I knew something felt a little off last week. Too many double digits spreads and I’m not surprised I was only able to muster a 2-3 record. This week features some of the most anticipated games of the 2020 season, so it should provide some interesting betting action as well.
Virginia Tech Hokies @ North Carolina Tar Heels
North Carolina -3; Over/Under 57
It’s not often you get one of the marquee games of the slate in the noon slot, but here we are with North Carolina and VaTech squaring off in Chapel Hill. Both teams are 2-0 and have both a blowout and a squeaker on their record. VaTech might finally be back to full(er) health and are expected to get quarterback Hendon Hooker back for this game. But it’s been their rushing attack that has paced them this season. North Carolina was supposed to have an explosive offense, but Sam Howell and company haven’t quite put it together. I have a hunch North Carolina either squeaks this one out (as they have big games the last season and a half) or VaTech blows them out of the water. Given the points for the Hokies, I’ll take em.
Pick: VaTech +3
N.C. State Wolfpack @ Virginia Cavaliers
Virginia -7; Over/Under 58.5
Virginia acquitted themselves quite well last week at Clemson. But dare I say, they didn’t even play that well. Virginia didn’t beat themselves, but I didn’t come away from that game thinking they were just undone because Clemson is Clemson. NC State comes in after upsetting Pitt, but I’ll say the same thing. They didn’t play great. Pitt had way too many chances to change the outcome of that game and they didn’t. The Virginia defense is really good, and against an NC State defense, I think the Virginia offense can put up points. I took Pitt -14 last week against the Wolfpack and I don’t think the Panthers are much (if at all) better than Virginia, so why wouldn’t I take the 7.
Pick: Virginia -7
Duke Blue Devils @ Syracuse Orange
Syracuse +1; Over/Under 51.5
Duke certainly looks like one of the, if not the worst teams in the ACC. But look at who they’ve played. Notre Dame, Virginia, and VaTech all appear to be in the top half of the ACC and Boston College has been a pleasant surprise. Meanwhile, Syracuse looked like a different team dismantling Georgia Tech in their last outing. Both these teams should find some room to run in the dome and neither has a defense that scares me. I struggle finding a side given that one play is all a team needs to cover so, I’m rooting for points and like the over.
Pick: Over 51.5
Pittsburgh Panthers @ Boston College Eagles
Boston College +6.5; Over/Under 42.5
Pitt’s defense sure didn’t look like the juggernaut it was over the first part of the season, but that game fell at the hands of Kenny Pickett and the offense. Too many chances squandered yet they still scored 29 points. Boston College has looked better than expected this season and I expect them to be in this game. Ultimately it will come down to the passing games. Boston College hasn’t been able to get anything going on the ground, so I look for Phil Jursovec to be chucking. That will lead to some mistakes giving Pitt either points or short fields which they hopefully can capitalize on. Therefore I expect some points.
Pick: Over 42.5
Miami-Florida Hurricanes @ Clemson Tigers
Clemson -15, Over/Under 60
Miami comes into this one hot. After outrunning Louisville, they put a shellacking on Florida State. Now we get to see if they’re really back. Here’s a hint, they’re not. At least not back to being the level they need to beat Clemson. I don’t think Clemson has put it together yet, but I expect them to this week. Trevor Lawrence puts his Heisman stamp on this one and the Clemson defense shows they’re still stocked with next-level talent.
Pick: Clemson -15
Florida State Seminoles @ Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Notre Dame -21, Over/Under 53.5
Take the name off the front of the jersey and Florida State is no different than the dregs of the conference the last couple years. They barely escaped Jacksonville State last week and haven’t even looked competitive this year. Notre Dame was a 21 point favorite against Duke and a 24.5 point favorite against South Florida. Florida State isn’t better than either of those teams.
Pick: Notre Dame -21
Record: 16-7-1