Miami at Virginia Tech – The Hurricanes’ offense has been an enigma in scoring touchdowns the last two weeks in losses to Florida State and North Carolina. In Saturday’s 20-13 loss to the Tar Heels, there were five three-and-out drives, plus a 13-play and a 12-play drive that ended in field goals. Thursday nights in Blacksburg are always tricky no matter the opponent and Miami must reinvent its offensive focus and complete those drives. Virginia Tech lost ground in the ACC Coastal race with the 31-17 loss at Syracuse. Both teams are in must-win mode. Hokies 27, Hurricanes 19
NC State at Louisville – In typical Wolfpack fashion, David Doeren’s squad was left at the altar in a 24-17 loss at Clemson in overtime. N. C. State outplayed the Tigers for much of the afternoon, but Kyle Bambard missed three field goals, including the last one which would have been a 33-yard game winner. Louisville sputtered all night against Duke before hauling in a 24-14 win. Lamar Jackson was stellar in passing for 181 yards and running for 144, scoring both on the ground and through the air. The Cardinals have to get off the field and not allow Matthew Dayes to excel on the ground. Cards 34, Wolfpack 17.
North Carolina at Virginia – The Tar Heels rebounded well after the loss to Virginia Tech with the win at Miami. The key at Charlottesville is playing back-to-back road games at peak intensity. Mitch Trubisky tied his season high in pass attempts at 46 while completing 71.7 percent of those with a pair of TD tosses. Virginia is weak in the secondary as the Cavaliers give up 281 yards per game through the air. Opponents have attempted 76 more passes than runs. Tar Heels 42, Cavaliers 21.
Syracuse at Boston College – Eric Dungey has three 400-yard passing games and two 300-yard passing games. The quarterback threw for 405 yards as Syracuse surprised Virginia Tech in the Carrier Dome, 31-17. Dino Babers has the Orange ascending as they have risen to 3-4. Boston College needs to control the clock, but the Eagles are still a work in progress on offense. BC is fourth in the country in total defense, giving up 253 yards per game. However, the Eagles’ two most credible opponents had no trouble moving the football against BC. Orange 37, Eagles 24.