ACC Week 15 picks: North Carolina vs. Miami & 3 more

The ACC Conference Championship Game is set, with #4 Clemson facing #2 Notre Dame in an epic rematch next week. Interestingly, both teams get to enjoy a week off to preserve their current records and guarantee their spots.

While the top teams rest, other notable games across the conference are scheduled to take place. Let's dive into the betting odds and picks for four of the most intriguing ACC matchups from Week 15.

#20 North Carolina vs. #9 Miami

The Hurricanes welcome the Tar Heels to town, with Miami listed as narrow favorites. The 'Canes are 8-1 on the year (6-3 ATS), while North Carolina is 7-3 (4-6 ATS).

Last year, these teams played a close game with North Carolina prevailing 28-25. Sam Howell was just a freshman, and has only gotten better in his second year, as he leads the conference in passing yards per game (312.9). North Carolina also has two running backs that could surpass 1,000 yards on the season in Michael Carter and Javonte Williams. The Tar Heels offense is prolific, and is seventh in the nation in yards per play (7.2).

Miami will have to manage that North Carolina offense without their best cornerback, as Al Blades Jr. has been ruled out for the year with myocarditis. Blades has 29 tackles on the year, and leads the team with seven passes defended. His absence will be significant against such an effective offensive attack.

In recent years, Miami has struggled to close out its season with a strong finish. The Hurricanes are just 2-9 ATS in their last 11 December games.

North Carolina came up short against Notre Dame, but its defense looked better than expected and the Tar Heels should have more success against a Miami offense that lacks a power running game. Look for the explosive Tar Heels to make more plays and win what should be a competitive, entertaining game.

Pick: North Carolina +3

Wake Forest vs. Louisville

Wake Forest is a pleasantly surprising 4-3 on the season and has been profitable too as the Demon Deacons are 6-1 ATS. Louisville is a disappointing 3-7 (4-5-1 ATS). They now face each other with Louisville the short, 1-point home favorite.

Louisville has been the better offense, averaging 1.2 yards per play more than Wake, and surrendering less per play on defense as well. While Louisville has been a disappointment relative to preseason expectations, they are more skilled offensively and should prevail at home in a situation they cherish: they are 4-0 ATS in their last four games as home favorites.

Pick: Louisville -1

Duke vs. Florida State

Florida State finally takes the field again after several postponements and cancellations due to COVID-19. They are fortunate that in their return to action they face one of only two teams below them in the conference standings.

Florida State has been a disappointment, but the talent gap between these two rosters is worth more points than this, and the Seminoles are still working hard for FSU head coach Mike Norvell.

Pick: Florida State -4.5

Virginia vs. Virginia Tech

The 5-4 Virginia Cavaliers (7-2 ATS) head to Blacksburg for this classic rivalry game against the 4-6 Virginia Tech Hokies (3-7 ATS).

The Hokies quarterback situation is full of question marks, with both Braxton Burmeister and Hendon Hooker experiencing injuries in last week’s game against Clemson. In contrast, Virginia quarterback Brennan Armstrong is getting stronger each week, throwing for 287 yards and adding 130 on the ground last week against Boston College.

Despite the rivalry, Virginia Tech may experience a letdown after last week’s difficult contest against Clemson.

Pick: Virginia +3

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