Affiliate Disclosure This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, we may earn a commission.

2024 Week 13 ACC Football Previews, Best Bets, and Picks

Dane Miller breaks down the contests with what's at stake and what both teams must do to win


  By Dane Miller, SuperWest Sports

November 19, 2024



ACC college football continues in Week 13 with 10 games.

I preview all of them here, breaking down what’s at stake and what both teams must do to win.

Last week, I went 4-2 straight up, hitting 67% of my predictions. That gives me a 68-31 conference record, good for a 69% success rate on the season.

My picks for this week, both against the spread and straight up, are included with each breakdown as summarized in the table below.

NC State at Georgia Tech

Thursday, November 21
4:30 pm PT, ESPN

BETMGMSPORTSBOOK Line: Georgia Tech -9

What’s at Stake: Georgia Tech is coming off a bye after beating Miami earlier in the month.

The Yellow Jackets are tied with Louisville and Syracuse in the ACC Standings. NC State, on the other hand, has just two conference wins but is one victory away from bowl eligibility.

A convincing Georgia Tech win would underline the distinction between the “Haves” and the “Have Nots” in the ACC.

Why NC State Wins: The front seven contains Haynes King when he runs.

Why Georgia Tech Wins: King runs the offense efficiently, getting what he wants both through the air and on the ground.

—My Picks—
Against Spread: Georgia Tech
Straight Up: Georgia Tech

Wake Forest at No. 9 Miami

Saturday, November 23
9:00 am PT, ESPN

BETMGMSPORTSBOOK Line: Miami -23.5

What’s at Stake: Miami is coming off a bye after losing to Georgia Tech.

The Hurricanes are tied with Clemson for second place in the ACC Standings. The chances of the ACC getting an at-large bid appear low, making all the remaining contests elimination games.

The Canes need to show they are back on track.

Why Wake Forest Wins: The defense contains Cam Ward when he scrambles and limits explosive plays from the Miami running backs.

Why Miami Wins: The multifaceted options on offense combine to create a potent unit that scores on most of its possessions.

—My Picks—
Against Spread: Miami
Straight Up: Miami

No. 14 SMU at Virginia

Saturday, November 23
9:00 am PT, ESPN2

BETMGMSPORTSBOOK Line: SMU -9.5

What’s at Stake: SMU’s matchup on the road at Virginia is arguably the ACC’s Game of the Week.

The Playoff is on the line for the Mustangs and they struggled in their most recent away game. It’s the first time SMU has played outside of Dallas since the end of October.

And it’s also the third-straight game in which Virginia faces a ranked opponent. The Upset Potential is oozing.

Why SMU Wins: Kevin Jennings opens up the entire offense due to his threat to run or pass and the SMU running backs take advantage of the hesitant defense.

Why Virginia Wins: The defensive line wins the physicality battle to stifle the traditional run game and contain the quarterback run plays.

—My Picks—
Against Spread: Virginia
Straight Up: SMU

UConn at Syracuse

Saturday, November 23
9:00 am PT,  ACC Network

BETMGMSPORTSBOOK Line: Syracuse -10.5

What’s at Stake: The Orange are coming off a great win on the road to California.

The season has been somewhat up and down for Syracuse, yet they are on the brink of a historic eight-win season. UConn played Duke and Wake Forest close.

The Orange can’t overlook this game.

Why UConn Wins: The secondary creates multiple interceptions and the front seven keeps the Syracuse run game below its average.

Why Syracuse Wins: The offensive line provides the time Kyle McCord needs to run the offense smoothly.

—My Picks—
Against Spread: UConn
Straight Up: Syracuse

North Carolina at Boston College

Saturday, November 23
9:00 am PT, The CW

BETMGMSPORTSBOOK Line: North Carolina -3

What’s at Stake: It’s a clash of momentum when North Carolina heads to Boston to face the Eagles.

Boston College played SMU much closer than anyone was anticipating and some of the credit belongs to Grayson James. The backup quarterback stepped up after Thomas Castellanos quit the team.

But North Carolina has belief, too, coming into the game with three-straight wins.

Why North Carolina Wins: The offensive line creates the push for the run game to be efficient and the defense doesn’t allow explosive quarterback run plays.

Why Boston College Wins: James doesn’t commit any turnovers and the defense gets stops on short-yardage third down plays.

—My Picks—
Against Spread: Boston College
Straight Up: North Carolina

Charleston Southern at Florida State

Saturday, November 23
10:30 am PT, ESPN+

BETMGMSPORTSBOOK Line: No Line

What’s at Stake: Florida State faces a Charleston Southern team that is 1-10 on the year.

