•CLEMSON (6-1) at Wake Forest (4-3), Thursday 7:30
In preseason, this game had upset written all over it. But between injuries and suspensions, the Deacons are drifting aimlessly. Wake keeps it interesting for a while but not all night. Tigs, 34-24.
•N.C. STATE (5-2) at UNC (5-3), Saturday, 12:30
Larry Fedora’s been counting the days. More pertinent is the likelihood that Gio Bernard’s been counting the ways to the end zone.
Don’t expect a series instant classic but do expect the law of averages to finally come into play. Tar Heels, 27-21.
•NAVY (4-3) at ECU (5-3), Saturday 3:30
If it turns out to be a field-position, slugfest sort of game, the Pirates will lose. Navy has too many wishbone rushing options and punter Pablo Beltran (46-yard average) may be the best in the nation.
But since the game is in what’s left of Dowdy-Ficklen, ECU should be able to set the tempo. Bucs, 28-24.
•DUKE (6-2) at FLORIDA STATE (7-1), Saturday 3:30
FSU’s offense wasn’t overwhelming with Chris Thompson averaging 7.5 yards per rush. It’ll be outright average without him, but not enough to give the Bowl Devils a serious upset shot.
Noles, 31-14.
•FLORIDA (7-0) vs. GEORGIA (6-1), Saturday 3:30
Is the SEC really going to have two undefeated teams in the league championship game?
After the World’s Largest blah blah, the Swamp People have Missouri, Louisiana-Lafayette, Jacksonville State and a trip to FSU. It’s time for dem Dawgs to take a bite out of Mike Slive’s ego. UGa, 24-23.
•NOTRE DAME (7-0) at OKLAHOMA (5-1), Saturday 8
Were this game in South Bend, the Irish would be favored with only Pitt, Boston College and Wake Forest to play before going to Southern Cal.
But at night in Norman, it just doesn’t compute. Sooners, 28-20.
•OHIO STATE (8-0) at PENN STATE (5-2), Saturday 5:30
If Bill O’Brien wins this game, which is very possible, he won’t have to worry about finding another job the moment the season ends. Lions give it a go but come up short. TOSU, 23-17.
•MISS. STATE (7-0) at ALABAMA (7-0), Saturday 8:30
Tide’s due for a scare and with LSU and Bama playing next week in Baton Rouge, the timing’s near perfect for the Bulldogs. It’s tempting but it’s also in Tuscaloosa.
Tide, 20-14.
•Last week 6 hits, 1 whiff. Season 34-12
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