The upset watch took a break last week because it was supposed to be a quiet week. Who knew NC State would fall on its face against Virginia? At home? Guess that’s why they call it an upset. But no, BC is not going to beat No. 4 Notre Dame this week. Sorry, Eagles.
Here’s a look at which teams have a good chance of being surprised by the underdogs this week:
1. Miami (5-4) at Virginia (3-6): The Hoos should have some confidence to go along with their home field advantage this weekend after last Saturday’s 33-6 win over NC State. The defense played its best game of the year, with five takeaways and six sacks. Quarterbacks Michael Rocco and Phillip Sims were both effective, and they’ll face a Miami defense that is allowing 30.11 points per game. The Canes have the Coastal Division lead, but Virginia clearly hasn’t quit yet, and can still become bowl eligible if it wins out.
2. Wake Forest (5-4) at NC State (5-4): Speaking of NC State … the Pack is an eight-point favorite, but Wake Forest has won five of the past seven games in this series, including a 34-27 win last year at Winston-Salem. Both teams are playing for bowl eligibility this weekend, but who will play with a greater sense of urgency? Will the Pack let Virginia beat it twice? The Deacs, meanwhile, should be confident after a complete performance in a 28-14 win over BC.
3. No. 10 Florida State (8-1) at Virginia Tech (4-5): If the Hokies play the way they did in last Thursday night’s 30-12 loss to Miami, they won’t stand a chance against the Noles. The Hokies made critical errors on special teams, and had three turnovers. Virginia Tech, though, is not rolling over. The Hokies are playing for pride and a bowl game right now, so expect the Noles to get their best shot. Regardless of what Virginia Tech’s record is (4-5), the Hokies have won their past seven games in Lane Stadium and are 11-3 all-time on Thursday nights.
