Category: Week 7

BYU (4-0) vs Houston (1-0) Game Preview

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Why BYU Will Win

Zach Wilson has been special.

The BYU junior quarterback is hitting 81% of his passes for over 300 yards per game with two scores in every game to go along with six rushing touchdowns. He’s bombing away deep, he’s keeping everything moving, and he’s putting together – at least so far – one of the most efficient passing seasons in the history of college football.

The Houston secondary might have been strong against Tulane, but that’s because it didn’t get thrown on enough to matter.

It was just one game, but the UH Cougars turned it over five times against the Green Wave, partly because there was a ton of pressure into the backfield. The BYU Cougars are great at getting to the quarterback.

Why Houston Will Win

The BYU pass defense had its problems against the UTSA offense last week. It was a close 27-20 Cougar win, the defense did a solid job all the way around, and the offense was good – but the 470 yards were the fewest the team came up with in the first four games.

The Houston offense was clicking with the passing game right out of the gate against Tulane.

Yes, the Houston offense wasn’t totally sharp, and yes, it turned the ball over five times, but put it this way. The Cougars were -5 in turnover margin and they still won by 18 points.

There’s a whole lot of explosion and a whole lot of offensive pop to keep up if the BYU offense gets hot right away.

What’s Going To Happen

The Cougars will win.

A million apologies for that.

Houston will push the relatively untested BYU secondary around just enough to make this a fun firefight, but when needed, the BYU running game will take over.

Wilson is playing too well, the lines are playing too well, and this is the game BYU has been waiting for to make a relative splash in an already strong start to the season. It’ll be sharp.

BYU vs Houston Prediction, Line

BYU 38, Houston 31
Bet on BYU vs Houston with BetMGM
BYU -5, o/u: 62.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2

Must See Rating: 3

5: The Right Stuff (1983 movie version)
1: The Right Stuff (2020 TV version)

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SMU vs Tulane Prediction, Game Preview

SMU Mustangs vs Tulane Green Wave prediction and game preview

SMU vs Tulane prediction and game preview.

SMU vs Tulane Broadcast

Date: Friday, October 16
Game Time: 6:00 ET
Venue: Yulman Stadium, New Orleans, LA
Network: ESPN

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SMU (4-0) vs Tulane (2-2) Game Preview

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Why SMU Will Win

The passing game continues to be amazing.

Shane Buechele isn’t just throwing for a ton of yards, but he’s pushing the ball down the field better than ever – the advantage of having a fifth-year senior under center.

Last year he averaged eight yards per pass and only went over ten yards per throw in one of his 13 games. For his career – including his time at Texas – he’s only hit the mark three times. This year? Three times in four games, and the one time he didn’t was in the 50-7 win over Stephen F. Austin when he wasn’t needed.

Tulane’s pass defense had problems with Navy. As you let that sink in, the other three games were disasters for the secondary, too, giving up two touchdowns and 299 yards or more in each of the three.

However …

Why Tulane Will Win

SMU lost two major parts to the offensive attack. Second-leading rusher TJ McDaniel is out for the year with an ankle injury, and Buechele’s favorite target Reggie Roberson – who led the team with 474 yards and five scores, averaging close to 22 yards per grab – is done for the season with a knee problem.

The Green Wave haven’t been consistent, and the secondary has had problems, but the offense isn’t turning the ball over, the D hasn’t been bad at getting off the field, and the rushing game continues to be lead the American Athletic Conference despite a rough day in the loss to Houston.

What’s Going To Happen

When teams are able to commit to the ground game against SMU, good things happen. Even Texas State and North Texas were able to run effectively on the Mustang defensive front, and Tulane will, too.

It won’t be enough.

Even with the key losses on offense, the Mustang attack will find its groove early and get up big. Tulane will do what it does and make a big rally in the second half, but SMU will score a few times late to hold on.

