The Virginia Tech Hokies (2-2, 1-0 ACC) and the North Carolina Tar Heels (3-1, 0-0) meet Saturday at Kenan Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET (ACC Network). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Virginia Tech vs. North Carolina odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.
The Hokies are coming off a 33-10 setback at home against West Virginia Sept. 22. Virginia Tech has been used to double-digit seasons and challenging for conference titles, not struggling to attain bowl eligibility.
Va. Tech has really struggled on offense, going for just 20.3 PPG to rank 113th in the country, spoiling what has been a strong showing by its defense. The Under is 4-0 in four outings for the Gobblers.
UNC returned to the field after a 2-week break and was manhandled 45-32 at home by Notre Dame last Saturday. It was a disappointing effort on so many fronts, especially the defensive side of the ball. The Tar Heels have allowed 24 or more points in each game this season, yielding 39.5 PPG overall to rank 123rd in the nation.
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Virginia Tech at North Carolina odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:42 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Virginia Tech +270 (bet $100 to win $270) | North Carolina -340 (bet $340 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Virginia Tech +9.5 (-112) | North Carolina -9.5 (-108)
- Over/Under (O/U): 55.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Virginia Tech at North Carolina picks and predictions
Prediction
North Carolina 34, Virginia Tech 27
Moneyline
North Carolina (-340) can certainly score with the best of them, but that defense has been so woeful. UNC should be able to protect its home field and avoid a second straight loss at Kenan, but anything is possible with this very giving D. You can’t risk nearly 3 1/2 times your potential return, even on a more certain thing.
PASS.
Against the spread
VIRGINIA TECH +9.5 (-112) has had its issues on offense, but it would be stunning if the Hokies can’t cobble together a somewhat solid showing against this poor North Carolina defense.
I don’t think the Hokies have enough to take this game outright, but keeping it within single digits is certainly possible, especially given their defensive prowess.
Over/Under
The OVER 55.5 (-110) is worth playing here.
It appeared Hurricane Ian might rear its ugly head and cause a soggy, rainy track, but that system sped up and it is out of the area and has left rather fair conditions in the forecast for Saturday.
The Hokies do not score much, nor do they give up much, but that will both change in a higher-scoring game against the Tar Heels. Even Virginia Tech’s offense will look somewhat coherent against a UNC defense that has looked J.V. all season.
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