ACC Week 9 picks: Boston College vs. Clemson & 3 more

Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Icon Sportswire)

October 28th, 2020

It feels like the calm before the storm in the ACC, as No. 1 Clemson and No. 4 Notre Dame head for a collision course in Week 10 but have easily winnable games in Week 9.

Let’s take a look at what feels like the prelims, as well as some other games around the conference.

Boston College vs. #1 Clemson

Clemson is 6-0 but just 2-4 against the spread. The Tigers broke their two-game spread winning streak in Week 8 with a struggle against a bad Syracuse team. Boston College is 4-2 and 4-2 ATS, but is a massive underdog against the ACC's best team.

The Clemson Death Star is a well-known entity, as star quarterback Trevor Lawrence has continued his effectiveness and Travis Etienne has eviscerated defenses. Throw in wide receiver Amari Rodgers, and the Tigers offense has continued its prolific ways. It is just slightly behind Alabama in points per game. Lawrence is averaging 9.6 yards per pass attempt, and Etienne is averaging 6.3 yards per carry.

On defense, Clemson ranks fifth in yards allowed per play, among teams that have played more than one game.

The Tigers are the best team in the country, and at their best, dominant on both sides of the ball.

Add another solid performance to Trevor Lawrence's resume. 🐅🐾@ClemsonFB | #ACCFootball pic.twitter.com/JMUX8UZ8k8
— ACC Football (@ACCFootball) October 24, 2020

This game will be decided by how well Boston College quarterback Phil Jurkovec handles the pressure. Jurkovec has been impressive this year, with a 62.5% completion rate, 12 touchdowns, and just four interceptions.

Boston College has no chance to win, but the Eagles are decent enough on offense to keep pace with the Clemson's second team in the second half. Boston College is 19-7 ATS in its last 26 games as a road underdog.

Pick: Boston College +31

#4 Notre Dame vs. Georgia Tech

Georgia Tech had a couple nice surprise wins to start the season but has struggled recently, in huge losses against Clemson and Boston College. Now the Yellow Jackets must face Notre Dame, a team coming off its best performance of the season.

Notre Dame had a disjointed start to the season, but its defense has been elite and ranks ninth in yards allowed per play.

Ian Book out here throwing lasers 🎯 @Ian_Book12 @NDFootball

(via @ESPNCFB) pic.twitter.com/lHXQIIOdKf
— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) October 24, 2020

Georgia Tech freshman QB Jeff Sims,is not ready to face elite defenses.

Pick: Notre Dame -20

#15 North Carolina vs. Virginia

North Carolina is 4-1 and 3-2 ATS and will hit the road to take on 1-4 Virginia, which is also 3-2 ATS.

Despite overwhelming public sentiment backing the Tar Heels and the dip in spread from seven points to 6.5 is a telling sign that sharp money is supporting the Cavaliers.

North Carolina is 1-4 ATS in its last five games against Virginia, and the UNC defense might not be capable of keeping the back door closed.

Pick: Virginia +6.5

Wake Forest vs. Syracuse

Wake Forest is 3-2 and 4-1 ATS, while Syracuse is 1-5 and 3-3 ATS. Wake hasn’t covered as a road favorite in its last six tries.

Wake also benefited from three turnovers in an upset win against Virginia Tech, and while Syracuse doesn’t have much to hang its hat on, it’s hard to lay this many points on a team that doesn’t excel at anything.