Virginia Tech at North Carolina

North Carolina has won five in a row dating to last season while averaging 41.8 points, and it comes off a tougher than expected 26-22 win over Boston College as a 14.5-point favorite. The Tarheels look to avenge a 43-41 loss to the Hokies last year in a game that went six overtimes. Virginia Tech features a strong running game that is led by Khalil Herbert, who ran for 212 yards against Duke, and he's averaging 156 yards per game this year. However, North Carolina leads the country in run defense, allowing just 54 yards per game. Also, the Tarheels are #9 in total yards allowed, although they have played only two games. North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell completed 14 of 26 for 225 yards and two touchdowns against Boston College, but the biggest play occurred in the final seconds when Trey Morrison picked off a pass on a 2-point conversion attempt and ran it back for two points for the Tarheels. It was the first game in three weeks for the Tarheels, which explains the nine penalties plus a missed field goal and some mental errors. They'll be better prepared this week, and Virginia Tech is dealing with multiple players who were likely exposed to COVID. The Hokies were missing 21 players last week against Duke. The Tarheels are a small favorite in this matchup. Go with North Carolina on the moneyline.