SMU vs Tulane Prediction, Line

SMU 30, Tulane 24
Bet on SMU vs Tulane with BetMGM
SMU -6.5, o/u: 64.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 1.5

Must See Rating: 3

5: The Right Stuff (1983 movie version)
1: The Right Stuff (2020 TV version)

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ACC Predictions, Schedule, Game Previews, Lines, TV: Week 7

ACC college football predictions, schedule, game previews, lines and TV listings for Week 7 of the season.

ACC college football predictions, schedule, game previews, lines and TV listings for Week 7 of the season.

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Click on each game for game preview & prediction

Results So Far
SU: 25-8, ATS: 20-9, Point Total: 19-9

Saturday, October 17

Clemson at Georgia Tech

12:00 ABC
Line: Clemson -27, o/u: 63.5
– Bet on this at BetMGM

Pitt at Miami

12:00 ACC Network
Line: Miami -10.5, o/u: 49
– Bet on this at BetMGM

Liberty at Syracuse

12:00 ESPN3
Line: Liberty -3, o/u: 52.5
– Bet on this at BetMGM

[lawrence-related id=520805]

Louisville at Notre Dame

2:30 NBC
Line: Notre Dame -15, o/u: 64
– Bet on this at BetMGM

Duke at NC State

3:30 ESPN3
Line: NC State -4.5, o/u: 63
– Bet on this at BetMGM

Virginia at Wake Forest

4:00 ACC Network
Line: Virginia -2.5, o/u: 63
– Bet on this at BetMGM

[lawrence-related id=520788]

North Carolina at Florida State

7:00 ESPN
Line: North Carolina -13.5, o/u: 63.5
– Bet on this at BetMGM

Boston College at Virginia Tech

8:00 ACC Network
Line: Virginia Tech -12, o/u: 62
– Bet on this at BetMGM

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Virginia Tech vs Boston College Prediction, Game Preview

Virginia Tech Hokies vs Boston College Eagles prediction and game preview.

Virginia Tech vs Boston College prediction and game preview.

Virginia Tech vs Boston College Broadcast

Date: Saturday, October 17
Game Time: 8:00 ET
Venue: Lane Stadium, Blacksburg, VA
Network: ACC Network

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Virginia Tech (2-1) vs Boston College (3-1) Game Preview

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Why Boston College Will Win

Boston College is … fun?

It’s not like the program was boring over the last several years, but there was a lot of rushing, steady defense, and decent performances on the way to a bowl game – usually.

Now, under new head coach Jeff Hafley, the offense is winging it around with Notre Dame transfer Phil Jurkovec – averaging close to 300 yards per game through the air – but there still aren’t a ton of turnovers and the O is doing a nice job of controlling the clock.

Virginia Tech is struggling with the passing game, the run defense is getting ripped up, and and it’s got the second-to-last in the ACC in total defense, but …

Why Virginia Tech Will Win

The O knows how to score, and now it’s starting to get back to normal.

QB Hendon Hooker wasn’t healthy early on, and he split time last week against North Carolina, but it seems like he’s about to be his normal self – at least that’s the indication.

He doesn’t have to do it all, though.

The transfer combination of Khalil Herbert and Raheem Blackshear is ripping it up for the running game for an offense that leads the ACC in scoring. The offensive line is playing well, the pass rush has been outstanding, and …

What’s Going To Happen

Here comes the Virginia Tech running game.

It’s averaging close to 300 yards per game with 11 touchdowns in the first three games, and now it gets to roll against a Boston College defense that dealt with North Carolina, but that’s about it for decent ground attacks.

Boston College has lost its last eight games as a program – and 11 games against FBS teams – when allowing 170 rushing yards or more. Virginia Tech has hit the 170-yard mark – as a program – in each of its last five games and in nine of its last 11.

Virginia Tech vs Boston College Prediction, Line

Virginia Tech 37, Boston College 26
Bet on Virginia Tech vs Boston College with BetMGM
Virginia Tech -12, o/u: 62
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3

Must See Rating: 3.5

5: The Right Stuff (1983 movie version)
1: The Right Stuff (2020 TV version)

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Virginia Tech vs Boston College Prediction, Game Preview

Virginia Tech Hokies vs Boston College Eagles prediction and game preview.

