ACC & CAA preview, week five

All you need to know about the Virginia’s MOST AWESOME football teams as we head into the weekend.

September 30, 2011; 3:36 PM • by Ross Catrow

Poor showing last week, Catrow: 3-2. But still, 18-4 on the season is not too shabby. My biggest mistake last week, obviously, was picking UVA to win a football game at home versus a C-USA team. WON’T MAKE THAT MISTAKE AGAIN.

Hokies vs. Clemson

The ACC schedule, it begins (perhaps terrifyingly)! Last week against Marshall, the Hokies put on a typical Virginia Tech display: the defense was pretty incredible, there was a great individual effort on special teams, and the offense was disappointing.

The Hokies are ranked 2nd in rush defense, 6th in pass defense, and currently sport the 4th best overall defense in the entire nation (behind Michigan State, Alabama, and UCF). As long as no one goes breaking a leg or catching mono, the defense looks solid.

Tech’s typically solid kicking game is basically in the crapper: 110th (out of 120 teams) in net punting, and our field goal unit is four of seven. One bright spot last week was holder Trey Gresh’s incredible down-field tackle on a blocked Hokie extra point (sigh).

The offense though, guys, the offense. Sometimes it looks hot and potent, sometimes it looks limp and boring. I’m not really sure what to say other than: I love Josh Olgesby. We will learn more this week against Clemson.

Speaking of, Clemson is running pretty hot with back-to-back victories over Auburn and FSU. They’ve got some very talented skill players and will be the Hokies’ first real challenge. I’m super nervous about this game, but I’m picking VT for two reasons: Lane Stadium, and I’m not convinced Auburn or FSU are really that good. Plus, as an additional third reason, Wofford put up 27 on the Tigers.

Virginia vs. Idaho

OK Wahoos, against my better judgement, I am going to pick you to win. I have no idea why I am doing this. Last week Rocco threw three interceptions, and eventually Coach London benched the guy. Thus ended Rocco’s Long Interception Nightmare–with one touchdown and nine interceptions. Whoa.

Richmond vs. JMU

I picked the Spiders to win last week and, despite the ever-improving performance of Aaron Corp, they lost a close one to New Hampshire. If you’ll recall, I also picked the Dukes to win at Liberty. SO MANY WRONG PICKS. Anyway, Dukes get this one done–it is JMU homecoming after all.

William & Mary vs. Villanova

OK, I have to tell you the truth. I’m writing this football review on my iPhone during a hyperlocal news conference in Chicago. It’s called multitasking, people. This being the case, I may not be doing my due diligence with these CAA team picks. SO SUE ME. Regardless, W&M wins this one–despite their recent string of losses.

Old Dominion vs. Massachusetts

This is a challenging game to pick. We don’t really know a whole lot about either team at this point in the season. Let’s go with ODU, at home, UNDER THE LIGHTS. I’m such a sucker for home night games.

September 30, 2011 3:36 PM 0