Vegas ACC Predictions Week 12: Florida State-Miami and Clemson-Georgia Tech

Nov 8, 2014; Syracuse, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils wide receiver Issac Blakeney (17) is greeted in the end zone by teammates in the end zone after scoring a touchdown against the Syracuse Orange during the fourth quarter at the Carrier Dome. Duke defeated Syracuse 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Virginia Tech Hokies at No. 21 Duke Blue Devils

Line: Duke by 4.5

Saturday Blitz Vegas ACC Prediction: Duke Wins 24-21

Based on the records of the teams and their standings in the ACC Coastal Division, it would seem like this is an easy pick. Duke should win running away with it on paper.

But the Blue Devils haven’t been beating a lot of people by talent straight up. They have been beating people because they are so well-coached under David Cutcliffe that they have significantly limited their mistakes and allowed other teams to implode while scoring just enough. The only real exception to that was Syracuse last week.

Meanwhile, Frank Beamer’s Virginia Tech Hokies have done the opposite. They have shown the talent to compete with anybody, but they’ve stumbled to a 4-5 record due to mistake-filled games and simply giving them away with Michael Brewer.

That’s going to be the case again Saturday. Virginia Tech will have 3 turnovers while Anthony Boone doesn’t throw one pick and connects with Jamison Crowder for two scores. The combination of Boone’s efficient play along with the high volume of mistakes made by the Hokies will be enough for the Blue Devils to pull it out and remain at the top of the ACC Coastal.

But it will be close again.

Next: Pittsburgh-North Carolina