Clemson Tigers at North Carolina Tarheels, Kenan Stadium, Chapel Hill, NC
Saturday, October 9, 2010, 3:30 pm Eastern: TV: ABC, ESPN or Gameplan (check local listings)
Opening Line: North Carolina -1
Current Line: North Carolina -2
Opening Total: 51
Current Total: 52 1/2
Money Line: UNC -140 / Clemson +120
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These two teams were supposed to compete for the conference title in the wide open ACC this year, but both Clemson and North Carolina have gotten off to disappointing 2-2 starts. Clemson has lost back to back games to Miami-Florida and Auburn. North Carolina has been decimated by suspensions this season but has won two games in a row against Rutgers and East Carolina. The Tigers have done well as road underdogs recently going 9-1 ATS. In fact the tigers do well as an underdog in general going 19-7 ATS in their last 26 games. Meanwhile North Carolina is only 9-21 as a home favorite ATS, but are 7-3 ATS in all games. These two teams have both played over the total in conference games recently. Clemson has gone over in their last 6 conference games while UNC has gone over in their last 4 conference games. With this game lined around 2.5/3 make sure you are getting the best price on this game and you can do so by comparing odds on our college football lines page.
Clemson coach Dabo Sweeney has said he isn’t worried about his team’s slow start. Last year they had a similar start and still recovered to win their division and play in the ACC Championship game. The losses are to highly ranked Miami and Auburn, and Clemson had chances to win both games. The defense is a problem, as they are giving up almost 400 yards a game. The Tigers have forced 9 turnovers and 12 sacks. They are especially vulnerable against the run giving up almost 181 yards a game. The offense has battled some injuries, but is still putting up almost 400 yards a game. The Tigers have a balanced attack led by quarterback Kyle Parker and running back Andre Ellington. Parker has thrown for 652 yards, 6 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. Ellington has 54 carries for 380 yards and 7 touchdowns. Dwayne Allen has 11 catches for 180 yards and a touchdown. Running back Jamie Harper has three touchdown catches and could be a dangerous weapon if North Carolina doesn’t contain him.
North Carolina has had multiple players suspended for violating NCAA rules in every game this season, mostly on defense. The Tarheels are only giving up 338 yards a game and 23 points a game. The problem for the Tarheels has been an inability to protect the quarterback and to hold on to the ball. They have allowed 9 sacks and fumbled 7 times already. Quarterback T.J. Yates has done what he can, throwing for over 250 yards a game with 7 touchdowns and only 1 interception. Yates has taken every snap at QB this year. The rushing game is led by Johnny White (51 carries, 318 yards, 2 touchdowns) and Shaun Draughn (41 carries, 214 yards, and 3 touchdowns.) Yates spreads the ball around but tight end Zach Pianalto has 26 catches.
These two teams are both 2-2 but are much more talented than the records will show. When healthy, they can compete with any team in the country. Carolina coach Butch Davis has said Clemson is the most complete and dangerous team the Tarheels have faced, and they opened the season against LSU. It should be a great game between 2 conference rivals.
Maddux Sports is releasing our 20 unit Big 10 Game of the Year on Saturday. This should be another easy winner and I wouldn’t want to be in your shoes on Saturday without this game on your betting card. Get it now on our college football predictions page of the site.
