Well, it wasn’t perfect, but a 4-2 record last week puts me at 57-22 (72.1 percent). That’s my winning percentage, guys, not the odds of SEC blogger Chris Low having to write five more stories on Auburn that have nothing to do with any actual games. There are two elimination games this week -- in College Park, Md., and Miami -- but I’m also feeling some pressure this week to get these picks into championship form. Time is running out until the biggest pick of the season. Until then …
Boston College 14, Virginia 3 -- BC has given up one offensive touchdown in the past three games and won all three of them. BC is allowing just 1.9 points per quarter since the final quarter of the Maryland game on Oct. 23. The Eagles are one win away from bowl eligibility and this defense will help them get it against a Virginia team that has been plagued by penalties.
Florida State 28, Maryland 24 -- Maryland’s only losses this year have come on the road, but the last time the Terps were in this situation -- at home in 2008 against FSU -- the Seminoles won. These teams are similar statistically, but FSU will have the edge defensively up front and it will be the difference against a patchwork offensive line.
NC State 24, UNC 21 -- Russell Wilson will find a way to win this game, but he won’t do it until either the last play of the game or overtime. UNC’s defense will keep the Tar Heels in it, but Wilson’s athleticism and ability to throw the deep ball will eventually take them out of it. Tom O’Brien goes 4-0 against Butch Davis.
Clemson 21, Wake Forest 3 –- Poor Deacs. They haven’t won since Sept. 11 against Duke, and it’s unlikely to change this weekend. Clemson’s defense, which ranks No. 9 in the country in scoring defense, will create a short field and defensive end Da’Quan Bowers will feast on Tanner Price like it’s Thanksgiving Day.
Miami 35, Virginia Tech 28 -- I’ve said since this past summer that Virginia Tech wouldn’t get through its three-game stretch against Georgia Tech, UNC and Miami unscathed and I’m sticking to it. Miami’s ability to run the ball will wear down Bud Foster’s defense early and this time, the Hokies won’t be able to climb out of their first-half deficit.
Duke 35, Georgia Tech 31 -- Another prediction I had this past summer was that Duke would win a game it’s not supposed to. Consider this it. It’s going to be senior day in Atlanta, and the Yellow Jackets are playing for bowl eligibility, but that holds no sentimental value with the Blue Devils. They’re playing their best football of the season, not turning it over, and Miami exposed some weaknesses Duke is likely to repeat. Duke will also benefit from having played two other option teams this year.