ACC football picks: Pittsburgh vs. Virginia Tech & 3 more

At one point this year, some followers of the ACC jokingly predicted the Coastal Division would ultimately end up in a seven-way tie, with all teams at 4-4 in conference play. Through 12 weeks there has been some stratification, and we have three teams that have risen up for an opportunity to play against Clemson in the ACC Championship Game. Two of those teams, Pittsburgh and Virginia Tech, will face off Saturday. All games previewed are Saturday.

Pittsburgh at Virginia Tech (-3.5), 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2

Virginia Tech sits at 7-3 straight up and 5-5 against the spread, while Pittsburgh is also 7-3 straight up but 7-3 against the spread. Pittsburgh has already beaten preseason expectations by going over six wins. This line in the preseason was Virginia Tech -6.5, but Pitt has played better than many thought they would.

After the Hokies started the season with quarterback Ryan Willis, Virginia Tech coach Justin Fuente made the switch to Hendon Hooker, and the results have been impressive. Hooker is 5-0 as a starter, including a 45-0 victory over Georgia Tech last game out. He quite clearly offers a different dynamic to an offense that was unimpressive early in the year.

Pittsburgh QB Kenny Pickett has thrown for a career-high 2,311 yards in his third-year with the program, but his efficiency numbers don’t really stand out. Pittsburgh struggles to run the ball, so defenses are not as threatened by that option, and Pickett is averaging only 6.3 yards per attempt. By comparison, Hendon is averaging 10.1 yards per attempt.

Pittsburgh dominated Virginia Tech last year in a 52-22 home victory, but this will be a more potent Hokies offense in Blacksburg. Virginia Tech should win this game, cover this spread and setup a suspenseful, well-contested matchup against Virginia in the final week of the regular season to decide the Coastal champion.

Pick: Virginia Tech -3.5

Syracuse at Louisville (-8), 4 p.m. ET, ACC Network

Louisville is definitely the most improved team in the conference, but I don’t trust them laying more than a touchdown against a Syracuse team that needs to win its final two games to get bowl eligible. If Syracuse has any heart left, they’ll show it here.

Pick: Syracuse +8

Liberty at Virginia (-17), noon ET

Liberty has been a solid situational bet this year, and the Flames look like a great bet this week. Liberty quarterback Stephen Calvert can sling it, and the back door will be open if they aren’t already within the number throughout.

Pick: Liberty +17

Boston College at #16 Notre Dame (-20.5), 2:30 p.m. ET, NBC

Notre Dame is beat up and hard to support as such a big favorite, but Boston College is severely outclassed and will face a team capable of keying on the power running game everyone knows is coming. The Notre Dame offense should be able to score plenty, as well.

Pick: Notre Dame -20.5

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