Virginia Cavaliers (1-5) vs. North Carolina Tar Heels (6-0)
Virginia Cavaliers vs. North Carolina Tar Heels 10/21/23 – As we head into Week 8 of the NCAAF season, the struggling Virginia Cavaliers prepare to face the undefeated North Carolina Tar Heels on their turf. This meeting is shaping up to be an intriguing contest that has caught the attention of many, thanks to the contrasting fortunes of the two teams. With our free NCAAF advice daily, let’s delve deep into what to expect in this game.
Virginia’s season hasn’t been one for the books, with a dismal 1-5 standing. However, their offensive trio, particularly RB Perris Jones and WR Malik Washington, has shown sparks of brilliance. Jones, with 235 rushing yards and two touchdowns, brings a ground threat, while Washington’s 668 receiving yards and five touchdowns make him a primary target in the passing game.
North Carolina, on the other hand, has had a dream run. With an unblemished 6-0 record, their offense, led by RB Omarion Hampton and WR Nate McCollum, has been nothing short of explosive. Hampton has thundered down the field with 658 rushing yards and an impressive 8 touchdowns, while McCollum has been a reliable wideout, boasting 374 receiving yards and a touchdown.
Virginia Cavaliers vs. North Carolina Tar Heels 10/21/23 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 6:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Kenan Memorial Stadium |
| TV: | CW |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Anthony Colandrea QB vs. Drake Maye QB
Anthony Colandrea of the Cavaliers has had a mixed season, punctuated by moments of brilliance interspersed with patches of inconsistency. He’s managed to rack up 923 passing yards and a commendable 61.8% completion rate. This showcases his innate ability to find open targets and launch the ball down the field, as evidenced by his 75-yard longest pass. However, Colandrea’s tendency to buckle under pressure has been his Achilles heel. Those 6 interceptions, when compared to his 5 touchdowns, point to a potential vulnerability, especially when faced with an aggressive defense. Going up against the Tar Heels, he will need to summon his best, making swift decisions and minimizing turnovers to give the Cavaliers a fighting chance.
On the flip side, Drake Maye has been the shining beacon for the Tar Heels. His performance throughout the season has been nothing short of spectacular, throwing for a whopping 1902 passing yards with a completion rate that nudges close to 70%. His touchdown to interception ratio at 12:4 paints a picture of a quarterback with not just precision but also astuteness, making the right calls even under duress. Furthermore, the 16 sacks he’s taken, while significant, also illustrate his willingness to hold onto the ball for that split second longer, searching for the best possible play. Against the Cavaliers, Maye’s experience and form suggest he might dictate the pace and tone of the game, further cementing his position as one of this season’s standout quarterbacks.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: North Carolina Tar Heels -2000, Total Odds: 57
Given the Tar Heels’ dominating performance and the Cavaliers’ struggles, it’s no surprise that the odds heavily favor North Carolina. However, with a spread of 23.5, the game may offer bettors an opportunity to look for potential value in backing Virginia to cover, especially given their past ATS trends.
Virginia Cavaliers Betting Trends
Virginia, despite their poor SU record, has been decent against the spread. They’ve covered in 4 of their last 5 games, suggesting they often outperform betting expectations. Their ATS record against North Carolina is even more promising at 5-1. While their road struggles, being 1-7 SU, are concerning, the large spread may provide them a cushion to cover.
North Carolina Tar Heels Betting Trends
North Carolina’s trends underscore their dominating season. With a 6-0 SU in their last 6 games, they’ve been an unstoppable force. They have also been strong ATS, covering in 6 of their last 7. The total going OVER in 4 of their last 5 games against Virginia indicates a potential high-scoring affair.
Virginia Cavaliers vs. North Carolina Tar Heels 10/21/23 Betting Picks
Given the contrasting trajectories of the two teams, North Carolina appears the clear favorite. However, given Virginia’s resilience against the spread, particularly against North Carolina, they might just cover.
For those looking for a bit more risk, considering the over might be a good bet given the Tar Heels’ high-scoring games against the Cavaliers. As always, for exclusive premium insights, keeping a tab on in-game situations and updates can provide more refined betting opportunities.
Free Pick and Prediction: North Carolina Tar Heels 42, Virginia Cavaliers 20.