The ACC has several games this weekend that could be pretty interesting, especially in the Coastal divison race. Virginia Tech is looking to bounce back after one of the most disappointing losses for the program, while Miami looks to pull the major upset to stay perfect in ACC play. And finally Pitt and GT face off to try and keep pace and stay in the hunt for bowl eligibility.
Virginia Tech at Boston College
The Hokies dropped a game last week that they should have one. The reason simply was Logan Thomas played poorly. Thomas completed just 55% of his passes for 5.6 yards per attempt, with 4 Ints. The Offense just is not consistent enough for the Hokies to be a real threat this year, with a 33% three and out rate and only one game where theyve averaged better than 30 yards per drive. And it hasnt been because theyve been routinely backed up either, averaging starting at their own 34. Thomas should though be able to bounce back against a BC defense that has been lackluster to say the least. Theyve allowed more than 6 yards per play on offense and a nearly 40% conversion rate on third downs. The Eagles have been extremely vulnerable in the passing game, allowing 67% of passes to get completed, for nearly 9 yards per attempt. They've defended fewer than 10% of the passes thrown against them. The running game can be explosive, with 41 rushes of 10 yards or more (16% of the carries). It wont likely happen against the VT defense though, which has been murderous against everyone this year. Look for VT to bounce back solidly this week and take VT -5
Miami(FL) at Florida State
Miami has not looked the part of a top ten team the last two weeks. After Stephen Morris nearly handed the game away to North Carolina on a Thursday night, the Canes needed a last second drive to overtake Wake Forest. Morris just has not been the same QB since injuring his ankle, the last two weeks hes completing only 56% of his passes with just a single TD and 4 Ints. He still has been able to hit the big plays though, averaging better than 8 yards per attempt still. His offensive line hasn't helped him that much by allowing pressure on nearly 12% of his dropbacks. The Canes have to have a passing threat to be able to have a chance to run the ball, which is key to keeping the ball out of Winston's hand. Duke Johnsons is talented enough to do it, but faces and FSU defense that has allowed over four yards a carry just twice this year, and only four rushing TDs all season. The Noles also boast a better than 10% tackle for loss rate to go with a defense that stops third downs 70% of the time. On the otherside, the Canes have to keep up their pressure on Winston (theyre hurrying QBs on 15% of their dropbacks) to have any chance. Its a very very small chance though.
Pitt at Georgia Tech
The Panthers defense this year has been solid overall, but has had some major miscues. Overall theyre limiting teams to less than four yards per carry, but thats mostly due to a spectacular games against Virginia and Virginia Tech. Theyve allowed over four yards per carry every other games this season, three of them in which they surrendered over 200 yards. They do have a nearly 10% rate for tackles for loss, but 14% of the runs against them have been for more than 10 yards. That's not what you want to have facing the Jackets, a team that piles up over 300 yards a game routinely on the ground. They also dont get stopped in the backfield very often, posting a tackles for loss allowed rate of just 7.8%. Pitt's offense also hasnt been able to measure up, going three and out 33% of the time and averaging just 28 yards per drive. Tom Savage hasnt been poor at QB, converting a third of his third down attempts and averaging better than eight yards per attempt. Its been the fact that on more than 10.5% of their plays the offense has a negative play. The Jackets should romp here, take GT -10. The under could also easily come into play
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