BEST BETS: WEEK 9

Finnelytics
Oct 21, 2021
4 min read

YTD: 14-14 (50%)

ALL-TIME 65-44 (60%)

2020 29-22 (57%)

2019 22-8 (73%)

NC STATE (-3.5) @ MIAMI

SATURDAY 7:30 EST | ESPN2

NC State continues to look like one of the best teams in the ACC, if not the best. The Wolfpack has a very balanced offense led by QB Devin Leary and the duo at RB, Bam Knight, and Ricky Person. Ideally, NCST does like to lean on the run game and that could set up well in this matchup. Miami is coming off of really 3 straight poor performances against the run if you skip Central Connecticut State. In games against Michigan State, Virginia, and UNC the Hurricanes gave up at least 180 yards at a clip no better than 4.7 YPC resulting in all 3 Rushing GameScores for those games to be under 60. At 2-4 on the season and already down their star QB, D'Eriq King, the question starts to become are the Canes into it. Multiple transfer portal entries over the last couple of weeks suggest the season may be over already for the Canes.

Defensively NC State has been a very solid unit. Coming into this week ranked 12th in the FBS in Defensive GameScore per Finnelytics, the Wolfpack are solid both on the ground and through the air. Obviously, Miami will be without D'Eriq King and will now also be without starting RB Cam'Ron Harris who is also out for the year with an injury. Jaylan Knighton will step in there and a large dropoff is not really expected at all. Even though Miami put up 42 last week against UNC, overall the numbers did not impress in terms of what UNC gives up on average. In fact, Miami's last two games against UNC and Virginia, both of who have struggled tremendously on defense this season, have not been impressive at all.

SYRACUSE (+3.5) @ VIRGINIA TECH

SATURDAY 12:30 EST | CHSS

Syracuse is coming off of 3 straight losses by just a field goal, in fact, their 4 losses this year are by a combined 19 points and have all been within a touchdown. The rushing offense led by Sean Tucker has been phenomenal. Outside of a clunker of a game against Rutgers the Orange have posted a Rushing GameScore above 90 in each game including 5 perfect 99's which ranks them 4th in the FBS in Rush GameScores. Syracuse's run-heavy approach matches up great against this Virginia Tech defense. The Hokies have had a rough year stopping the run, especially in their last 4 games. VTech does have a pretty solid pass defense, however, ideally, that does not even come into play.

Offensively, Virginia Tech has had a pretty terrible year. It appears the Hokies are having a tough time replacing Christian Darrisaw and Khalil Herbert in the run game. A lacking run game combined with Braxton Burmeister not lighting things up at quarterback lands them at 108th in the FBS in Offensive GameScore.

VIRGINIA (-6.5) vs GEORGIA TECH

SATURDAY 7:30 EST | ACCN

A potential shootout on the horizon down in Virginia. The Cavs passing attack continues to be one of the most prolific in the nation led by Brennan Armstrong who still leads the nation in passing yards. Georgia Tech has had two straight rough games defending the pass against Pitt and Duke. Granted, they are coming off a bye giving them time to potentially figure things out a bit. Ideally, the offense will not be an issue for Virginia.

Unfortunately, the Virginia defense has struggled to stop anyone this year. Luckily, the sophomore combo of Jeff Sims and Jahmyr Gibbs has not taken a step forward as many thought they would this year.

OHIO STATE (-20.5) @ INDIANA

SATURDAY 7:30 EST | ABC

The Hoosiers offense continues to struggle without any consistent play at quarterback whether it is Michael Penix or Jack Tuttle. Who will be at QB for Indiana this week is still unannounced. Solid play may be a must for Indiana to have any chance at keeping up with what may be the most prolific offense in the nation this year. The emergence of freshman Treveyon Henderson at running back has added that extra dimension to worry about and since then the offense has absolutely taken off. A potential look-ahead spot with Penn State coming in next week, however, Ohio State should know that they can not afford that with a loss already on the schedule.