Virginia (1-0) at Indiana (0-1) Gambling Preview + Predictions
Mike London is in his second year as coach of the Virginia Cavaliers. Kevin Wilson is in his first year at Indiana University.
Both of these coaches are looking to turnaround programs that have been down for quite some time now.
Virginia vs. Indiana
Memorial Stadium
Saturday September 10, 7:00 PM EST
NCAA Football Odds from BetOnline
Moneyline: Off
College Football Spread: Virginia -6.5 (-115) Indiana +6.5 (-105)
Over/Under: 54.5
Virginia vs Indiana ATS Gambling Stats –>
Virginia started the season off with a blowout win over William & Mary last week, but Indiana lost at Lucas Oil Stadium to Ball State. Can Wilson and the Hoosiers win their home opener or will Virginia spoil the party?
Virginia’s offense revolves around their running game. Last weekend against William & Mary the Cavs rushed for 240 yards, and I expect them to continue running the ball early and often in this one. It was freshman running back Kevin Parks who ran for 114 yards and three touchdowns in the season opener. Michael Rocco is a first-year starter at the quarterback position, but I think he’ll be an upgrade for the Cavaliers. This is an offense that throws a lot of short passing routes, but they’ll need the occasional deep ball to keep the opposition honest. The Virginia defense was a real weakness last season. Virginia allowed a little more than 28 points per game last season. Ten starters from last year’s defense return, which should mean this unit will improve this season. The secondary is the strength of the defense, and the Cavaliers have impressive depth at the cornerback spot.
The Indiana Hoosiers had to be disappointed to get beaten by an intrastate MAC school on opening weekend in Indianapolis. Indiana jumped out to an early lead, but the Hoosiers fell apart in the second half. It was the team’s inability on offense to run the ball that really hurt them. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
On defense, it was their inability to stop the run that hurt them against Ball State. Darius Willis is a talented running back for the Hoosiers, but he missed the season opener with an ankle injury. He is listed as questionable for this contest. Edward Wright-Baker did a terrific job in his first game under center for the Hoosiers. Wright-Baker threw for 272 yards and no interceptions on 32 passing attempts. Demarlo Belcher and Kofi Hughes give the Hoosiers two very talented wide receivers to throw the ball to on a weekly basis. Last year it was the Indiana defense that held them back, and I think it will be the same story this season. The defensive front simply gets dominated on the line, and the linebackers aren’t particularly good against the run either. Don’t be surprised if Indiana’s defense gives up a lot of points this year.
The Cavaliers have a strong secondary, and that should really help them in a matchup with Indiana. The Hoosiers haven’t shown the ability to run the ball well enough to win. In addition, Virginia is committed to running the ball, and Indiana generally can’t stop the run. I like Virginia to cover in this one.
NCAA Gambling Trends:
OREST are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 road games.
OREST are 9-3 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
Over is 7-0-1 in WISC last 8 games on fieldturf.
WISC are 7-0-1 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
Over is 8-2-1 in WISC last 11 games overall.
Free College Football Pick: Virginia -6.5
Score Prediction: Virginia 31 Indiana 21
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