Virginia Tech vs Boston College prediction and game preview.

Virginia Tech vs Boston College Broadcast

Date: Saturday, October 17
Game Time: 8:00 ET
Venue: Lane Stadium, Blacksburg, VA
Network: ACC Network

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Virginia Tech (2-1) vs Boston College (3-1) Game Preview

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Why Boston College Will Win

Boston College is … fun?

It’s not like the program was boring over the last several years, but there was a lot of rushing, steady defense, and decent performances on the way to a bowl game – usually.

Virginia Tech is struggling with the passing game, the run defense is getting ripped up, and and it’s got the second-to-last in the ACC in total defense, but …

Why Virginia Tech Will Win

The O knows how to score, and now it’s starting to get back to normal.

QB Hendon Hooker wasn’t healthy early on, and he split time last week against North Carolina, but it seems like he’s about to be his normal self – at least that’s the indication.

He doesn’t have to do it all, though.

What’s Going To Happen

Here comes the Virginia Tech running game.

Virginia Tech vs Boston College Prediction, Line

Virginia Tech 37, Boston College 26
Bet on Virginia Tech vs Boston College with BetMGM
Virginia Tech -12, o/u: 62
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3

Must See Rating: 3.5

5: The Right Stuff (1983 movie version)
1: The Right Stuff (2020 TV version)

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North Carolina vs Florida State Prediction, Game Preview

North Carolina Tar Heels vs Florida State Seminoles prediction and game preview.

North Carolina vs Florida State prediction and game preview.

North Carolina vs Florida State Broadcast

Date: Saturday, October 17
Game Time: 7:30 ET
Venue: Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee, FL
Network: ABC

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North Carolina (3-0) vs Florida State (1-3) Game Preview

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Why North Carolina Will Win

The Tar Heels have their timing down offensively.

It took three quarters in the opener against Syracuse to get going, it sputtered against Boston College, and then it kicked it all in against Virginia Tech in a 56-45 win.

Sam Howell and the passing game are working just fine, the ground game is the second-best in the conference, and the Tar Heels lead the ACC in total offense.

And there’s Florida State.

The offense is sputtering, scoring is like pulling teeth, and worst of all in this game, there’s nothing coming from the defensive front in the backfield. Give Howell time to work, and let the big Tar Heel receivers work their way down the field, and there’s a problem.

Why Florida State Will Win

The talent is there.

The starting 22 is still good enough to be more than just competitive, but nothing is clicking. It’s been such a dismal year that it might be a case of simply needing something positive to kick it all in.

The offense hasn’t been consistent, but it’s cranking out first downs, and Jordan Travis is playing like a potential keeper after two decent games against Jacksonville State and Notre Dame – he’s fine after hurting his hand against the Irish.

North Carolina is better, but it shoots itself in the foot way too often. There are too many penalties, no takeaways – just one on the year – and there aren’t enough plays in the backfield.

What’s Going To Happen

Things would be far different if Sam Howell stayed with his original commitment to Florida State and wasn’t stolen away by Mack Brown and UNC.

FSU will be charged up overall. It’ll come up with a spirited effort and keep this close for a half, but just when it looks like it might pull this off, Howell and the UNC offense will come through with a few good scoring drives to take over.

North Carolina vs Florida State Prediction, Line

North Carolina 40, Florida State 24
Bet on North Carolina vs Florida State with BetMGM
North Carolina -13.5, o/u: 63.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3

Must See Rating: 2.5

5: The Right Stuff (1983 movie version)
1: The Right Stuff (2020 TV version)

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Virginia vs Wake Forest Prediction, Game Preview

Virginia Cavalier at Wake Forest Demon Deacons prediction and game preview.

Virginia at Wake Forest prediction and game preview.

Virginia at Wake Forest Broadcast

Date: Saturday, October 17
Game Time: 4:00 ET
Venue: Truist Field, Winston-Salem, NC
Network: ACC Network

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Virginia (1-2) vs Wake Forest (1-2) Game Preview

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Why Virginia Will Win

Third downs, third downs, third downs.

