| Clifton Canady | 30-16 |
| Griffin Barfield | 32-14 |
| Casey Cregan | 33-13 |
| Garrett Mitchell | 27-14 |
| Lacey Steele | 30-15 |
Clifton Canady – Staff Writer
Louisville @ 11 Clemson 7:30 pm
I anticipate a high-scoring affair, with both offenses showcasing their capabilities. However, I believe Clemson will come out on top due to their superior defense. Historically, Clemson has performed well against Louisville, and Coach Dabo Swinney has never lost to the Cardinals. Additionally, Clemson is coming off an open date, which should leave them well-prepared and rested for this matchup. Considering these factors, I changed my score from the Around The Paw Podcast. I predict Clemson will win with a score of 42-21.
Louisville 21, 11 Clemson 42
4 Penn State @ 3 Ohio State Noon
Ohio State is likely to secure the victory against Penn State, despite the challenge of playing in Happy Valley. The Buckeyes have historically performed well against the Nittany Lions, winning seven straight games in this matchup, and Coach Ryan Day is undefeated against Penn State. However, Ohio State’s offense struggled in their last game against Nebraska, and they will need to improve to overcome Penn State’s strong pass defense. Additionally, Penn State’s quarterback, Drew Allar, is a game-time decision, which could impact their offensive capabilities. Given these factors, I anticipate Ohio State winning with a close score of 28-24.
4 Penn State 24, 3 Ohio State 28
18 Pitt @ 20 SMU 8 pm
In the ranked matchup between Pitt and SMU, I believe SMU will come out on top. SMU’s recent performance against Duke highlighted their offensive potential, but they will need to secure the ball better than they did in that game. Pitt’s defense is known for forcing mistakes, which could challenge SMU. However, with SMU’s offense ranking 14th in scoring and their quarterback Jennings leading a high-powered attack, they can overcome Pitt’s defensive pressure. I predict SMU will secure the ball better and put up enough points to win, with a final score of 34-27 in favor of SMU.
18 Pitt 27, 20 SMU 34
10 Texas A&M @ South Carolina 7:30 pm
Texas A&M will likely emerge victorious against South Carolina, even though they are playing on the road. The Aggies have shown resilience and are performing well in the SEC. While South Carolina’s defense could pose a challenge because of their talent, Texas A&M’s depth and talent should secure them a win. Despite some models giving South Carolina a slight edge, the overall consensus leans towards a Texas A&M win. I foresee a score of 31-17 for Texas A&M, aligning with the general expectation of a comfortable win for the Aggies.
10 Texas A&M 31, South Carolina 17
Duke @ 5 Miami Noon
Miami, ranked 5th, has been dominant this season, and playing at home gives them an additional advantage. Duke will need to play exceptionally well to compete, but Miami’s overall strength should lead them to a comfortable victory. I predict a score of 35-14 in favor of Miami.
Duke 14, 5 Miami 35
Garrett Mitchell- Staff Writer
Louisville @ 11 Clemson 7:30 pm
Like Dorothy said, there’s no place like home! Clemson will host Louisville but don’t expect the birdies to be flying high under the Memorial Stadium lights. The Tigers are on a mission and will roll again on Saturday night.
Clemson 45, Louisville 21
4 Penn State @ 3 Ohio State Noon
This one might be the game of the week and should be a barn burner. My sheer loathing will not allow me to pick Ohio State but I just Penn State is better anyway. Give me the Nittany Lions in a close one.
Penn State 31, Ohio State 27
18 Pitt @ 20 SMU 8 pm
Well, one thing is for sure. One log in the ACC jam is going to come loose float away after this one. Both SMU and Pitt are undefeated in conference play with SMU being one of the surprise stories in college football. I expect them to continue raising eyebrows. Sorry, Pitt.
SMU 34, Pitt 24
10 Texas A&M @ South Carolina 7:30pm
Gig’em. That is all.
Texas A&M 27, South Carolina 14
Duke @ 5 Miami Noon
I really, really need Miami to lose this game to validate my belief that they are not very good. My brain overrides my heart, though, and the Hurricanes begrudgingly stay on their (hopeful) collision course with Clemson in the ACC Championship game.
Miami 42, Duke 27
Casey Cregan – Staff Writer
Louisville @ 11 Clemson 7:30 pm
I’ve gotta be honest. This one scares me a little bit. Not that I don’t think Clemson is great, they are. But a true test of a QB that will be playing on Sunday’s and athletes all over the field. I’ve gone back and looked at other games Louisville has played and they’re not all that impressive, but it just seems Clemson gets everyones best shot. The Tigers are a 10-point favorite. I hope Vegas is right.
Clemson 31, Louisville 24
4 Penn State @ 3 Ohio State Noon
I’m not sure who James Franklin has compromising photos of to consistently be ranked in the top 10 in the preseason. It’s the same story with Penn State every year. Cruise through the early portion of the year, and lose the games that actually matter. This is one of those games that actually matters. It helps that Ohio State is extremely talented on both sides of the ball. Ohio State big.
Ohio State 41, Penn State 13
18 Pitt @ 20 SMU 8 pm
This game is extremely intriguing. Pitt has sort of flown under the radar when talk of the ACC Championship has come up. They’re still undefeated overall. SMU is undefeated in the ACC. Something has to give this weekend. Not sure why, but I’m going Pitt to win here. Close…as all SMU games seem to be.
