College Football Betting – Atlantic Coast Conference
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In NCAA football betting this season, most conferences have clear-cut favorites to win, but the Atlantic Coast Conference may be an exception. It boasts some great teams, maybe even some BCS championship contenders, but it’s anyone’s guess who wins out in the end.
Leading the way at +250 is Virginia Tech. The Hokies are known for their stifling defense and, while they lost some key personnel in the offseason, it should be solid again.The secondary in particular should dominate, as its unofficial leader, cornerback Stephan Virgil, had six interceptions last season and should build on that performance.
If VT wants to seriously contend for a national title, however, its offense needs to improve. Virtually all the key starters return, but they have to be better. Running back Darren Evans isn’t really the problem, as he topped 1,200 yards last season, but quarterback Tyrod Thomas must improve. He’s a good athlete but he has to work on his consistency.
Also listed at +250 to win the ACC is Florida State. They were a solid 9-4 last season and a repeat performance seems about right. On one hand, the always-strong defense, which ranked 15thin the nation last season, should regress after the Seminoles lost a handful of key contributors. However, it’s possible Florida State’s offense will improve. Christian Ponder was hardly a star at quarterback last year, throwing more INTs than touchdown passes, but he has a year of experience under his belt and should be capable. Newly anointed starting running back Jermaine Thomas is a home-run threat and could put points on the scoreboard in a hurry for FSU.
Clemson is close behind at +350, but I see more downside than upside with this group. The O-line really struggled last year, ranking 103rd in the country in sacks allowed, and that could be problematic since the Tigers are relying on newcomers at their skill positions. Bullish runner James Davis if off to the NFL, so C.J. Spiller takes over. Willy Korn should start at quarterback but it’s not guaranteed. Clemson is strong defensively, especially in the secondary, but the front seven struggle to pressure the quarterback. Too much has to go right for the Tigers to win this division.
The storied Miami Hurricanes are next at +500 and they make for an interesting boom/bust pick. Their obstacle isn’t a lack of talent – just a lack of experience. Jacory Harris gets a full season now as a starting quarterback in a pro-style offense and he was efficient in 2008, completing over 60 per cent of his passes when he did play. He’ll need his toolsy but young group of wide receivers to step up if the Hurricanes’ passing game wants to make any strides. Ideally, it will grow and take pressure off runner Craig Cooper.
The defense returns eight starters and should improve, which is great for ‘Canes fans considering the pass “D” was already great last season. If the youngsters step up, Miami could surprise. Realistically, 2010 is their year.
Rounding out the top five ACC football betting favorites is North Carolina at +600. While it feels strange to associate UNC with anything besides hoops betting, it may be time to give the Tar Heels respect in gridiron circles. At first glance, the offense should regress after losing great wideouts like new NFLer Hakeem Nicks, but the recruiting class is supposedly solid, so T.J. Yates may have some good players to throw to after all.
Make no mistake; this is a competitive team with an improving defense that could reach another bowl game, but the Tar Heels aren’t a true contender to win the ACC. It’s good betting management to look elsewhere.
NCAA football prediction: Virginia Tech Hokies
One reply on “NCAA Football Gambling Predictions: ACC”
In the ACC I’m going with the Hokies from Virginia Tech to win it all this season. Florida State may have something to say about that, but I think Tech is still the best all around team in the conference.