Third down offense has been an issue for Virginia, and this is the week to get past it.

The Wake Forest offense is great, and it’s not making a whole lot of mistakes, but it can’t do anything defensively on third downs. It’s one thing to get rolled by Clemson, but NC State and Campbell were able to combine to convert 15-of-29 third down tries.

The Cavalier offensive line is playing well and the team is dominating the tempo. UVA leads the ACC in time of possession and Wake Forest doesn’t seem to care that much about keeping its offense on the field.

The Cavaliers will have the ball for an extra ten minutes – at least – and could dominate if they can convert on third downs.

Why Wake Forest Will Win

Virginia isn’t doing a whole lot of Virginia things.

Bronco Mendenhall teams always dictate the tempo, but this one has too many special teams breakdowns, the passing game isn’t getting anything down the field, and there are too many turnovers.

It doesn’t help the already-struggling passing game that QB Brennan Armstrong is in the concussion protocol and is iffy at best to go.

Wake Forest has had a few weeks off after the Notre Dame game was postponed, and it’s very rested, and apparently very salty. So far the team isn’t getting flagged, it’s not turning the ball over, and there haven’t been any problems scoring.

What’s Going To Happen

Virginia has the talent to be a whole lot better than it has been, but it doesn’t have the passing game to exploit Wake Forest’s issues. The Demon Deacons will struggle to get control of the game because they won’t have the ball enough, but they’re not going to make enough mistakes to lose this at home. It’ll come down to the final seconds, and after a shaky start to the season, PK Nick Sciba will come through.

Virginia at Wake Forest Prediction, Line

Wake Forest 37, Virginia 34
Bet on Virginia at Wake Forest with BetMGM
Virginia -2.5, o/u: 61
ATS Confidence out of 5: 1

Must See Rating: 3

5: The Right Stuff (1983 movie version)
1: The Right Stuff (2020 TV version)

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Duke vs NC State Prediction, Game Preview

Duke Blue Devils vs NC State Wolfpack prediction and game preview.

Duke vs NC State prediction and game preview.

Duke vs NC State Broadcast

Date: Saturday, October 17
Game Time: 3:30 ET
Venue: Carter-Finley Stadium, Raleigh, NC
Network: ESPN3

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NC State (3-1) vs Duke (1-4) Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on college football, go to BetMGM

Why Duke Will Win

For the love of Krzyzewski, stop turning the ball over and everything will be fine.

The pass rush has been terrific, the passing game is uneven but it puts up yards, and the scoring is there, but a nation-high 19 turnovers and a -11 turnover margin screw up everything else.

It’s a bit of a reach to suggest that the record would be night-and-day without the mistakes – besides the turnovers, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play? – but Duke would probably be 3-2 right now if it wasn’t so quick to give it up.

Fortunately, NC State doesn’t take away the ball in bunches. If has five takeaways so far, and it generates pressure, but if Duke can just settle down and not force things, it has a shot to pull this off.

Why NC State Will Win

Turnovers.

Yeah, they’re a thing with Duke, and they don’t appear to be stopping. It managed to beat Syracuse last week despite the four give-ups because the Orange offensive line is really, really bad at blocking, but NC State doesn’t need any extra help.

Very, very quietly, the Wolfpack have been good enough. The secondary will give up yards and every game is a fight, but Devin Leary has settled in at quarterback, the rushing attack is good enough, and the team seems to have figured out how to win.

What’s Going To Happen

It took a really, really, really bad game from Syracuse for Duke to win last week. There’s enough talent in place to be better than it has been, but NC State is playing well despite all the flaws.

Best of all, now NC State is back at home after surviving a three-game road trip going 2-1. It’ll be another shootout fr the Wolfpack, and Duke will have its chances, but three turnovers will be the difference.

Duke vs NC State Prediction, Line

NC State 38, Duke 31
Bet on Duke vs NC State with BetMGM
NC State -4.5, o/u: 60
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2.5

Must See Rating: 3

5: The Right Stuff (1983 movie version)
1: The Right Stuff (2020 TV version)

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Notre Dame vs Louisville Prediction, Game Preview

Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs Louisville Cardinals prediction and game preview.

