake: The Cardinal head to the East Coast on a five-game losing streak.
Troy Taylor’s offense has been mostly ineffective and the defense is poor. NC State is coming off a bye after beating California in Berkeley.
This game could get ugly.
Why Stanford Wins: The defense gets stops and the traditional run game is successful.
Why NC State Wins: The front seven gets penetration into the backfield and consistently forces Stanford into third and longs.
Against Spread: NC State
Straight Up: NC State
Virginia Tech at Syracuse
Saturday, November 2
9:00 am PT, The CW
BETMGMSPORTSBOOK Line: Virginia Tech -4
What’s at Stake: Syracuse is at a pivotal point in its season.
The Orange lost to Stanford earlier in the year but then rattled off three straight wins until getting embarrassed by Pitt last weekend.
Coming off a loss and playing at home, the year’s momentum hangs in the balance.
Why Virginia Tech Wins: The secondary makes plays in the passing game and the defensive line wins the physicality battle.
Why Syracuse Wins: Kyle McCord has enough time to find open receivers and doesn’t turn the ball over.
Against Spread: Syracuse
Straight Up: Syracuse
North Carolina at Florida State
Saturday, November 2
12:30 pm PT, ACC Network
BETMGMSPORTSBOOK Line: North Carolina -2.5
What’s at Stake: North Carolina might have found an answer.
The Tar Heels snapped their four-game losing streak with a blowout win over Virginia.
Mack Brown is a good coach and another convincing win on the road would signal a turnaround.
Why North Carolina Wins: Omarion Hampton rushes for more than 100 yards and the front seven contains Florida State’s run game.
Why Florida State Wins: The offensive line gets the push needed to establish the running backs and the defense limits explosive plays.
Against Spread: North Carolina
Straight Up: North Carolina
Louisville at No. 11 Clemson
Saturday, November 2
4:30 pm PT, ESPN
BETMGMSPORTSBOOK Line: Clemson -10.5
What’s at Stake: Louisville looked questionable against Boston College last week and faces its toughest road game of the season.
Clemson has been beating teams convincingly and is looking for a statement win.
A large margin of victory could help the Tigers in the eyes of the Selection Committee.
Why Louisville Wins: The running backs create explosive plays and the defense wins the turnover margin.
Why Clemson Wins: The Tigers use pressure to speed up Tyler Shough and Cade Klubnik is efficient through the air.
Against Spread: Clemson
Straight Up: Clemson
No. 18 Pittsburgh at No. 20 SMU
Saturday, November 2
5:00 pm PT, ACC Network
BETMGMSPORTSBOOK Line: SMU -7.5
What’s at Stake: A shot at the Playoff is on the line for both teams.
Each are undefeated in conference play and ranked in the Top 25.
The loser’s path to the Playoff will become much more difficult while the winner would become one of the favorites to make the ACC Championship Game.
Why Pitt Wins: The secondary doesn’t allow the SMU receivers to break tackles in open space and the front seven contains Kevin Jennings on the ground.
Why SMU Wins: The RPO plays are effective and the Mustangs win the turnover margin.
Against Spread: Pitt
Straight Up: SMU
Dane Miller’s ACC Game Picks
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Miller covers College Basketball and College Football as well as Formula 1 racing as a Senior Writer and Assistant Editor for SuperWest Sports.
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