The ACC’s third-leading receiver, Isaiah Ford (661 yards, 8 TDs), and the Virginia Tech Hokies play third-leading rusher, Elijah Hood (945 yards, 12 TDs), and the No. 12 North Carolina Tar Heels. The Hokies have gone 5-5 thus far, while the Tar Heels are 9-1. The game will begin Saturday, Nov 21 at 12:00 p.m. ET.
In last week’s matchup, Virginia Tech just barely got past Georgia Tech 23-21. Cam Phillips had a solid performance in the win, registering six catches for 95 yards. North Carolina managed to get the win as well, winning easily over Miami (FL) 59-21. Elijah Hood had an outstanding performance on the ground for the Tar Heels, carrying 17 times for 132 yards and one TD.
North Carolina is a seven-point favorite in this game against the Hokies.
Heading into Week 12 of the college football season, the Hokies are 5-5 for both Straight Up (SU) and Against The Spread (ATS). In their five most recent matchups, the Hokies went 3-2 for both SU and ATS. During their last five games, the Hokies have improved their pass coverage, giving up an average of 183.8 passing yards. Based on North Carolina’s average time of possession of 26:55 per game which ranks 121st in the nation, look for the Hokies to control the clock.
As for their opponent, the Tar Heels head into Week 12 with records of 7-3 ATS and 9-1 SU. In the previous five games, North Carolina has a record of 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS. If earlier games are any indication, the Tar Heels will run the ball aggressively. They average 214.6 rushing yards per game, good enough for 25th in Division I. Switching gears to the North Carolina defense, there are certain areas where it measures up well against the Hokies. Opponents have had fits with North Carolina’s 11th-ranked pass defense, which gives up just 175.5 passing yards per game. The Hokies will need to secure the ball against the turnover-minded Tar Heels. The defense ranks 17th in the country in turnovers with two per game. The Hokies defense seems to take a wrong turn out of the gate. The Tar Heels can take an early advantage against Virginia Tech and its average of 8.6 first-quarter points allowed. Don’t be surprised to hear lots of calls against the Hokies when they take the field. Virginia Tech is among the most penalized teams in the country, receiving an average of 8.2 penalties per game.
Predictions: SU Winner – North Carolina, ATS Winner – North Carolina
Notes
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Virginia Tech’s last 6 games.
Virginia Tech is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games at home.
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Virginia Tech’s last 7 games at home.
Virginia Tech is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games when playing North Carolina.
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Virginia Tech’s last 8 games when playing North Carolina.
Virginia Tech is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against North Carolina.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Virginia Tech’s last 5 games when playing at home against North Carolina.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of North Carolina’s last 5 games when playing on the road against Virginia Tech.
North Carolina is 8-1 SU when leading at the start of the 4th quarter this season. Virginia Tech is 4-0 SU when carrying a lead into the fourth quarter.
The Virginia Tech defense has forced an average of 2.0 turnovers per game this season, but North Carolina is 2-1 SU when turning the ball over at least 2.0 times in a game.
The Virginia Tech rushing attack is ranked 80th in the country, while the North Carolina run defense is only ranked 110th. The Tar Heels running game is ranked 25th, compared to the 64th-ranked rush defense of the Hokies.