The FCS opponent has been reasonably competitive in its games, though. Three of the last four defeats have come by a single possession.

Nobody is paying attention to the Seminoles anymore. But anything less than a dominant win would be a problem.

Why Charleston Southern Wins: The defensive front prevents FSU from establishing their ground game.

Why Florida State Wins: The lines on both sides of the ball win their battles all game.

—My Picks—
Against Spread: No Line
Straight Up: Florida State

The Citadel at No. 20 Clemson

Saturday, November 23
12:30 pm PT, The CW

BETMGMSPORTSBOOK Line: No Line

What’s at Stake: The Citadel are a 5-6 FCS school that has won three of its last four games.

Clemson needed a late score to beat Pitt last week and is returning home after a two-game road stretch.

The Tigers lost the last time they played on their home field.

Why The Citadel Wins: The offensive and defensive lines match the physicality of Clemson.

Why Clemson Wins: The offense gets whatever it wants through the air and ground.

—My Picks—
Against Spread: No Line
Straight Up: Clemson

Stanford at Cal

Saturday, November 23
12:30 pm PT, ACC Network

BETMGMSPORTSBOOK Line: California -14

What’s at Stake: The Big Game features two programs in a juxtaposed position.

Stanford is coming in hot after upsetting No. 19 Louisville on The Farm. California has failed to meet expectations and seems doomed to a repetitive cycle every year.

But the bigger picture can be much improved with a win over a rival.

Why Stanford Wins: The designed quarterback run plays are effective, Ashton Daniels doesn’t turn the ball over, and the secondary prevents explosive pass plays.

Why California Wins: The run game is established on offense, Fernando Mendoza doesn’t throw any interceptions, and the defense forces turnovers.

—My Picks—
Against Spread: Stanford
Straight Up: California

Pitt at No. 19 Louisville

Saturday, November 23
1:00 pm PT, ESPN2

BETMGMSPORTSBOOK Line: Louisville -8.5

What’s at Stake: It’s a battle of teams in the upper half of the ACC when Louisville hosts Pitt.

The Panthers have seven wins and Louisville has six. But the Cardinals are coming off an embarrassing and shocking defeat to Stanford.

Pitt is a talented team and could give Louisville issues.

Why Pitt Wins: The front seven gets pressure on Tyler Shough to disrupt the timing of throws and the offense wins the time of possession battle.

Why Louisville Wins: Tyler Shough doesn’t throw any interceptions and uses his mobility just enough to keep the Louisville defense honest.

—My Picks—
Against Spread: Pitt
Straight Up: Pitt


Best Bet
Virginia Tech at Duke

Saturday, November 23
5:00 pm PT, ACC Network

BETMGMSPORTSBOOK Line: Virginia Tech -3.5

What’s at Stake: Duke is 7-3 but comes in as a home underdog to a 5-5 Virginia Tech school.

The disrespect is palpable and the motivation it provides is critical.

The Blue Devils should come out with something to prove and show why the Vegas oddsmakers have been wrong about them all year.

Why Virginia Tech Wins: The defense wins the turnover margin, the run game is established on offense, and special teams make a key play.

Why Duke Wins: Maalik Murphy runs the offense with his normal efficiency, the running backs get short-yardage conversions for first downs, and the defensive line matches Virginia Tech’s physicality.

—My Picks—
Against Spread: Duke
Straight Up: Duke

Dane Miller’s ACC Game Picks

2024 Week 13 ACC Games


Straight-Up Picks

NC State at Georgia Tech
Nov 22, 4:30 pm PT

Georgia Tech
Wake at No. 9 Miami
Nov 23, 9:00 am PT

Miami
No. 14 SMU at Virginia
Nov 23, 9:00 am PT

SMU
UConn at Syracuse
Nov 23, 9:00 am PT

Syracuse
North Carolina at Boston College
Nov 23, 9:00 am PT

North Carolina
Charleston Southern at Florida State
Nov 23, 10:30 am PT

Florida State
Citadel at No. 20 Clemson
Nov 23, 12:30 pm PT

Clemson
Stanford at Cal
Nov 23, 12:30 pm PT

Cal
Pitt at No. 19 Louisville
Nov 23, 1:00 pm PT

Pitt
Virginia Tech at Duke
Nov 23, 5:00 pm PT

Duke
 Miller’s Overall ACC Record 68-31 (69%)

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US)
Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY)
Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA)

21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Rewards are non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. See BetMGM.com for Terms. US promotional offers not available in Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico. First Bet Offer up to $1500*. *Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l terms.