ACC football predictions: 5 teams that could give opponents hard time in Week 3
It's a wild and woolly Week 3 in the ACC. A pair of league teams take on ranked opponents, while others (ahem, Florida State) look to break out of early season slumps. But which ACC teams will make some noise in Week 3? Here are five to watch.
5 ACC teams that could give opponents a hard time in Week 3
5. California
The Bears are — probably rightly — a 19.5-point favorite over San Diego State. But QB Fernando Mendoza will make this one more like Cal's season-opening thrashing of UC-Davis than last week's one-score win over SEC foe Auburn. One thing to watch for is Cal getting Jaydn Ott going. A year ago, he rushed for 1,315 yards, but he has only 60 yards so far in 2024. Cal will remedy that in Week 3.
4. Virginia
Their matchup with Maryland has the Cavs as a 3-point home underdog. A year ago, Maryland crushed UVA 42-14. But this time around, watch for Virginia QB Anthony Colandrea to be the difference. Colandrea has passed for 654 yards and five touchdowns, and he's got enough juice to lead UVA to the mild upset of the Terrapins.
3. Pittsburgh
The Panthers are a 3-point home favorite against West Virginia, in an epic rivalry game. The home team has won the last three battles of these rivals, which should be good news for the Panthers. QB Garrett Greene has been ho-hum for WVU, while Pitt's Desmond Reid (293 yards) has been excellent on the ground. Look for the Panthers to win big.
2. Florida State
Yes, the Seminoles are a 6.5-point favorite, even at 0-2, against 2-0 Memphis. But the 'Noles could break this one open. Florida State has too much talent for the lights to not come on at some point, and Week 3 against Memphis could be a likely point. Mike Norvell won't want to be embarrassed against his former team.
1. Boston College
Yes, the Eagles will be hefty underdogs when they travel to No. 6 Missouri. But with games under their belt against Murray State and Buffalo, it's safe to say that Mizzou hasn't been tested.
Yes, the Tigers have a dangerous team, with Brady Cook, Luther Burden and a finely-tuned offense. But Boston College has shown impressive defensive grit and has been opportunistic offensively. Predicting an upset by a 16.5-point underdog would take some serious conviction, but BC can certainly give Missouri some trouble, which could lead to a surprising conclusion.
Which ACC teams do you think could show out in Week 3? Share your thoughts and comments below in the comments section!