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Midseason ACC Football Conference Champion Prediction

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Things are heating up in the ACC after a crazy weekend of college football. Though the top teams in the conference avoided the big upsets, many made statements with key victories.

As the dust begins to clear, contenders for the conference championship have emerged. While Florida State remains unblemished, it has not been as dominant as last season and could be defeated if the Seminoles don’t show up. The ACC Coastal Division remains wide open, but a surprise squad has risen as the team to beat. A lot is still to be decided before the championship game in Charlotte.

There are 10 undefeated teams left in the country, two of which reside in the ACC. While Florida State is an obvious answer, there is a buzz surrounding Atlanta as the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets are 5-0. For the first time in Paul Johnson‘s tenure, Georgia Tech defeated Virginia Tech and Miami in the same season. Georgia Tech’s spread option offense ranks No. 1 in the nation in third-down conversions (58.1 percent), is tied for No. 6 in  turnovers (four), and is 14th in time of possession (average 33 minutes).

Let’s not forget about the defending national champs. The Seminoles aren’t destroying teams like they were last year, but still are the most talented team in the conference. FSU will need to fix its mistakes heading into the meat of its schedule against Notre Dame and Louisville. Say what you want about Jameis Winston off the field, but he’s a game-changer and a playmaker when he’s on it.

Now let’s take a look at some key remaining games that should decide who plays in Charlotte for the ACC title.

Sat, Oct. 11 Duke at Georgia Tech
Thu, Oct. 30 Florida State at Louisville
Sat, Nov. 1 Virginia at Georgia Tech
Fri, Nov. 28 Virginia at Virginia Tech

Final prediction for the ACC Championship game: Florida State vs. Georgia Tech

Though many would say Notre Dame is Florida State’s toughest remaining game, I’m not buying it. The Seminoles will be pumped for another prime time game at home, which will bring a similar appeal to the Clemson game last year. We all know how that one turned out. The only chance for FSU to stumble is the following game against Louisville. The Seminoles will have a short week to prepare for the Cardinals and will be playing in Kentucky. That game has more of the components for an upset in my opinion, but I’m still sticking with the Noles. They have too much talent and leadership to be broken.

While I don’t think Georgia Tech will remain undefeated, I see them making it to Charlotte for the championship game. The Yellow Jackets are a pesky and tough team to play because of the offense they run. Georgia Tech’s toughest remaining coastal game comes at home against Virginia, which has also been a surprise team this year. The Cavaliers have a strong defense that could limit the Yellow Jackets’ speed option attack, but Virginia lacks the offensive firepower to get a huge win on the road.

You can never count out Virginia Tech in the coastal division, but the Hokies will need Georgia Tech to slip up in order to catch the Jackets.

It certainly will be an exciting remainder of the season in ACC conference play.

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