Predictions for every game from week 12

There are three weeks into the regular season and while things may look simple in the ACC, there is always the chance for an upset. Miami concluded their undefeated season last week at Georgia Tech and the other ACC contenders should take note this weekend.

SMU is a heavy favorite against Boston College and both Clemson and Louisville are also heavy favorites, but could either of them make a mistake?

There will be other games where ACC teams try to gain bowl eligibility. Cal can get there with a home win against Syracuse and North Carolina can get there with a win over Wake Forest. With no one giving them a chance, can Virginia pull off a big upset against Notre Dame and end their playoff hopes?

Let’s pick this weekend’s match.

1. Clemson (-10) at Pitt, noon ET, ESPN

The Tigers are playing their final ACC game of the year and they need to win it to keep their chances at the ACC title game alive. However, the Panthers are thinking the same way and could use a win after two disappointing weeks in a row. It’s hard to argue against Clemson in this spot, especially since the Panthers’ offense has been so disappointing in recent weeks. Tigers win on the road and keep their ACC hopes intact.

Final score: Clemson 34, Pitt 24

2. Syracuse at Cal (-9), 3:00 PM ET, CW Network

Syracuse is coming off a disappointing loss to Boston College, while Cal is coming off a win over Wake Forest and they need one more win to get to a bowl game in their first year in the ACC. Cal has had a lot of close losses this year, but I think they slow down Syracuse’s passing game and Cal quarterback Fernando Mendoza is better than Kyle McCord in Berkeley.

Final score: Cal 38, Syraucse 27

3. Virginia at Notre Dame (-23), 3:30 p.m. ET, NBC

Virginia has looked like a better team this year under Tony Elliott and the Cavaliers are one win away from a bowl game. However, are they ready for this? Notre Dame has been crushing teams since losing to Northern Illinois and they are just a few wins away from an appearance in the College Football Playoff. Virginia is a solid team, but they aren’t ready to go out and beat Notre Dame yet.

Final score: Notre Dame 34, Virginia 7

4. Boston College at SMU (-19.5), 3:30 PM ESPN

SMU enters their final three games controlling their own destiny to make it to the ACC Championship game, but they must avoid the setbacks along the way. Boston College is making a move at quarterback, but their identity this season is a strong rushing team. I just don’t think Boston College has what it takes to keep up with the Mustangs and SMU is one step closer to Charlotte.

Final score: SMU 42, Boston College 17

5. Louisville (-20.5) at Stanford, 3:30 p.m. ET, ACC Network

Both teams are coming off their bye weeks, but that’s where the similarities end for these two teams. The Cardinals were one of the best teams in the ACC this year and Stanford was one of the worst. Stanford has had issues on the defensive side of the ball and that’s bad news against a Jeff Brohm-led team. I could see Louisville getting off to a slow start with the travel element, but this game shouldn’t be close.

Final score: Louisville 45, Stanford 14

6. Wake Forest at North Carolina (-11.5), 8:00 PM ET, ACC Network

North Carolina is coming off a bye week and the Tar Heels are one win away from returning to the postseason. After their loss to Georgia Tech, North Carolina won convincingly against Virginia and Florida State. Wake has an offense that could make this game interesting and the Demon Deacons probably need this game to make a bowl game, but North Carolina wins.

Final score: North Carolina 38, Wake Forest 24

Additional links:

Georgia Tech Football: Updated ACC standings heading into Week 12

National analyst calls Georgia Tech vs Georgia one of the most important remaining games in the Playoff race

Georgia Tech vs Miami was one of the most watched games in Week 11