ACC Betting Preview Week 2: Part 2

With 13 games on the slate, we’ve got plenty of picks to go around. The 3:30 games get rolling with Texas A&M and Clemson while the nightcap between North Carolina and Miami could be fun. After a 1-1 Friday night, let’s see if we can’t get closer to even.

Texas A&M Aggies @ Clemson Tigers
Clemson -16.5; Over/Under 63.5

Last season, the Aggies put a nice little scare into Clemson’s undefeated season. So to see the Tigers laying 17.5 against a ranked team gives me a little pause. However, the Aggies were a much different team on the road than they were at home. While they gave Clemson all they could handle, they got blown out in road trips to Alabama and Mississippi State. The Tigers will be ready, remember last year, and have no issues in this one.

Pick: Clemson -16.5

Richmond Spiders @ Boston College Eagles
Boston College -33.5; Over/Under 65.5

In each of the last 15 years, the Richmond Spiders have played an FBS team and only once have they lost by more than 33 points. I think that changes this week in Chestnut Hill. While other ACC teams looking to cover big spreads this weekend have struggled with large numbers in the past, the Eagles haven’t. In the last three years, Boston College has won eight games by 28 points or more. That track record tells me they don’t mind running it up on anyone.

Pick: BC -33.5

UL Monroe @ Florida State Seminoles
Florida State -22; Over/Under 65.5

My analysis a week ago on the Florida State/Boise State game was spot. I expected it was going come down to one team not being able to handle the hot August. What I didn’t know was that team would be Florida State. I turned away thinking the cover was well in hand only to come back not too long after to see the Broncos absolutely taking it to the ‘Noles. I’m going to give Florida State one more shot. Get the cover this week and all is right. Struggle just a little, and I’m going to have to change my tune with regards to the Seminoles.

Pick: Florida State -22

North Carolina A&T @ Duke Blue Devils
Duke -27.5; Over/Under 52

North Carolina A&T isn’t your run of the mill FCS squad. They beat East Carolina season ago, and there’s a reason they don’t get many FBS games. Duke performed well last week against Alabama, but I was worried that they weren’t able to score more than three points. Sure Alabama’s defense is really good, but Duke should have been able to get at least a few more points in the second half. Given that, I think 30 points is a tall ask.

Pick: NC A&T +27.5

Eastern Kentucky @ Louisville Cardinals
Louisville -20.5; Over/Under 60

I know it’s only one game, but call me a believer in the Cardinals. Sure last year was the first without Lamar Jackson, but that team still had talent. They had no business being as bad as they were. It’s clear now, that team just didn’t want to play for Bobby Petrino. Enter Scott Satterfield and call me impressed. They could have won that game against Notre Dame and in doing so, I’ve completely changed my outlook for Louisville. Games like this are about culture, and I think the Cardinals have the right mindset to take care of business against Eastern Kentucky.

Pick: Louisville -22.5

Miami Hurricanes @ North Carolina Tar Heels
North Carolina +5; Over/Under 46.5

While one game has made me change my tune on Louisville, I’m not there with either of these teams. I expected Miami to lose to Florida and I still have them winning at least nine games. And while I didn’t see North Carolina beating South Carolina, I think that game says more about the Gamecocks than it necessarily does about the Tar Heels. Given that, it’s a blessing that this line is only Miami -5. So, given that, this is my “Run, don’t walk” pick of the week.

Pick: Miami -5

Record: 2-7-1