The ACC’s third-leading passer, Matt Johns (1,432 yards, 11 TDs), will be on display when the Virginia Cavaliers play the North Carolina Tar Heels. North Carolina (5-1) goes into this game looking to keep up the momentum, while Virginia (2-4) would like to get things going with a win. The game starts at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Oct 24 and will air on ESP3 and CHSS.
North Carolina routed Wake Forest 50-14 last week. Mack Hollins had an outstanding performance in the win, registering three receptions for 103 yards and three TDs. Elijah Hood had a big game as well, totaling 101 rushing yards and a TD on eight attempts. Virginia managed to get the win as well, beating Syracuse 44-38. Canaan Severin had a solid game for the Cavaliers, totaling four receptions for 70 yards and one TD. Matt Johns also had a big day, contributing 234 yards and two TDs through the air.
The odds are even for this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is presently unavailable.
The Tar Heels enter the game with records of 5-1 Straight Up (SU) and 4-2 Against The Spread (ATS) this season. The North Carolina run game is productive, currently ranking 20th in the nation with 218.5 rushing yards per game. Turning to the Tar Heels defense, a few key spots could be deciding factors this week. The Cavaliers could have a difficult time throwing the ball against the third-best pass defense in the nation. The Tar Heels give up 135.5 yards per game through the air. North Carolina usually finishes games strong, averaging 10.5 points in the fourth quarter.
Across the field, the Cavaliers have a record of 2-4 for both ATS and SU. Lately, the Cavaliers have had a better pass defense. They’re allowing only 232.6 passing YPG over their last five matchups.
Predictions: SU Winner – North Carolina, ATS Winner – North Carolina
Notes
North Carolina is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of North Carolina’s last 9 games.
North Carolina is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home.
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of North Carolina’s last 6 games at home.
North Carolina is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Virginia.
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of North Carolina’s last 10 games when playing Virginia.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of North Carolina’s last 6 games when playing at home against Virginia.
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Virginia’s last 10 games when playing North Carolina.
Virginia is 1-1 SU when leading at the half this season. North Carolina is 4-1 SU when taking a lead into halftime.
Based on overall FBS ratings, North Carolina holds the upper hand in the passing game. Its passing attack (ranked 34th in the nation) will face the 97th-ranked pass defense of Virginia, while its third-ranked pass defense will look to limit the 52nd-ranked passing game of the Cavaliers.
