ACC predictions week 11

Last week I went 4-2 in my predictions. The season record is now 34-11. Let's see if I can pick up the pace this week. Here are my picks:

Boston College 21 Duke 17
Clemson 24 FSU 27
Maryland 21 Virginia 14
NC State 31 Wake Forest 10
Georgia Tech 27 Miami 24
Virginia Tech 24 North Carolina 21

'Noles Catch Break as N.C State Loses to Clemson

Despite Florida State being defeated by North Carolina, the Seminoles still sit a half-game ahead of the Wolfpack and the Terps in the Atlantic Division. Maryland and NC State both lost over the weeken giving each of them 2 losses in the ACC as well. Here is the updated look at the ACC Atlantic Division Standings:

FSU                   4-2
N.C State           3-2
Maryland            3-2
Clemson            3-3
Boston College  2-4
Wake Forest      1-5

Remember, N.C State holds the tie-breaker over Florida State so the Seminoles must continue to hope for another N.C State loss. The 'Noles can eliminate Clemson and Maryland with wins over each of them in the next two weeks.

Florida State-North Carolina photos

 

Photos Taken By Chris Alford

North Carolina upsets FSU in a heartbreaker

For the second time in two games, the Florida State Seminoles are defeated in heartbreak fashion. While the offense played slightly above average, it was the defense that seemed to look like the defense from last year rather than the successful defense of this year. North Carolina's quarterback, T.J Yates put up 439 passing yards against the 'Noles defense despite the team only rushing for 34 yards. The Tar Heels stuck early within the first two minutes of the game to jump out to an early 7-0 lead. But then it was back and forth until the Seminoles eventually led 28-21 in a high scoring first half.

The Seminoles offense slowed down emensely in the second half giving way for a North Carolina comeback. With 55 seconds remaining in the game, North Carolina led 37-35 but the Seminoles still had a shot. After a long Greg Reid kick return, the Seminole's offense managed to set Dustin Hopkins up for a 40-yard field goal with 7 seconds remaining in the game. However, Hopkins missed his second field goal of the game and North Carolina went on to win for just the second time ever against Florida State.

Link: Box Score/Recap

What equals a successful season?

As we enter the final month of the football regular season, I'd like to pose a question to all the readers... what will it take in this final month of the 2010 FSU football season in order for it to be considered a successful year?

The 'Noles currently sit at 6-2 overall and 4-1 in the ACC. FSU is tied with Maryland and NC State in the loss column right now and the Atlantic Division race is expected to come down to the final few weeks. Last year at this point Florida State was 4-4 overall and 2-3 in the ACC. A division title wasn't even on FSU's radar at this time last year, they were still fighting to become bowl elgible and avoid a losing season. So it's obvious that this season has been better thus far than last season. However, is that good enough to mark this season as successful?

A division title is still up for grabs and the 'Noles still have a lot of work to do and teams to pul for in order to win the Atlantic. Are the 'Noles in need of a division title in order for this year to be successful?

If the Seminoles win the division, they would then travel to North Carolina and face the Coastal Division winner in the ACC Championship game. Does FSU need to win the ACC in order for the 2010 campaign to be considered successful?

Last month Florida State crushed Miami and with the annual FSU-UF game comming up at the end of November, would a 2nd victory over an in-state rival in one season equal a successful season?

What if none of the things above happen, but the Seminoles finish with 7, 8, or 9 victories this year? And then go on to win a bowl game. That would still surpass last year's record. Is that all that is needed for this year to be successful?

Everyone has a different opinion as to what needs to be done this month in order to label the 2010 football season a successful one. What is your opinion?

News and Notes

• The FSU Men's Basketball team won last night in their first exhibition game of the season The Seminoles defeated Rollins by a score of 95-74.
• The first basketball game of the regular season for the men's team is next Friday, November 12th at home against UNF. I will have a preview of the season prior to the first game.
• The kickoff time for the FSU-Clemson football game on November 13th was announced, kickoff is set for 8pm on ABC. Get ready for some primetime football.
• Buster Posey is a world champion. The San Francisco Giants won the World Series with rookie catcher and former Seminole standout Buster Posey catching the final pitch behind the plate.

ACC Predictions Week 10

Last week was just a horrible week of predicitng. I went 2-4 last week, thanks to Miami falling apart against Virginia, Boston College pulling off the upset in Clemson, Duke comming alive against Navy, and the FSU heartbreak. Well last week nearly doubled my losses, so I am now sitting at 30-9 for the season. Here's a look at this week's predictions:

Virginia Tech 35 Georgia Tech 24
Boston College 17 Wake Forest 14
NC State 20 Clemson 21
Florida State 31 North Carolina 17
Miami 24 Maryland 21
Duke 24 Virginia 27

Florida State slips to #24 in the BCS

After losing to NC State, FSU falls to number 24 in the BCS standings. NC State enters the top 25 this week after defeating the Seminoles. The Wolfpack are now ranked 25th. Miami drops out of the rankings after their loss against Virginia. Oregon leaps over Auburn for the #1 spot in the BCS. For a complete look at the newest rankings, visit the link below.

College Football Rankings Week 10