Andrea Adelson, ESPN Senior Writer 6y

ACC Week 12 picks: Will Miami avoid a letdown against Virginia?

Clemson and Miami have punched their tickets for the ACC championship game, but there are plenty of games left with important stakes over these next two weeks. Pitt, Syracuse, Florida State and Georgia Tech are still trying to get to bowl eligibility and are facing must-win situations this weekend (though the Jackets could lose and beat Georgia next week to get to six wins).

So how will it all play out? Andrea Adelson and David M. Hale make their picks.

And visit our college football PickCenter page for additional information on these games and many more.


Virginia (6-4, 3-3) at No. 3 Miami (9-0, 6-0), noon, ABC

Hale: This has let-down game written all over it, so don't be surprised if the Hoos keep it close. But Mark Richt knows how much is at stake here, and while Miami has been dominant the past two weeks, none of that will matter if the Canes falter against Virginia. Miami 24, Virginia 21

Adelson: Most people will tune in to see how Miami handles a team it should beat after two emotional wins over Virginia Tech and Notre Dame, at noon no less. Still, a near-sellout crowd is expected, and Miami still has plenty of motivation. Just look at the latest College Football Playoff rankings. Miami 31, Virginia 21


Pittsburgh (4-6, 2-4) at Virginia Tech (7-3, 3-3), 12:20 p.m., ACC Network

Hale: The Hokies are coming off back-to-back losses, but Pitt should provide a salve for those problems. Virginia Tech desperately needs to get the run game going (4.18 yards per carry ranks 60th in Power 5), and Pitt's defense has been more than accommodating vs. opposing rushers. Virginia Tech 38, Pitt 17

Adelson: Both teams are coming off disheartening losses last week, and Pitt absolutely has to win to ensure bowl eligibility for an eighth straight season. But Virginia Tech has the advantage on both the offensive and defensive lines and should bounce back with a win here. Virginia Tech 35, Pitt 21


Syracuse (4-6, 2-4) at Louisville (6-4, 3-4), 3:30 p.m., ESPNU

Hale: Last week's performance against Wake undermined so much of the positive momentum Syracuse had generated, and with Eric Dungey banged up and the defense reeling, it's hard to see how the Orange take down Lamar Jackson, whose Heisman candidacy has flickered back to life.  Louisville 35, Syracuse 31

Adelson: Let's not forget it was Jackson's performance last year against Syracuse that essentially launched his Heisman campaign. Syracuse coach Dino Babers says Jackson is playing even better this year. But what has helped Louisville is the return of Jaire Alexander, who will play a crucial role in slowing down the Orange's high-tempo offense. Louisville 45, Syracuse 23


No. 19 NC State (7-3, 5-1), at Wake Forest (6-4, 3-3), ESPNU, 7:30 p.m.

Hale: There may not be a more improved team in the ACC than Wake Forest, but in order for the Deacons' record to reflect that, they need a big win over one of the Atlantic's top teams. This is their chance. The O-line is playing terrific, the run game has been strong, and John Wolford is the hottest QB in the country. Wake Forest 30, NC State 28

Adelson: David makes some excellent points, and I expect Wake Forest to play a great game. But as improved as Wake Forest's offensive line is, I think the challenge against NC State's defensive front is going to be extremely difficult, and the Wolfpack will be able to slow Wolford down enough to win. NC State 30, Wake Forest 21

Unanimous picks

FSU over Delaware State

Clemson over The Citadel

North Carolina over Western Carolina

Georgia Tech over Duke

BC over UConn

Overall records:

Adelson: 70-21

Hale: 64-27

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