It’s already week 4 and we have one inter-conference matchup in the ACC with Georgia Tech and Duke looking to rebound from disappointing losses last week.
Both teams were unchallenged in the first two weeks, only to produce lackluster efforts in week three against Notre Dame and Northwestern.
The conference also will feature some other semi-intriguing games, with the matchups of Boise State at Virginia, Indiana at Wake Forest and Virginia Tech traveling to East Carolina.
Here are the two games we’ll have an eye on during Saturday’s action.
Georgia Tech (-9) at Duke
Georgia Tech and Duke were mostly absent from week 3. The Yellow Jackets’ offense was non-existent against the Fighting Irish. Notre Dame’s front seven stuffed Georgia Tech’s rushing attack, forcing the Yellow Jackets to pass, which is a bad sign for any bettors backing Georgia Tech.
The Blue Devils were equally as unimpressive on offense against Northwestern.
The good sign for both offenses is that neither offense will face a defense as talented as last week.
In that case, we like Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jackets won’t face many defenses like Notre Dame. And this week, the Blue Devils will offer far less resistance. Duke’s defensive line is undersized, which is a bad way to enter a game with Georgia Tech.
Since 2004, Georgia Tech has lost to Duke once. The Blue Devils did defeat the Yellow Jackets last year, but this isn’t the same Blue Devils team. The Blue Devils won’t be able to keep up with the Yellow Jackets. — Go chalk with Georgia Tech
Indiana (-3.5) at Wake Forest
Wake Forest snapped a road losing streak last week that extended to 2013. It wasn’t a signature win, 17-14 at Army, but it’s a step in the right direction for a football program that’s been in shambles for the past few years.
And the Hoosiers are 3-0 for the first time since 2010. So, this may not be on the radar for many college football fans, but the winner of this game may make a bowl, which would be big achievements for these programs.
The Demon Deacons should be concerned about their quarterback position, with an injury to the starter last week, and with a freshman possibly taking the reins again this week.
What we’re liking about Wake Forest is the defense is playing at a high level. The team is ranked 14th overall in total defense, and is 10th against passing. And we should be high on Indiana, but it’s been playing with fire so far this year. The Hoosiers beat Western Kentucky by a field goal last week, and won by one point against Southern Illinois in week 1.
And Indiana is doing it with the help of turnovers. Indiana is plus-five in turnover margin. Coaches love talking about turnovers. But don’t be fooled by teams in the positive with turnovers. Turnovers even out over time and without turnovers, we’re not sure if the Hoosiers can keep up on defense. Take the more than three points and the home-field advantage. — Go against the chalk with Wake Forest
Other ACC games with a spread
Odds provided by Oddsshark
Boise State (-3) at Virginia
LSU (-25) at Syracuse
Northern Illinois at Boston College (-4.5)
Virginia Tech (-8.5) at East Carolina
North Carolina State (-17) at South Alabama