Notre Dame vs Louisville prediction and game preview.

Notre Dame vs Louisville Broadcast

Date: Saturday, October 17
Game Time: 2:30 ET
Venue: Notre Dame Stadium, Notre Dame, IN
Network: NBC

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Notre Dame (3-0) vs Louisville (1-3) Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on college football, go to BetMGM

Why Louisville Will Win

So what’s wrong with Louisville?

There are a few too many breakdowns on special teams and third down defense, the turnovers are flying off the shelves, and the offense hasn’t been able to dominate like it was supposed to.

However, the team does a nice job of controlling the tempo – even if the scores are coming in bunches from the other side – and for all the problems and all of the issues, the upside is there to start doing a whole lot more.

To make this easy, QB Malik Cunningham has to be a whole lot sharper, and the offense has to be explosive. This is still a team capable of putting it all together against a Notre Dame team that’s beaten a fat load of no one so far.

The Irish D is playing well, but it’s not forcing takeaways. Stop with the mistakes, Louisville – – 11 turnovers so far and three in each of the last three games – and this all flips.

Why Notre Dame Will Win

Yeah, Notre Dame hasn’t beaten anyone so far – strange to say with Florida State on the schedule – but it needed the tune-ups.

The defense had to replace a whole slew of key parts, and it’s coming through great. It’s second in the nation in third down stops – teams are converting just 18% of the time – and there hasn’t been any real drama yet because no one is getting anything going on the ground.

And no, the defense isn’t taking the ball away enough, but the offense isn’t putting that D in a bad position with just two turnovers so far. This isn’t a thrill-ride of a team like Alabama or Clemson, but it’s rock-solid.

Louisville isn’t.

What’s Going To Happen

The Irish lines have been great. Louisville has enough punch to come up with a few scores and keep this interesting into the fourth quarter, but the trenches are going to be an issue as Notre Dame keeps this simple and grinds out drives with a decent, relatively conservative balance in a good win.

Notre Dame vs Louisville Prediction, Line

Notre Dame 41, Louisville 24
Bet on Notre Dame vs Louisville with BetMGM
Notre Dame -16.5, o/u: 64
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3

Must See Rating: 3

5: The Right Stuff (1983 movie version)
1: The Right Stuff (2020 TV version)

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Syracuse vs Liberty Prediction, Game Preview

Syracuse Orange vs Liberty Flames prediction and game preview.

Syracuse vs Liberty prediction and game preview.

Syracuse vs Liberty Broadcast

Date: Saturday, October 17
Game Time: 12:00 ET
Venue: Carrier Dome, Syracuse, NY
Network: ESPN3

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Syracuse (1-3) vs Liberty (4-0) Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on college football, go to BetMGM

Why Liberty Will Win

Syracuse is a mess.

The offensive line was having a nightmare of a time keeping anyone out of the backfield, and now starting QB Tommy DeVito is out for the year with a leg injury. Combine that with the loss of all-everything safety Andre Cisco and there’s a whole lot things that have to be put together on the fly.

Meanwhile, the Liberty running game keeps rolling along with former Auburn QB Malik Willis tearing off yards in chunks for a ground game that hasn’t have any problems so far.

The D hasn’t dealt with anyone with a real offense, but it’s only allowing 260 yards per game. Syracuse only got to the 300-yard mark once – the win over Georgia Tech – with no running game whatsoever to rely on.

Why Syracuse Will Win

Is this Rex Culpepper’s time to step in and shine? There are still problems on the offensive line and the ground attack is still an issue, but Culpepper has the arm to push a Liberty secondary that has yet to deal with any semblance of a passing game.

What’s Syracuse doing well? It’s taking the ball away in bunches with 14 takeaways in the four games. It hasn’t always means success, but the team can hit and it’s forcing a ton of mistakes.

Liberty doesn’t have enough of a steady passing game to worry about. Slow down the run, and slow down Liberty.