Virginia Tech vs North Carolina Prediction, Preview, Stream, Odds & Picks
North Carolina starts its ACC play at home against Virginia Tech. Both schools are coming off a loss.
The Tar Heels (3-1) only were able to finish with a respectable scoreline of 45-32 against Notre Dame, because of two touchdowns in the fourth quarter. The Hokies (2-2, 0-1) lost to West Virginia, 33-10, as the offense struggled, specifically in the run game.
Let’s check the latest NCAAF odds, stats, injury reports, and NCAAF lines for Virginia Tech vs North Carolina. We’ve plenty of Vegas NCAAF odds for you to consider.
Virginia Tech is Struggling
The new season got off to a rocky start, as Virginia Tech lost to Old Dominion on a touchdown at the end of the game, after starting as six-point favorites. The Hokies then beat Boston College and Wofford.
Transfer quarterback Grant Wells threw four interceptions in the Week 1 loss, and against West Virginia threw his fifth of the year that was returned for a touchdown, sealing the loss. He played much better in the two wins, but against lesser opponents.
The running game has struggled to help Wells, being held to just 35 yards in the last game. Jalen Holston leads the team in carries, 45, but averages 3.2 yards per carry. Keshawn King could take over as the lead back, leading the team in rushing yards, 179, despite 16 fewer carries.
On defense, the Hokies have at least held their own, averaging 256 total yards per game and 86 on the ground. However, those numbers are skewed by facing weaker teams and allowing four rushing yards against Boston College.
North Carolina Play Through Maye
So far, North Carolina has found itself often in close games. The main reason for this has been the combination of a potent offense led by its quarterback and a defense that can’t get off the field.
The Tar Heels’ redshirt freshman quarterback Drake Maye has put up great numbers through the season’s first four games. He has already thrown for 16 touchdowns with 1,231 yards and just one interception. In the loss against Notre Dame, he played his best game of the season, passing for 301 yards on 32 attempts and five touchdowns. Two of his touchdowns were in the fourth quarter after the game had already been decided.
The defense has struggled, at one point giving up 40 points against Appalachian State in the fourth quarter alone. On average, it allows 39.5 points and 495.3 yards per game. With just conference play ahead, the defense is going to need to figure something out.
Virginia Tech vs North Carolina Injury Report
Virginia Tech has four names on the injury report, two out for the season. Running back Malachi Thomas and offensive lineman Johnny Garrett are listed as questionable. North Carolina has three players, all not available. Two are out for the season while defensive back Ja’Qurious Conley is out till mid-October.
Virginia Tech vs North Carolina Head-to-Head
The first meeting between these schools goes all the way back to 1895. They have played 43 times. Since 2004, they have met annually due to being in the ACC. Virginia Tech has won 14 times, including last year, while North Carolina’s last win was in 2020 by 56-45.
Virginia Tech vs North Carolina Game Information
- Date: Saturday, October 1
- Time: 3:30 pm
- Location: Kenan Stadium, Chapel Hill, NC
- Virginia Tech vs North Carolina Live Stream: ESPN
Virginia Tech vs North Carolina Betting Lines
Virginia Tech vs North Carolina Prediction
North Carolina has remained a steady favorite, rising from 8½ points since the line opened up to nine. The Tar Heels’ offense and being at home are the two biggest reasons why they are favored, but the defense does open the door to a possible cover.
Sadly, this Virginia Tech offense does not inspire enough faith in a back-door cover. The defense could do enough, but it feasted on a weak schedule and the one formidable opponent they had went for over 400 yards.
