Week 9 Betting Guide: ACC Games

Seven ACC games dot the slate this weekend, including a major clash at the top of the Coastal division. And then, of course, there's Virginia. Can the Wahoos pull off the upset? Read on for predictions of all of this week's ACC games.

The Virginia Pick

Virginia is a 6-point underdog at home against Georgia Tech

I've waffled on this one throughout the week. Virginia has looked clueless against Georgia Tech's rushing attack in recent years. But the Jackets have been decimated by injuries and have taken a step back. Georgia Tech is coming off of an upset victory over Florida State. Virginia, though it lost again last week, seems to have stabilized itself. I don't expect the Hoos to get blown out like they did against Boise State or like they have against Paul Johnson's squad in recent years. But I just don't have the confidence that they'll get the job done. Georgia Tech wins by a touchdown.

The Ranked Games

#23 Pitt is a 3-point underdog at home against North Carolina

#17 Florida State is a 20.5-point favorite at home against Syracuse

#3 Clemson is a 10-point favorite on the road against NC State

#22 Duke hosts Miami, and there's no line on this game in the Streaking The Lawn Yahoo! Pick 'Em League

Thursday night's game in Pittsburgh could ultimately decide the Coastal title. I'm taking Pitt to cover here. I think Carolina might be the better team, but I think the Heels are more likely than the Panthers to make a crucial mistake.

I'm taking Syracuse to cover on the road against FSU. The Orange covered earlier this year as a big underdog against LSU and again last week as an underdog against Pitt. I think Florida State will eventually run away with this, but they won't win by the necessary 20 points.

I'm taking Clemson to cover in Raleigh NC State. The Tigers trounced Miami on the road last week in their most-impressive win of the season. NC State has won 5 games but still hasn't beaten anyone of note. I think Dabo Swinney will have his team ready for what could be considered a trap game.

Duke is going to beat Miami. The Canes will probably have more talent out on the field, but the distraction of losing head coach Al Golden and the disarray surrounding the program will be too much. Miami's players could be inspired by a fresh start, but Duke's coaching staff is too good to let this one slip away at home.

The Remaining Games

Louisville is a 12-point favorite on the road against Wake Forest

Virginia Tech is a 2.5-point favorite on the road against Boston College

Wake Forest let me down last week. I thought they'd beat NC State outright and I felt really good getting the 10 points. I'm taking the lesson I learned last week and picking Louisville to cover on the road.

Virginia Tech showed some life last week in the loss to Duke. But the Hokies are just the type of offensively-challenged team that Boston College can shut down. I like the Eagles to win outright at home.

No Matter Who You Pick

We hope you'll participate in our ACC Pick 'Em contest on Yahoo! Sports. Head over to Yahoo! to check out full standings and submit your entry. UVA Geek still  leads the standings. His 49-19 record has him two games clear of the field. It's not too late to sign up! Go to Yahoo! and enter in the group ID 7558, with the password "tohomerandback". Good luck!

(As always, these picks are for entertainment purposes only. I'm 36th in the Streaking The Lawn pick 'em pool and 19-34 against the spread. Please don't bet money based on the "wisdom"  you've just read. I'm agnostic to whether you bet money generally.)