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Virginia's two-game losing streak has caused a malaise to set in with the Wahoo fanbase. And as part of that Wahoo fanbase, I'm not immune from it. So I'm in no mood to come up with a catchy lede for this week's Vegas odds. Let's just get to 'em.
1) THE BIG GAME
Louisville is a 3.5-point UNDERDOG at home against Florida State.
If the 'Noles are going to stumble on their way to the College Football Playoff, this is the most likely stumbling block. Louisville's defense is one of the best in the country and the Cardinals will have a raucous crowd supporting them at Papa John's Stadium. Games like these are the reason the ACC picked Louisville as its 14th member instead of UConn. The line opened with FSU favored by 8.5, so it has dropped considerably. Louisville could make its biggest statement of the year by winning this one.
2) The ACC Coastal Division morass
Georgia Tech is a 3.5-point favorite at home against Virginia
Pitt is a 3.5-point favorite at home against Duke
Miami is a 14.5-point favorite at home against UNC
Virginia Tech is a 3-point favorite at home against Boston College
Given Virginia's recent struggles in Atlanta, it's a surprise that the line for this one isn't heavier in favor of Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jacket defense isn't great when other teams don't turn it over, and Virginia's defense has held up well all season. It goes without saying that Mike London desperately needs this one after last week's debacle.
Duke can establish itself as the out-and-out favorite to win the Coastal with a win on Saturday. And I think the Devils are good enough to get it done. Pitt has been hot and cold all season. I look for David Cutcliffe to win another coaching battle and for Pitt's inexperience to hurt them in the end.
Miami is starting to show its teeth. And despite winning the last two weeks, I refuse to believe that Carolina is any good. The bigger story might be in the crowd. Will the Hurricanes get more than 20K fans this week?
Finally, I'm shocked to see Virginia Tech as the favorite against Boston College. The Hokies have looked awful the last two weeks, while Boston College has established itself as a solid mid-tier ACC squad. I'd look for Boston College to win another and claim bowl eligibility.
3) The Who Cares Game
Syracuse is a 3.5-point favorite at home against NC State
Like I said...who cares? I'd like to see the Wolfpack finish 4-8 with a 4-0 out-of-conference record. So I'm pulling for the Orange.