No. 13 Virginia Tech 16 1/2 Point Favorites Over North Carolina

NFL News - October 28th, 2009 - Written by Scott

An important ACC matchup is set to take place on Thursday night as No. 13 Virginia Tech host North Carolina. Both teams are coming off losses and Virginia Tech will need a win just to stay in the hunt for an ACC title shot. The Hokies (5-2, 3-1) are one of four teams with just one loss in the Coastal Division and will need to win out and need Georgia Tech to get a loss to make it to the championship game. They lost their first ACC game of the year against the Yellow Jackets last week 29-23. The Tar Heels (4-3, 0-3) gave up an 18 point lead to Florida State and lost 30-27. The Hokies had to come from behind to win their matchup last year 20-17 against North Carolina.

The North Carolina offense has struggled all season. They are only averaging 289 yards per game which ranks 114th nationally. The offensive issues have started at the quarterback position. T.J. Yates has passed for 1,028 yards and 7 touchdowns, but has 8 interceptions this year. The Tar Heels finally got their running game going last week and racked up 238 yards on the ground. They are led by Shaun Draughn and Ryan Houston who have combined for 702 yards and 8 touchdowns. At receiver, Erik Highsmith and Greg Little have combined for 585 yards and 3 touchdowns.

The Tar Heel's defense is ranked 7th in the nation, but will need to improve after their effort last week against the Seminoles. They allowed 395 yards through the air and will be tested again this week by the Hokies.

Virginia Tech is led on offense by versatile quarterback Tyrod Taylor. Taylor has the ability to pose problems on the ground, as well as through the air. He has thrown for 1,154 yards and 9 touchdowns, while rushing for 158 yards and 1 touchdown. Their running attack has been strong and is led by one of the conferences' best backs in Ryan Williams. Williams has rushed for 834 yards and 10 touchdowns. They are led at receiver by Jarret Boykin and Danny Coale who have combined for 683 yards and 5 touchdowns.

The Hokie defense had been playing well in their past three games up until the third quarter of their game with Georgia Tech. Their running defense fell apart and they will need to stop the Tar Heels rushing attack to force them to go to the air.

Online Sportsbooks are a great place to find College Football Betting Lines. Virginia Tech will be favored by 16 1/2 at home against North Carolina according to Betus Sportsbook.

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