Week One Predictions:
ACC football kicked off yesterday in Raleigh where NC State looked sluggish and defunct all night, falling 7-3 to South Carolina in the ACC's first shot at an SEC team. Not too worry ACC fans, the conference will have plenty more opportunities to prove itself this year, starting this weekend.
Jacksonville State 10, Georgia Tech 52: Jacksonville State is one of the better FCS programs but don't expect the Yellow Jackets to have too much trouble dispatching them, especially playing at home. This should be a good chance for Georgia Tech to gain some confidence in the passing game and see how their retooled defensive line looks.
Northeastern 13, Boston College 31: Boston College hosts a Northeastern team coming off an absolutely dismal 2008 campaign and on a seven game losing streak. The Eagles enter 2009 with several question marks and would like to start figuring out some answers against the Huskies, including who they're quarterback is; Justin Tuggle and Dave Shinskie should both see time under center on Saturday.
Baylor 17, Wake Forest 27: Wake Forest is one of the few senior-laden teams in the ACC, and although they lost some big time players on defense, should be able to knock off an improved Baylor team. Last year the Bears got rocked at home 41-13 by quarterback Riley Skinner's Demon Deacons, now they have to head to Winston-Salem.
Middle Tennessee State 14, Clemson 34: Last year Middle Tennessee shocked Maryland 24-14, this year they look for more magic against Clemson. However, don't expect lighting to strike twice, Clemson is a very talented team, isn't facing the pressure that crushed them last year, and Death Valley isn't a very nice place to play for visiting teams.
The Citadel 0, North Carolina 31: This game could get ugly for the Citadel playing in Chapel Hill against what should be one of the better defenses in the ACC. The last time the Citadel played a ranked opponent on the road they lost 70-19, don't expect a ridiculous score like that against the Tar Heels but North Carolina shouldn't have any problems taking care of the Bulldogs.
William & Mary 13, Virginia 20: Don't be surprised if Virginia comes out of the gates a bit slow against a good FCS team; the Cavaliers will be breaking in new players all over the field an could have some early issues, but they should have enough on the field to defeat a solid William & Mary team.
Richmond 24, Duke 31: The Blue Devils took some great strides as a program last year and now set their eyes on a bowl birth in 2009. They need to win every game they're supposed to, including Saturday's meeting with last year's FCS national champions, the Richmond Spiders. Senior quarterback Thaddeus Lewis is one of the best in the ACC and should lead his Blue Devils past Richmond.
Virginia Tech 20, Alabama 16: One of the 2009's marquee non-conference match ups pits No. 5 Alabama against No. 7 Virginia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia with national championship aspirations on the line. In what should be a defensive struggle, whatever team scores first has to like their chances. Two of the best defenses in all of college football will be showcased in the Chick-fil-A College Football Kickoff, and the difference may be the experience of junior quarterback Tyrod Taylor vs. the inexperience of Alabama's Greg McElroy.
Maryland 21, California 34: Last year California slept walk out of Maryland with a loss after flying across the country to face the Terrapins, now Maryland visits the west coast and likely won't catch the Bears snoozing again. Senior quarterback Chris Turner seems to be at his best against ranked foes, but running back Jahvid Best and the Bears might just be too much for the Terps.
Miami 28, Florida State 24: Miami's brutal opening schedule begins with a trip to Florida State where they'll take on emerging quarterback Christian Ponder's Seminoles in an early ACC contest. Miami can't afford to start the season stumbling and has enough play-makers to steal one in Tallahassee.
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