ACC Week 10 picks: Clemson vs. Notre Dame & 3 more

The game of the year in the ACC is upon us.

No. 1 Clemson, undefeated and the favorite to win this year’s College Football Playoff National Championship, will head to South Bend to take on No. 4 Notre Dame in a matchup that will assuredly propel the winner toward the final four.

We have betting odds and a pick for that marquee matchup, as well as three more ACC games.

#1 Clemson vs. #4 Notre Dame

While Clemson is 7-0 and Notre Dame is 6-0, each team has been disappointing against the spread. Clemson sits at 2-5 ATS and Notre Dame is 2-4 ATS.

By far the biggest storyline heading into this game is the absence of Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who tested positive for COVID-19 last week. Lawrence was the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy before he contracted the virus, and his absence has dropped this line from what likely would have been double digits.

Fortunately for Clemson, Lawrence’s replacement is the former No. 1 overall recruit in the country, D.J. Uiagalelei. The Tigers also have a number of five-star recruits on the defensive side of the ball, but they have not been at full strength and have relied on a number of young players.

Notre Dame has a veteran offensive line, with senior quarterback Ian Book running the show. While Clemson has more star power at running back, with Travis Etienne, Notre Dame averages 5.1 yards per rush, versus Clemson’s 4.4.

Notre Dame has also seen more success on defense and ranks second in points allowed per play, behind Cincinnati.

Beware of the home underdog with a better defense and running game. Clemson has championship pedigree, but this has all the makings of an instant classic, and Notre Dame is 5-0 ATS in its last five games as a home underdog.

Pick: Notre Dame +5

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Pittsburgh vs. Florida State

Pitt and Florida State have not experienced the resurgent year they hoped for, but somebody has to win in this matchup of four-loss teams.

Florida State had a bye week to get quarterback Jordan Travis healthy and got more practice time for the 17 freshmen they are playing this season.

Pittsburgh is still without quarterback Kenny Pickett and has failed to cover a spread in its last six games.

FSU can’t beat anybody good, but the Seminoles are still 8-1 ATS in their last nine games against a team with a losing record.

Pick: Florida State -2.5 

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North Carolina vs. Duke

North Carolina has lots of offensive talent and not much on the other side of the ball. It cost the Tar Heels last week against Virginia, as they gave up 44 points in a loss.

Duke lost its starting center during the preseason, and now backup Will Taylor is done for the season, as well.

North Carolina is 5-1 ATS following a straight-up loss and will come out motivated to score and keep scoring.

Pick: North Carolina -10.5

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Louisville vs. Virginia

Virginia got its big win of the season last week against North Carolina, but the Cavaliers have not done anything all that great this season.

Louisville showed defensive weaknesses to start the year but has played better lately. The Cardinals are scoring more points per play and giving up fewer per play on defense than Virginia over the last three games.

This is a letdown spot for the Cavs.

Pick: Louisville +2.5

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