In this week eight edition of Wolfpack Wager, we will be breaking down the NC State matchup with Boston College and looking at some interesting games out of the ACC and SEC.
NC State (-3.5) at Boston College
Similar to Wake Forest, Boston College is a scrappy team that has historically given NC State trouble in just about every game they have played. In fact, Boston College leads the series all-time at 9-7.
The Wolfpack is also 2-3-1 against the spread this year, while Boston College sits at 4-2, which is not where you want to see a trend if you are betting on the Wolfpack.
The good news for the Pack is that they have taken the last three out of four games against the Eagles, winning the last two in Chestnut Hill. Even better, Boston College quarterback Anthony Brown was announced to be done for the season, making backup sophomore Dennis Grosel the starter for the Eagles this week.
This is going to be a low-scoring affair, with both teams facing quarterback uncertainties. If head coach Dave Doeren continues to roll with Bailey Hockman at quarterback, the Wolfpack is most likely to struggle to find the endzone. However, if Devin Leary starts to take more reps under center, then a lot of what everyone knows about the Wolfpack offense is going to be useless.
NC State is the more talented team, and with the run defense being the strongest part of the team right now, you can count on the Pack to contain Boston College’s star running back, AJ Dillon. It will be a tight game, but still take the Pack in this one and hit the under (51.5) while you are at it.
Pick: NC State (-3.5)
Florida (-5) at South Carolina
South Carolina shocked the world last week in its upset win at Georgia last weekend. South Carolina played a great game and really flexed its muscles on the defensive end, which ultimately helped them prevail in the overtime thriller.
Florida is in the opposite position. Its undefeated season hopes came to an end against LSU last week in a game where the Tigers were able to expose the Gator defense. Florida is going to be looking for redemption this week.
While neither offense is spectacular, the line is really only this close because of the excellent game the Gamecocks played last week. Look for a superior Florida team to come into Columbia looking to prove that it’s a team still capable of making the college football playoff. The Florida offense should do enough to cover the spread. You can feel safe taking the Gators in this one.
Pick: Florida (-5)
UNC-Chapel Hill (-3.5) at Virginia Tech
Strangely enough, this is actually an important game when it comes to the race for the top in the coastal division of the ACC. If North Carolina wants to compete for a chance to play in the ACC title game, this is a must win.
Virginia Tech is just trying to stop the bleeding. The Hokies are now 1-2 in the ACC after a tight win against Miami, but struggled last week against Rhode Island. The game this week is in Blacksburg, Virginia, but other than being on a three-game winning streak against UNC, the Hokies have little going in their favor.
Virginia Tech has struggled against competent quarterbacks this year, so look for Sam Howell to have a big game on the road. Look for the Tar Heels to easily cover and move to 5-2 against the spread on the year.
Pick: North Carolina (-3.5)
Last week, Technician Sports staff writer Will Thornhill went 3-0 with an NC State six-point win, a Texas cover against Oklahoma and just squeaked out a perfect record with an LSU 14-point win over Florida.
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