Party like it's 1991

We do not take Georgia Tech lightly in this little corner of the journalism world. In fact, this is where Paul Johnson's strategically unique Yellow Jackets were picked to win the 2009 Atlantic Coast Conference championship -- way back in December of 2008.

But Clemson today with a victory over Virginia will clinch a spot in the ACC Championship Game and put itself in sweet revenge position to win its first ACC title in 18 full years.

Dabo Swinney was an unmarried Alabama wide receiver in 1991.

The Atlanta Braves were just coming off their first World Series appearance.

Da'Quan Bowers was 10 months old.

Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" was fresh.

Some people hadn't seen "Silence of the Lambs" yet.

Tommy West, Tommy Bowden, Rick Barnes and Larry Shyatt have come and gone.

Two two-term presidents (Bill Clinton and George W. Bush), too.

Amazingly, me and my Pigskin Picks partner Warren Peper have not aged a bit.

Virginia at Clemson

Remember, Dabo has never lost to the Cavaliers.

Sapakoff pick: Clemson, 35-13

Peper pick: Clemson

Citadel at Georgia Southern

One of these squads will snap out of its puzzling tailspin and end on a high note.

Sapakoff pick: The Citadel, 28-21

Peper pick: Georgia Southern

Coastal Carolina at CSU

The over-achieving Bucs were picked fifth in the Big South preseason poll but with a win today will improve to 4-2 in league play and probably finish second.

Sapakoff pick: Charleston Southern, 24-21

Peper pick: Charleston Southern

N.C. A&T at S.C. State

Another rout should secure a FCS playoff home game for the Buddy Pough's Bulldogs.

Sapakoff pick: S.C. State, 42-14

Peper pick: S.C. State

Duke at Miami

Duke (3-3 in ACC play) jumps ahead of Miami (4-3) in the Coastal Division standings and gets bowl-eligible with a victory today and next week at home against Wake Forest.

Sapakoff pick: Miami, 31-23

Peper pick: Miami

UNC at Boston College

How about this for strange noise: A loud roar for dear old North Carolina at Death Valley. A Tar Heels

win gives Clemson the ACC Atlantic Division title before the Tigers take a snap today.

Sapakoff pick: Boston College, 20-19

Peper pick: North Carolina

LSU at Mississippi

Mississippi scatback Dexter McCluster, the NFL's next Darren Sproles, is the most dynamic player in the SEC and one of the two or three most valuable. But LSU has a lot of fast guys who know how to tackle.

Sapakoff pick: LSU, 20-17

Peper pick: Mississippi

Kentucky at Georgia

The Bulldogs will have to do it minus A.J. Green. The sensational former Summerville High School receiver is out with a shoulder injury. Versatile Kentucky star Randall Cobb, also suffering from a sore shoulder, is questionable.

Sapakoff pick: Georgia, 27-24

Peper pick: Georgia

Kansas State at Nebraska

Some voters and polls have Nebraska defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh ahead of C.J. Spiller on their Heisman watch lists.

Sapakoff pick: Nebraska, 28-14

Peper pick: Nebraska

Ohio State at Michigan

Throwback jerseys for the Buckeyes, and a throwback thrashing.

Sapakoff pick: Ohio State, 31-14

Peper pick: Ohio State

Peper last week: 7-3. Season: 75-35.

Sapakoff last week: 6-4. Season: 75-35.

Reach Gene Sapakoff at 937-5593. gsapakoff@postandcourier.com.