What’s in store for the Tobacco Road Rivalry and other ACC Friday Predictions

By Quinn Casteel | ACC Own the Pitch

*All games start at 7 p.m. ET.

Clemson at Virginia – Watch Live

Virginia has played so many close games this season, and they’ve done steadily better as the young roster continues to make rapid improvements. This has potential for a trap game for the Cavaliers because Clemson has been so inconsistent with its level of play. You never know what to expect from the Tigers. Also, UVA played an epic two-overtime match against one of the country’s fastest and most aggressive teams in VCU Tuesday night, and may still be in recovery mode. Hard to see them botching this one at home, though.

Prediction: Virginia 1, Clemson 0

N.C. State at Boston College – Live Stats

This is such a crucial match for both sides, as they are each winless so far in the conference. These teams are going to be hungry, but the question will be if the Wolfpack can find a comfort zone so far from home, where historically they have struggled. Alex Martinez, the ACC’s runaway leader in points (21)  will be the X-factor in this game. If the Wolfpack are really as good as they played early in the year, they’ll find a way to win this one.

Prediction: N.C. State 2, Boston College 1 

#6 North Carolina at Duke – Watch Live

The Tobacco Road Rivalry hasn’t been much of a contest over the last several years, as the Tarheels haven’t been on the losing end for the past six meetings. UNC is 5-0-1 in those meetings and 5-2-3 in the last 10. However, as UNC tries to surpass idle Maryland for the conference lead in points, they will face a major road block in the underrated Blue Devils. Despite a difficult start to the year, Duke has rebounded well. They’ll be up for this prestigious rivalry match, especially after an embarrassing loss to UNC Wilmington earlier in the week. UNC will have a solid fan base at the match though, and the Tarheels’ defense has been crazy good.

Prediction: North Carolina 2, Duke 1 

#16 Wake Forest at Virginia Tech – Watch Live

At some point, Wake Forest (0-0-3 in conference) is going to have to do something other than tie. Tonight looks as if it will finally be the perfect storm for the Demon Deacons to break through, especially after their impressive annihilation of Appalachian State on Tuesday. Look for big performances tonight offensively for freshman midfielder Mikey Gamble and sophomore forward Sean Okoli.

Prediction: Wake Forest 2, Virginia Tech 0