(22) North Carolina 2 1/2 Point Underdogs Against Georgia Tech

Sports Betting News - September 24th, 2009 - Written by Scott

Georgia Tech will look to rebound after last week's embarrassing loss to Miami and will face the 22nd ranked North Carolina Tar Heels in a great ACC matchup on Saturday.  The Yellow Jackets' option offense was completely stopped last week by the Hurricanes and they now will face a very tough Tar Heel defense.  The Yellow Jackets managed only 95 yards rushing against the Hurricanes.  Georgia Tech's offense was held to just seven points in last year's loss to North Carolina.  North Carolina is 3-0 for the first time since 1997 and is coming off a 31-17 win over East Carolina. 

Questions surrounding North Carolina's young offense and it's wide receivers seemed to be answered last week.  True freshmen Erik Highsmith, Jehranie Boyd, and Joshua Adams all stepped up last week with big plays against East Carolina.  TJ Yates is having a solid year at quarterback and has passed for 574 yards and 5 touchdowns.  Shaun Draughn is leading their rushing attack with 223 yards, but has yet to find the end zone.  The Tar Heel defense, which returned nine starters from last year, is where they have been just over whelming opposing offenses.  They are ranked six nationally in total defense and are only giving up 11 points per game.  Also, they are only allowing an impressive 52.3 yards per game rushing and this will be beneficial when facing Georgia Tech, as the Yellow Jackets bring in a powerful option running game.

Georgia Tech simply could not move the ball in their loss to Miami and losing running back Jonathan Dwyer to a shoulder injury during the game did not help.  He should be back this Saturday and they will need to rebound from this performance if they are to have any success against North Carolina.    They are rushing for 243 yards a game and must be successful in this facet because their passing attack has been virtually non existent.  They are only passing for 137 yards per game.  The defense looks to rebound as well.  Against Miami, they gave up 454 yards and 5 plays over 20 yards.  North Carolina's offense does not appear to be as explosive as the Hurricanes, but they are averaging 27 points per game. 

Georgia Tech is favored at home by 2 1/2 against North Carolina according to BetUS sportsbook.  If Georgia Tech can establish their running game against a tough Tar Heel defense, it could be a long game for North Carolina.  A loss by Georgia Tech would give them their second conference loss and possibly eliminate them from representing the Coastal Division in the ACC Championship game. 

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