Week 13 ACC Betting Guide: Return of the Heartbreak Hoos?

At last, friends, we’ve reached the final week of another action-packed regular season. 9 ACC games dot the slate this week and "UVA Geek" sits on top of the STL Pick ‘Em League standings once again. Once more into the breach, dear readers. Let’s take a look at this week’s picks.

The Virginia Pick

Virginia is a 3.5-point underdog at home against Virginia Tech

Earlier in the week, I picked the Hoos to pull off the upset. And there’s nothing that would make me happier. But history is not in Virginia’s corner. The soon-to-be-over Mike London Era has been filled with close losses and missed opportunities. Two of the most excruciating losses have come against the Hokies. In my heart, this is the week that Virginia puts it all together and pulls out a meaningful win. But in my head, I think it’s more likely the Hoos lose another close one due to a late-game mistake. I’m taking the Hokies to win, but the Cavaliers to cover.

To Hell With The SEC

#1 Clemson is a 17-point favorite on the road at South Carolina

#13 Florida State is a 2-point favorite on the road at #12 Florida

Louisville is a 4-point favorite on the road at Kentucky

Georgia Tech is a 5-point underdog at home against Georgia

As I’ve said the last few weeks, the Tigers don’t need to impress anyone by running up the score. They just need to keep winning and staying healthy. That said, I can’t see South Carolina bouncing back from its loss to The Citadel to give Clemson much of a fight. I’m taking the Tigers to cover.

Florida did most of its best work early in the season in a weaker-than-usual SEC East. The Seminoles can’t make the ACC title game, but Jimbo Fisher has spoken passionately about still achieving a successful season. I think the Noles are better, and I think they’ll get the job done. I’m taking FSU to cover.

Louisville and Kentucky have had mirror seasons. The Cardinals lost early while the Wildcats prospered. Kentucky has lost 5 out of its last 6 while Louisville has steadied itself. I’m going to take Louisville to win, but I’m going to take Kentucky to cover.

Finally, when was the last time the Georgia Tech-UGA game featured two teams with so little to play for? The Dawgs will have revenge on their minds after last year’s heartbreaking loss to the Yellow Jackets. That Georgia Tech team, meanwhile, was performing at a much higher level than this one. I think Paul Johnson’s squad packs it in after 2 quarters. I’m taking Georgia to cover.

Settling the Score In The ACC

#14 North Carolina is a 6.5-point favorite on the road at NC State

Boston College is a 3-point favorite on the road at Syracuse

Duke is a 4-point favorite on the road at Wake Forest

Pitt is a 6-point favorite at home against Miami

The Tar Heels are enjoying one of the best seasons in school history. Think they’ll be energized to beat up on the Wuffies? I sure do. I’m taking the Heels to win going away.

I’m a sucker for Syracuse. And Boston College has struggled to score all year. I’m taking the Cuse to win outright at home.

Duke has played poorly, but not poorly enough to lose to Wake Forest. The Blue Devils will right the ship and cover against the Deacs.

Finally, Pitt and Miami are both playing well coming down the stretch. I think the Canes will play the Panthers tough. Pitt will win, but Miami will keep it close enough to cover.

Streaking The Lawn Pick 'Em Update

It's a three-player race in our pick 'em league as we enter the last week of the regular season. "UVA Geek" sits on top with a 63-31 record. "We suck. Wahoowa" and "HoosOn_First" are only one game back. Head over to Yahoo! to check out full standings and submit your entry for the week. Good luck!

(As always, these picks are for entertainment purposes only. I'm 35th in the Streaking The Lawn pick 'em pool and 30-48 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.)