ACC Week 8 picks: Notre Dame vs. Pittsburgh & 3 more

The game of the week in the ACC this week takes place between No. 3 Notre Dame and a notorious disruptor, Pittsburgh.

We have odds and a pick for that game, as well as three other matchups featuring ACC teams.

#3 Notre Dame vs. Pittsburgh

Notre Dame is 4-0 but just 1-3 against the spread. Pittsburgh sits at 3-3 but is 1-4-1 ATS.

Pittsburgh’s failures against the spread have largely come as a result of quarterback Kenny Pickett’s inaccuracy. In losses to NC State and Boston College, Picket completed just 53% of his passes. But Pickett is likely out again (he also missed last week's game against Miami) with an ankle injury against Notre Dame, so freshman Joey Yellen should get another start.

Pitt will struggle to move the ball against a Notre Dame defense that has been stout in 2020. Notre Dame has given up an average of 11.5 points per game, but 26 came against Florida State, which benefited from turnovers, big plays, and is far more talented at the skill positions than anything Pittsburgh can offer.

Notre Dame gives up very few first downs, and against an offense guided by Pat Narduzzi, this will not bode well.

Pick: Notre Dame -10.5

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#23 North Carolina State vs. #14 North Carolina

The Tar Heels suffered their first loss of the season on the road against Florida State last week. They surrendered 31 points in the first half and battled back to lose by three points.

North Carolina's ability to compete to the conclusion of the game was a promising sign that setbacks will not cause the Tar Heels to quit.

Quarterback Sam Howell is still a talented leader with a lot of weapons, while NC State is going to be without their No. 1 quarterback, Devin Leary. Leary was 3-0 as a starter this year, and the drop to backup Bailey Hockman will be noticeable.

NC State is just 2-8 ATS in its last 10 road games and is a public underdog in a rivalry game with a line moving the other direction.

Pick: North Carolina -16.5

Florida State vs. Louisville

Don’t look now, but Florida State is on a winning streak — against the spread, at least.

After they struggled to start the season, Seminoles are now 2-3 overall and ATS and have found a quarterback who can present some semblance of danger with the ball in his hands.

The FSU defense is still not playing great, but young players have stepped up and bought into head coach Mike Norvell’s goals and style. The defensive line has a lot of talent and it feels like the tide is turning for a program that has been struggling for too long.

The Seminoles have covered eight straight games against teams with a losing record.

Louisville managed just 233 total yards against Notre Dame, a team that, a week prior, surrendered 405 to the Seminoles.

Pick: Florida State +5

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Syracuse vs. #1 Clemson

One of the largest lines in ACC history, this will undoubtedly be a boring game, if you're not interested in the betting line.

Syracuse has been awful and incapable of playing good defense. Clemson has talent all over the field and depth in the wings, waiting to be seen.

The key to this game is Clemson’s backup quarterback, DJ Uiagalelei, the former No. 1 overall recruit in the country. He will be zipping passes just as impressively as Trevor Lawrence does.

Pick: Clemson -45.5

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