ACC Upset Watch never takes a week off. Not with the season set to end.
Thursday
North Carolina (5-5, 3-3) at Duke (8-2, 4-2), 7:30 p.m., ESPN. Line: Duke by 6. Both teams need this win badly: The Tar Heels to become bowl eligible; Duke to remain in the hunt for the Coastal Division crown. Duke is going for its third straight win in the series, but the past two years have not been easy -- the Blue Devils have won the games by a combined five points. Now, they only have a short week to prepare following a disappointing loss to Virginia Tech that was marked by uncharacteristic mistakes -- three turnovers, two missed field goals (including the potential game winner) and too many penalties. While Duke should be able to run the ball in this game, Marquise Williams will give the Tar Heels an opportunity to pull the upset. Last week against Pitt, he accounted for four touchdowns and went over 100 yards rushing. Williams leads the team in both rushing and passing and is the only ACC quarterback ranked in the top 10 for rushing yards per game (No. 7) and passing yards per game (No. 2).
Saturday
Louisville (7-3) at Notre Dame (7-3), 3:30 p.m., NBC. Line: Notre Dame by 3.5. The Irish have hit a bit of a rough patch the past few weeks, so this is the perfect time for the Cards to take advantage. Though Will Gardner is out for the season, freshman Reggie Bonnafon has playing experience and that will help. So will having DeVante Parker and Michael Dyer on his side. The Irish have had issues stopping both the run and the pass this season, so those two could be in for another big day. Plus, the Louisville offensive line is coming off its best performance of the season. Defensively, Gerod Holliman could create problems for turnover-prone Everett Golson, and Lorenzo Mauldin could be back, giving the defense a much needed boost. Plus, Louisville has had a week to prepare for this game so you can bet Bobby Petrino will have some new wrinkles for Notre Dame.
Miami (6-4, 3-3) at Virginia (4-6, 2-4), 7 p.m., ESPN2. Line: Miami by 6. After playing such an emotionally draining game against Florida State, Miami has to now face a desperate (and physical) Virginia team while guarding against a letdown. Virginia has played Miami well over the past few seasons, winning three of the last four. The Hoos have to win out to get back to a bowl game, and potentially save coach Mike London's job. One of the big keys for Virginia is not only forcing turnovers, but scoring off them. Miami has turned the ball over 20 times this season so there will be opportunities there for the UVa defense. If Greyson Lambert can limit the mistakes, Virginia will have a chance.