Pitt 34, SMU 32
10 Texas A&M @ South Carolina 7:30pm
South Carolina’s defense is tremendous. Their offense is offensive. A&M is coming to Columbia riding a high from a come from behind W against LSU. The A&M offense is humming under Marcel Reed. I think it stays that way. A&M needs to avoid the hot starts the chickens usually have in their upset victories. That, and turnovers…and “Beamer Ball”
Texas A&M 30, South Carolina 17
Duke @ 5 Miami Noon
Duke had SMU beat last week but literally gave the game away on multiple occasions. They cannot afford to do that this week if they want to swing the upset against top 5 Miami. I would love for the upset to happen, but I just can’t see it this week. Miami wins, without the help of the officials this week.
Miami 41, Duke 21
Angelo Feliberty – Staff Writer
Louisville @ 11 Clemson 7:30pm
This honestly should be the most entertaining Clemson game up to this point. As we all know, the Tigers have ran through opponents on a weekly basis aside from their season opener versus Georgia. But this Louisville team won’t lay down and roll over, that’s a fact. The Cardinals had a great season in 2023 and were ranked coming into this year for a reason. Their offense is very experienced and explosive with seventh-year QB Tyler Shough being top ten in CFB for both passing yards and touchdowns. Nevertheless, I don’t see this mediocre Cardinals defense stopping the Clemson offense. GO TIGERS!
Clemson 31, Louisville 23
4 Penn State @ 3 Ohio State Noon
I know we all think it’s the same Penn State every year; they start off hot and get high in the rankings just to collapse by the end of the season. But I think this year is different for the first time in a long time. The Nittany Lions have looked far better than they have in past years, with a lot of that credit going to their new offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator. We’re finally seeing the offense utilized to it’s fullest potential, not to mention their one of the best defenses in the country as well. Ohio State has the talent to win but have been pretty underwhelming in my opinion. I think the biggest impact as to why Penn State takes this one is due to the coaching difference.
Penn State 30, Ohio State 27
18 Pitt @ 20 SMU 8 pm
I’m intrigued by this game. These are two teams that have been pretty quiet in the national scheme of things yet are still undefeated in the ACC. I really don’t know how this game will go but I’d have to roll with my gut and say the Panthers got this one in the bag. Pittsburgh has had a few scares throughout the season just like SMU has but I think Pittsburgh QB Eli Holstein will be able to make enough big plays in crunch time to lead his team to a victory. Not to mention that Duke had that game in a choke hold against SMU last week and still managed to lose.
Pitt 34, SMU 24
10 Texas A&M @ South Carolina 7:30 pm
While South Carolina had a great conference win over the Oklahoma Sooners two weeks ago, it really didn’t move me much as Oklahoma has one of the worst offenses in football. That’s not to undermine Carolina’s defense as it’s young and promising but it just didn’t do much for me. Meanwhile, A&M is looking dominant as they’re currently on a seven-game win streak and dominated two top ten teams in Missouri and LSU within a span of three weeks. While I think the Gamecocks can slow down this consistent offense, I don’t see them upsetting. Give me the Aggies.
Texas A&M 27, South Carolina 17
Duke @ 5 Miami Noon
Cam Ward. That’s it.
Miami 41, Duke 17
Griffin Barfield – Staff Writer
Louisville @ 11 Clemson – 7:30 pm
Expect a high-scoring affair. This game is truly where I believe we will see if Clemson is not only an ACC Championship team, but also a national championship contender. The Tigers win, but they get it off of a late-game stop to sneak out with a classic night win.
Clemson 42, Lousiville 34
4 Ohio State @ 3 Penn State – Noon
So much goes into this game. This game gets you a College Football Playoff spot and, most likely, a spot in the Big 10 Championship game. Ohio State was so close against Oregon, and I do not think that Penn State is the caliber that Oregon is. Will Howard learned from his mistakes on sliding, and he bounced back huge in his homecoming game.
Ohio State 31, Penn State 27
18 Pitt @ 20 SMU – 8 pm
This game should have been College GameDay. Seeing an ACC Championship berth on the line is so important, and Pitt’s defense has awoken lately. I love Kevin Jennings and his role in the SMU offense, but a 7.5-point spread is not worth how good Pittsburgh is. This game is won off of a field goal, and it’s the home team that does so.
SMU 38, Pitt 35
10 Texas A&M @ South Carolina – 7:30 pm
Huge win for the Aggies last weekend, and the chain game has them winning this game. I think South Carolina is such a disruptor in this ACC though. There’s too much to worry about if you are Mike Elko, and that matchup with Texas in a few weeks may overlook this team. South Carolina matches up better against the Aggies than the Gamecocks did against LSU, they shock the world tonight.
South Carolina 24, Texas A&M 20
Duke @ 5 Miami – noon
Everyone and their mother wants Duke to win this game, but please, it’s Miami. Cam Ward will be sitting in the front seats in New York City in a few weeks, and he deserves it. He balls out again, and Miami smokes the Blue Devils.
Miami 34, Duke 17
