Week 2 Preview, Part II: Wildly Divergent Conference Showdowns

DUKE at VIRGINIA
Saturday, Sept. 8, 2007, 12pm – Scott Stadium, Charlottesville, VA
Series Record: Virginia leads 29-26; UVA won last year's meeting 37-0
Stat Watch: 115...Virginia's national rank in total offense (and that's out of 115)
Quick Overview: At least the ACC gets it's "Good God, Look Away, This Is Too Horrible" game of the year out of the way quickly. The stunning ineptitude of the Cavalier offense last week was almost as surprising as the collapse of their vaunted defense. The Hoos returned 10 starters from their defense last year and were simply overrun by a decent, but certainly not powerful Cowboy attack. Duke, as usual, didn't do much of anything right in last week's beatdown at the hands of UConn and were completely punchless against Virginia in their 37-0 defeat last year. About the only close-to-certain thing this Saturday is that it should be the last Groh vs. Roof meeting. One or both will be gone at season's end, if not before.
Prediction: No idea. UVA is clearly the more talented team, but that was the case last week as well against Wyoming. This may actually be the Devils best chance for a win this year, but as I said last week, I'm not picking the Dukies until they actually break the losing streak. Virginia 24, Duke 7

N.C. STATE at BOSTON COLLEGE
Saturday, Sept. 8, 2007, 2:30pm – Alumni Stadium, Chestnut Hill, MA
Series Record: N.C. State leads 2-1; the Wolkpack won last year's meeting 17-15
Stat Watch: 2...Eagle QB Matt Ryan's national rank in individual total offense
Quick Overview: Tom O'Brien may have two teams pissed off at him this Saturday afternoon when the Pack visit the Eagles. Not only did he excoriate his new team after last week's loss to UCF, a few weeks ago he subtly implied that the BC faithful were a bunch of unrealistic ingrates. Meanwhile, Jeff Jagodzinski and Matt Ryan just smile for the camera and work on carving up the Wolfpack defense. The only X factor is new State QB Harrison Beck, and whether or not he can pick up where he left off in the second-half against the Knights (60.7% passing, 207 yards, 2 TDs).
Prediction: An unpleasant return to Chestnut Hill for TOB. His motivation to win this one is cancelled out by his former players' likewise desire (and not to mention BC's thirst for revenge for last year's upset in Raleigh). Talent and home field rule the day. Boston College 37, N.C. State 17

The final three game previews will be coming up shortly.