The picks went 2-1 last week, and with that let’s take a look at the ACC slate for Week 6. Undefeated Clemson heads to Boston College on Friday night, and the anticipated showdown between Florida State and Miami should be exciting. Both the ACC pick of the week and bonus pick have been winners two weeks in a row, so let’s see if we can make it three this week.

ACC Pick of the Week- Georgia Tech @ Pittsburgh (-6.5) 

James Conner has made his way back onto the college football scene, and this Pitt offense has benefited from his return. The Panthers are averaging 250.0 yards per game on the ground, and quarterback Nathan Peterman has been efficient (8 TD, 2 INT). This offense is rolling right now, but I also like their defense in this matchup.

The Tech rushing attack isn’t what it used to be. The rushing numbers are down from last year, and the Yellow Jackets are averaging just 226.8 yards per game on the ground in a triple-option offense. Other triple-option offenses like Georgia Southern, Army, Air Force and Navy are all above Tech right now in that category. Plus, while Pitt’s defense has been absolutely terrible against the pass, it has actually stopped the run pretty well. The Panthers are allowing just 69.8 rushing yards per game, which is 4th-best in the NCAA. The defensive front will cause problems against Georgia Tech on Saturday.

This is an important division game for Pitt, and in some ways its a must-win because of the way North Carolina and Miami are playing.

The Pick: Pittsburgh (-6.5)

 

Bonus Pick- Clemson @ Boston College Over 46 

The over/under is low here because of the two defenses. Clemson and Boston College both rank in the top 16 in total defense, but the Tigers offense seems to be back to form. The Tigers have racked up 949 total yards over the last two games, and Deshaun Watson has shaken off his early-season struggles. The All-American has thrown for over 300 yards in consecutive weeks, and Wayne Gallman averaged 6.9 yards per carry against a solid Louisville front last week.

The Tigers put up 532 yards and 34 points against a good Boston College defense last season, and with the recent momentum it could do the same again on Friday night. The Eagles offense is averaging almost six points per game more than last season with Patrick Towles at quarterback, but it’s more about the momentum of Clemson’s offense here.

The Pick: Clemson/Boston College Over 46

 

Trending up: Clemson’s rush offense

The Tigers struggled to get things going on the ground in the first four weeks, but Gallman came alive in the 42-36 win over Louisville. His 110 yards gave him his second 100-yard effort on the season, and the offensive line played its best game yet. Watson also got in on the action, rushing for a season-best 91 yards in the Louisville win. If the Tigers keep running the ball like this, it will open up the entire offense for explosive plays down the field.

 

Trending down: Florida State’s defense

This group figured to be among the nation’s best, but it hasn’t lived up to that expectation so far. The early part of the schedule has featured some great offenses (Ole Miss, Louisville, South Florida, North Carolina) but the numbers don’t lie. Through five weeks, Florida State is 83rd nationally against the pass and 92nd against the run. The loss of safety Derwin James has had a bigger impact than expected, and this defense needs a solid effort against Miami to get back on track.

 

Game to Stay Away From: Notre Dame @ N.C. State 

The situation at Notre Dame right now is a mess. The Fighting Irish have one of the most explosive offenses in the country, but the defense has played awful. They were able to get back on track with a 50-33 win over Syracuse, but the defense still gave up a lot of big plays.

The Wolfpack offense is averaging 40.0 points per game this year, and they have home-field advantage in this one. The Irish are one-point underdogs, but this game is truly a toss-up. With Notre Dame’s defensive woes and an improved N.C. State offense, this is a game to stay away from this week.

 

Other Picks: 

• Florida State @ Miami- Miami (-3)
  • The Seminoles have won the last six in this rivalry, but this is Miami’s best shot in a few years. The Hurricanes are a team on the rise, and the offense looks much better in 2016. Miami will have a chip on its shoulder, and the home crowd will play into that also. Florida State’s defense has really struggled lately, especially against the run. Miami’s rushing offense (232.5 yards per game) and Brad Kaaya’s leadership makes Miami a solid pick here.
• Virginia Tech @ North Carolina- North Carolina (-2.5) 
  • The Tar Heels offense hasn’t missed a beat with Mitch Trubisky at quarterback, and he is slowly creeping up the Heisman Watch boards. With 13 touchdowns and no interceptions, he is playing virtually mistake-free. North Carolina is near the top of the charts in explosive plays this season. Take the Heels at home -2.5.