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Caught in the midst of a slump, last week was just what the doctor ordered. A 5-2 week and we’re back above .500. Only five games of ACC action this weekend, but we’ve still got you covered.
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets @ Duke Blue Devils
Duke +4.5; Over/Under 60.5
With both of these teams being surprisingly better than I expected coming into the season, I have hard time picking a side. My lean would be taking the points with the home team as the Yellow Jackets still aren’t a team I’d trust having to lay points on the road. What I do know about both these teams is that neither defense scares me. Georgia Tech has played in some lower scoring games, but that’s more due to playing less capable offenses as opposed to being a really strong defense. Neither team will stop the other and the Blue Devils are always good for a couple turnovers which Georgia Tech can turn into quick points.
Pick: Over 60.5
Virginia Cavaliers @ Louisville Cardinals
Louisville -2.5; Over/Under 69.5
All it took was for me to bet the over on a Virginia game and the defense showed up. And by showed up, what I really mean is force a punt or two or eight. I still don’t have confidence betting a side on a Virginia game and think this line is spot on. Louisville gets the benefit of the doubt being at home, otherwise these teams are pretty equal. I’m looking at the total again, and while I could look silly mid-way through the third quarter, I like the under. The biggest reason Virginia was able to get the win over Miami is they actually had a running game. Louisville, while also prolific, can control the ball. If they do and Virginia can sustain drives the 70 point total will be tough to exceed.
Pick: Under 69.5
Wake Forest Demon Deacons @ Syracuse Orange
Syracuse +6; Over/Under 58.5
While it wasn’t the dominant performance I expected, the Deacons came away with a solid win against a decent Louisville squad. Syracuse is going to be frisky all season, as evidence by their win over Liberty two weeks ago. However Wake Forest will be too disciplined, coming off a close(ish) win last week and a BYE next week, Syracuse will have Wake’s full attention. I think they win easily and can cover the number.
Pick: Wake Forest -6
Florida State Seminoles @ North Carolina Tar Heels
North Carolina -17.5 ; Over/Under 64.5
We’ve come to the point in the season where there are teams I trust so I bet on them and teams I don’t trust, so I bet against them. After some hiccups, I think North Carolina is still really good. Florida State on the other hand can’t compete against this team. Add to that North Carolina is more than capable of blowing out bad teams and I don’t think this is enough points.
Pick: North Carolina -17.5
Notre Dame Fighting Irish @ Virginia Tech Hokies
VaTech +0.5; Over/Under 47
Another night game in Blacksburg between the Hokies and a team that should beat the Hokies. Neither of these teams have been particularly impressive, nor exciting. This game plays out in one of two way. Either it’s a close, low scoring affair with VaTech having the chance to win it late. Or Notre Dame shows that it’s the better team, holding the Hokies down and running away with it. Either way, both game scripts favor the Irish.
Pick: Notre Dame -0.5
Record: 20-19-0