Top Games

Western Kentucky at Boston College

Saturday, Sept. 28
9:00 am PT, ACC Network

BETMGMSPORTSBOOK Line: Boston College -12.5

What’s at Stake: Boston College has started the year strong.

The Eagles are 3-1 with two victories over Power Conference opponents.

Facing a Western Kentucky team out of Conference USA in the middle of a three-game winning streak, it could be a challenging game for the Eagles.

Why Western Kentucky Wins: The ground game has success moving the ball and the defense contains quarterback Thomas Castellanos when he runs.

Why Boston College Wins: Castellanos operates the offense with his normal efficiency, both gashing WKU on the ground for runs and connecting with his receivers in the limited passing plays.

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

Holy Cross at Syracuse

Saturday, Sept. 28
9:00 am PT, ACCNX

BETMGMSPORTSBOOK Line: Syracuse -37.5

What’s at Stake: The Orange need to bounce back after losing at home to Stanford.

The defeat was a major setback for the program. Stanford was viewed as the worst team that left the Pac-12 and losing to the Tree on your own turf is embarrassing.

Holy Cross provides a remedy.

Why Holy Cross Wins: The defense frustrates Kyle McCord with pressure and the secondary steps up to make plays.

Why Syracuse Wins: McCord uses his mobility to extend plays and his receivers find open space for yards after catch.

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

Northern Illinois at NC State

Saturday, Sept. 28
9:00 am PT, The CW

BETMGMSPORTSBOOK Line: NC State -6.5

What’s at Stake: The Huskies have already toppled Notre Dame on the road this season and head to Raleigh knowing they can win.

NC State was just blown out by Clemson and returns home where they are 2-0.

But unlike the Irish last time, there’s zero chance the Wolfpack are underestimating Northern Illinois.

Why Northern Illinois Wins: The running backs average right around four yards per carry and quarterback Ethan Hampton is slippery enough to escape pressure.

Why NC State Wins: The Wolfpack run a balanced mixture of effective run plays and pass plays that keep Northern Illinois on their backfoot from the first drive.

—My Picks—
Against Spread: NC State
Straight Up: NC State

No. 15 Louisville at No. 16 Notre Dame

Saturday, Sept. 28
12:30 pm PT, Peacock

BETMGMSPORTSBOOK Line: Notre Dame -6

What’s at Stake: Louisville has an opportunity to make a statement to the Playoff Committee.

A victory over Notre Dame in South Bend would signal that the Cardinals belong.

And after the Irish lost to Northern Illinois earlier, the Louisville coaching staff might expect the win.

Why Louisville Wins: The Cardinals’ front line provides the time needed for Tyler Shough to make throws and the run game is reasonably successful.

Why Notre Dame Wins: The Irish passing game gets going and quarterback Riley Leonard throws more touchdowns than interceptions.

—My Picks—
Against Spread: Louisville
Straight Up: Notre Dame

Louisiana at Wake Forest

Saturday, Sept. 28
12:30 pm PT, ACC Network

BETMGMSPORTSBOOK Line: Wake Forest -2.5

What’s at Stake: Sun Belt member Louisiana takes on Wake Forest at home in a matchup that has upset potential.

Wake Forest is 1-2 and has yet to beat an FBS opponent.

A defeat to the Ragin’ Cajuns would be embarrassing.

Why Louisiana Wins: Quarterback Ben Wooldridge takes care of the ball and the running back duo of Elijah Davis and Zylan Perry find holes to exploit.

Why Wake Forest Wins: Quarterback Hank Bachmeier deals with pressure, extends plays with his feet, and the Deacon receivers bust chunk plays.

—My Picks—
Against Spread: Wake Forest
Straight Up: Wake Forest

North Carolina at Duke

Saturday, Sept. 28
1:00 pm PT, ESPN2

BETMGMSPORTSBOOK Line: Duke -2.5

What’s at Stake: The old rivals face off at a juxtaposed position.

Duke is 4-0 and looking like a threat in the ACC. North Carolina just got embarrassed by James Madison and some reports indicate head coach Mack Brown threatened to quit after the game.

In some ways, that might be the worst-case scenario for the Blue Devils.

Why North Carolina Wins: Running back Omarion Hampton has a strong day and meets his 6.3 yards per carry average.

Why Duke Wins: Quarterback Maalik Murphy makes the correct decisions and executes the throws without throwing interceptions.

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

Stanford at No. 17 Clemson

Saturday, Sept. 28
4:00 pm PT, ESPN2

BETMGMSPORTSBOOK Line: Clemson -21.5

What’s at Stake: The Cardinal are being thrown in the fire for a Prime Time matchup with No. 17 Clemson.

In some ways, Troy Taylor’s team might aim to mirror the type of program the Tigers have built in the ACC.

The game will show just how far Stanford needs to go to reach those heights.

Why Stanford Wins: The designed quarterback run plays are used sparingly but effectively. The offense finds success throwing the ball using the more “standard” pass plays and the “eye candy” run plays gash Clemson on the ground.

Why Clemson Wins: The Tigers’ front line gets penetration into the backfield throughout the game, forcing Stanford into obvious Third-and-Long passing downs that it can’t convert.

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

Best Bets

Virginia Tech at No. 7 Miami

Friday, Sept. 27
4:30 pm PT, ESPN

BETMGMSPORTSBOOK Line: Miami -19.5

What’s at Stake: Virginia Tech enters the matchup coming off a loss at home to Rutgers.

The Hokies are 1-1 on the road this season and have yet to beat a Power Conference opponent.

Miami is rolling and could run up the score.

Why Virginia Tech Wins: The Hokies contain Cam Ward and the Miami run game.

Why Miami Wins: Damien Martinez goes off for a multi-touchdown day and Ward is effective when running.

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

Florida State at SMU

Saturday, Sept. 28
5:00 pm P, ACC Network

BETMGMSPORTSBOOK Line: SMU -5.5

What’s at Stake: Florida State is looking to get its season back on track.

The Seminoles beat upstart California last week and probably look at SMU with confidence.

The early struggles to start the year could become a thing of the past if FSU gets the win.

Why Florida State Wins: DJ Uiagalelei uses his mobility to extend plays and gains yards with his legs when the pocket breaks down. The FSU running backs feast on the open space provided by their offensive line.

Why SMU Wins: The SMU front seven wins the line of scrimmage, taking away Florida State’s ground game and making Uiagalelei beat them through the air under pressure.

—My Picks—
Against Spread: Florida State
Straight Up: Florida State

Dane Miller’s ACC Game Picks

2024 Week 5 ACC Games	Straight-Up Picks
Virginia Tech at No. 7 Miami Sep 27, 4:30 pm PT	Miami
Western Kentucky at Boston College Sep 28, 9:00 am PT	Boston College
Holy Cross at Syracuse Sep 28, 9:00 am PT	Syracuse
Northern Illinois at NC State Sep 28, 9:00 am PT	NC State
No. 15 Louisville at No. 16 Notre Dame Sep 28, 12:30 pm PT	Notre Dame
Louisiana at Wake Forest Sep 28, 12:30 pm PT	Wake Forest
North Carolina at Duke Sep 28, 1:00 pm PT	Duke
Stanford at No. 17 Clemson Sep 28, 4:00 pm PT	Clemson
Florida State at SMU Sep 28, 5:00 pm PT	Florida State
Miller’s Overall ACC Record	27-13 (68%)

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