Pish Posh: The ACC Takes on The Widdle Guy

Five ACC schools open with FCS programs while Clemson jumps out against the Sun Belt's mighty behemoth Middle Tennessee. Nothing to see here but if any of these teams loses "Hello Dolly" strike up the band and get ready to scoop gallons of egg off our face.

Seriously, don't be that guy.

Georgia Tech vs Jacksonville State (1pm)

Paul Johnson's team beat Jacksonville State 41-14 a season ago in their option offense infancy. This year with two springs, two training camps and 18 returning starters expect the Jackets to be more efficient and thus more lethal against the Gamecocks.

Georgia Tech 52 Jacksonville State 14

Boston College vs Northeastern (2pm)

New coach Frank Spaziani has plenty of question marks at quarterback, especially with projected starter David Shinskie suffering from cracked ribs entering this week. The defense is missing their top four talents from a season ago but the Eagles have plenty for their semi-crosstown rivals.

Boston College 28 Northeastern 7

Virginia vs William & Mary (6pm)

Al Groh's seat has never been hotter as he enters the 2009 season with three viable quarterback options and a revamped coaching staff. The Tribe is a disciplined group of FCS players who may keep it close against Virginia's inexperienced linebacking core but the Wahoos will avoid a possible deathblow.

Virginia 24 William & Mary 10

North Carolina vs The Citadel (6pm)

Entering year three of the Butch Davis era the Tar Heel faithful will be reminded of last season's opening game nightmare; a nail biter against McNeese State in Kenan. The Citadel is a similarly modeled team; quick passes to neutralize UNC's girth up front but the Heels more experienced linebackers and secondary core won't make the crowd sweat like they did a season ago.

North Carolina 42 The Citadel 17

Duke vs Richmond (7pm)

Cutcliffe's number one goal since arriving in Durham has been to increase the Blue Devils team speed. This first game won't offer quite the same test as their ACC slate but the Spiders are coming off an FCS title and return their dynamic quarterback Eric Ward. Duke must come out the gate hot to have a shot at reaching bowl eligibility.

Duke 35 Richmond 17

Clemson vs Middle Tennessee (6 pm)

New coach, new defense and a new quarterback mean that Clemson is somewhat in flux for Dabo's first season. Middle Tennessee is a team that beat Maryland by ten the week before the Terps beat Cal. They've got talent at running back but the Tigers' defense should definitely be up to shutting them down under new defensive coordinator Kevin Steele.

Clemson 38 Middle Tennessee 7

And seriously Duke; I know they're the "reigning FCS Champions" but don't do this to us.

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