ACC: Week 10

Here is a peek at the upcoming games in the ACC: Boston College (2-6) hosts Florida State (5-3) on Thursday night; Clemson (8-1) is idle , Duke (3-5) is at Miami (4-4), Georgia Tech (7-2) has a bye; NC State (4-4) welcomes North Carolina (6-3), Virginia (5-3) visits Maryland (2-6), Va Tech (8-1) does not play and Wake Forest (5-3) awaits Notre Dame (5-3).

BC beat Maryland last week, 28-17, a big win considering their only other victory was against Massachusetts, 45-17, an FCS team out of the CAA. Florida State comes into the contest riding a three game win streak, having handled both Duke and Maryland by an identical score of 41-16 and then pounding NC State 34-0 last week. Florida State is favored by14.5 to 15 points and even though BC has won 3 of the last 5 meetings… that fact will not impact Saturday’s outcome! Due to early losses to Oklahoma 23-13, Clemson 35-30 and Wake Forest 35-30, the Seminoles are now playing without any pressure and their talent and skills levels, unaffected by high expectations, will allow them to win and cover. FSU 42 BC 10

The Blue Devils of Duke are playing a better brand of football this season. A win over BC, 20-19, beating FIU, 31-27, one of the best teams in the Sun Belt, a narrow defeat @ home to Wake, 24-23, and a hard fought, 14-10, loss to Virginia Tech last week are all indicators of improved play.

That said, we need a timeout and a moment to share a thought with Kevin White, Duke’s Athletic Director… please stop scheduling the Richmond Spiders, an FCS team out of the CAA. In 06, Richmond 13 Duke zip, in 09, Richmond 24 Duke 16 and this year, The Spiders 23 Blue Devils 21. One could make a horror movie based on these outcomes and call it “The Year (pick one) of the Spider in Durham or “Fear the Spider”, or we could just not schedule them anymore… ever!! Kevin, I encourage you to quietly and quickly go with the third option. Just a thought Professor, my brother Pat says your a smart guy… I’ll be watching for a spider free environment!

Alright, that covered, let’s get back to the game. Miami is a 15 to 15.5 point favorite and has beaten Duke in each of the last 5 meetings by an average of 13.2 points. However, the past three years the Hurricanes have won by an average of 17 points, in 08, 49-31, in 09, 34-16, and in 010, 28-13. Miami is coming off a tough loss to Virginia, 28-21, @ home, as is Duke, having gone toe to toe with the Hokies, in a 14-10 loss. It should be noted that Duke held Va Tech without a score from the 10 minute mark of the 2nd quarter through the end of the game and forced the Hokies into six straight possessions that ended with a punt. Most impressive! All that said, Miami is at home and aware of what Coach Cutcliffe’s team did on ‘D’ last week. Miami 28 Duke 24

With many of the ACC title contenders (Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech & Clemson) sitting at home this week, the nation’s attention, as it relates to ACC football, will be tuned into Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Where a Demon Deacon will face off with a Leprechaun. Forget Catholics vs Convicts, that is/was just a street fight… this battle come Saturday night will be waged on the Ethereal Plain.

Many college football fans across the country will not be familiar with Wake Forest’s long and integrated history with the Baptists Church. This connection gave rise to the Demon Deacon mascot in 1923 and the current costume was first designed and worn in 1941. The Top Hat, Tuxedo, and the Umbrella were specifically intended to reflect the attire of a Baptist Deacon.

So the billing could have been: Deacons vs Fairies or how about Demons vs Evil Spirits (Leprechauns were said to be the off-spring of an Evil Spirit and a Degenerate Fairy; D R McAnally; Irish Wonders) ; either way, there is no question this game should have been played last week… it has Halloween written all over it….. think of the costumes!

I do know this, when the King of Ulster, Fergus mac Le’ti, was attacked by Leprechauns, who attempted to drag him into the sea, he fought back and captured his would be abductors. If ever captured by humans, Leprechauns have the magical ability to grant three wishes to secure their release. If the Irish are feeling trapped late in the game, they may yet negotiate their release, not with a Hail Mary, but with their Three Magical Wishes. In the event that Wake accepts the offer, I know what the Deacons three wishes will be: 1) A win next week in Death Valley, 2) A win at home against the Terrapins the following week, and 3) A victory in the ACC Companionship Game. Enjoy the Games….