UPSET SPECIAL OF THE WEEK:

Connecticut at Virginia: UConn is in the top 10 in four different statistical categories (scoring defense, passing defense, total defense and turnover margin) heading to Charlottesville for this afternoon game. The Huskies are the overlooked Big East team with South Florida grabbing the early-season pub and Louisville going into the tank. But UConn is 5-0, having beaten Duke 45-14 in the season opener, the same Duke team that UVA struggled with a week later before winning 24-13. The Huskies may be too good on defense for Virginia to move the ball consistently. And the Cavs are a team that has won too many close ones already, beating North Carolina, Georgia Tech and Middle Tennessee State by a combined nine points. I believe the good fortune may have run its course for the Cavs. And the ACC is a combined 5-11 against the Big East the last two seasons. The ACC loses this in a close one. Connecticut 24, Virginia 16.

BLOWOUT SPECIAL OF THE WEEK:

Virginia Tech at Duke: The Blue Devils may be demoralized after coming so close in each of the last two weeks, only to see victory slip away. Meanwhile, the Hokies can envision a top 10 ranking on the horizon after a tremendously poor showing early in the season at LSU. Tyrod Taylor hasn’t been Brett Favre passing since taking over for Sean Glennon, but he’s starting to chew up yards on the ground. And the Hokies have been careful with the ball since the talented freshman took over the reigns at QB, turning it over just once in their last three games. I know Vince Hall is out at linebacker and that will hurt the Hokies some, but Virginia Tech still has a ton of talent on that side of the ball. A few stats of note – Duke hasn’t beaten a ranked team since 1994 – a span of 34 games. And most of those losses haven’t been close. In fact, the Blue Devils haven’t been closer than 21 points in any of the last 10. And remember, the Hokies beat Duke 36-0 and 45-0 the last two seasons. Yes, Duke is improved, but not by much. Virginia Tech 35, Duke 10.