A 3-3 week isn’t bad and we could have done better, but a 0.650 clip is still in the black. The games aren’t as competitive as last week, but gone are the multiple double-digit spreads from the early part of the season. Let’s get to it.
Liberty Flames @ Syracuse Orange
Syracuse +2.5; Over/Under 53.5
As much as I have a hard time wrapping my head around an ACC team as a home dog in this spot, I just can’t back Syracuse. Tommy DeVito is out, and regardless, the Orange weren’t very good with him. The Flames defense will be able to get pressure on quarterback Rex Culpepper and the Liberty offense behind Malik Willis will be able to make enough plays to get the win and cover.
Pick: Liberty -2.5
Pittsburgh Panthers @ Miami-Florida Hurricanes
Miami -12.5; Over/Under 47.5
After giving up only an average of ten points per game through their first three games, the Pitt Panthers have surrendered 30 and 31 points in losses to N.C. State and Boston College. Enter Miami coming off a loss to Clemson where they only mustered 17 points. I’m going to forgive any team for not lighting up the scoreboard against the Tigers. This game comes in with a low O/U given the news that Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett won’t be playing, but I still like the over. Miami can score quickly, and Pitt has a tendency to give up big plays. If Miami comes out sharp, I like them to cover as well, but I see the points as an easier path to a win.
Pick: Over 47.5
Clemson Tigers @ Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Georgia Tech +27; Over/Under 64.5
I’ve got an easy rubric to follow when betting Clemson. Are the Tigers playing? Yes. Are the Tigers playing an ACC team? Yes. Lay the points. Clearly that’s burned me a couple times this year, but I like for it to hold true this week. Georgia Tech has had success this season when they’ve been able to force turnovers. They won’t be able to do that this week against Clemson. Clemson rolls.
Pick: Clemson -27
Louisville Cardinals @ Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Notre Dame -16.5; Over/Under 61.5
While the Fighting Irish didn't cover against Florida State a week ago, that result was never in doubt. Notre Dame has been one of the most consistent teams this season and this week they get to face Louisville who in a surprise to me, has been a big disappointment. Neither the Cardinal offense, nor defense has been remotely impressive and I think Notre Dame can take advantage of both units.
Pick: Notre Dame -16.5
Duke Blue Devils @ N.C. State Wolfpack
N.C. State -4.5, Over/Under 59
While Virginia played really badly a week ago, N.C. State made some very impressive plays and looks to have figured some things out after starting the season really poorly. Duke meanwhile picked up their first win of the season putting on an impressive show at Syracuse winning 38-24. The line appears somewhat low given Duke is 1-4 and N.C. State is coming off back to back wins over supposedly solid ACC teams. But the total is once again the target. Both teams can score and I expect Duke quarterback Chase Brice to continue turning it over. N.C. State can turn those turnovers into points forcing Duke to press to catch up.
Pick: Over 59
Virginia Cavaliers @ Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Wake Forest +2, Over/Under 57
Well that wasn’t fun now, was it? As big a disappointment last week’s loss to N.C. State was, I’m optimistic about this week. I don’t think I can count on one hand the number of games in the Bronco Mendenhall era where the team has executed so poorly and looked so ill prepared. And if there is anything I have learned about Mendenhall is it won’t happen two weeks in a row. This is the BEST (no hyperbole, the BEST) staff in the country at holding itself and its players accountable and making adjustments. I expect a much better performance this week and that will be more than enough to take down the Demon Deacons.
Pick: Virginia -2
North Carolina Tar Heels @ Florida State Seminoles
Florida State +13.5, Over/Under 64.5
Despite the Seminoles staying just close enough to Notre Dame to get the cover a week ago, I’m still on the fade Florida State train. North Carolina got the offense humming against VaTech and I think they keep rolling. It was only a matter of time before Sam Howell started clicking and he did in a big way. I worry about Florida State being able to keep up, so UNC with the points is the play.
Pick: UNC -13.5
Boston College Eagles @ Virginia Tech Hokies
VaTech -12, Over/Under 63
Coming into the year, I thought the Hokies defense would be it’s stalwart. Perhaps it’s been the effect of COVID, but teams haven’t had much trouble scoring on VaTech. I look for that trend to continue as Boston College and quarterback Phil Jursovec have been slinging it all year. In the end, VaTech rolls, but Boston College won’t stop chucking.
Pick: Over 63
Record: 19-10-1