Can North Carolina State get back in the win column after losing to archrival North Carolina two weeks ago or will it be the Miami Hurricanes earning their third straight victory on Friday night? That question will be answered in this ACC showdown. Miami is coming off a narrow victory over Virginia, 19-14, while the Wolfpack lost to No. 14 North Carolina, 48-21.
The last time these two teams met was in November 2016 when the Hurricanes were victorious, 27-13. Miami enters as a 10-point favorite.
Line Movements:
The line has moved toward the visitors in this one, furthering their favorite status as the week has gone on. Miami (FL) opened as an 8.5-point favorite when the lines came out and, as of Friday, is favored by 10 or 10.5 points depending on what sportsbook you’re looking at. 58 percent of the bets ATS are backing the Hurricanes and giving the points as the road team in this contest.
The total for this contest has stayed flat this week. After opening at 58.5 points, the total remains at that 58.5 point mark at most sportsbooks, though you might find it at 58 somewhere. A solid 62 percent of the bets on the total are expecting this contest to climb over the mark.
Game-time Weather: Temperature at kickoff is expected to be in the mid-60s for this contest under skies with intermittent clouds. The temperature will drop to right around 60 as the game continues but there is no precipitation in the forecast for the evening. Winds are from the east-northeast around five miles an hour with the gusts ending up topping out not much higher than that, around the six mile per hour mark.
Hurricanes Hang on to Down Virginia
D’Eriq King threw for 322 yards and a touchdown as the Miami Hurricanes won their second game in a row, defeating Virginia, 19-14 on Oct. 24. King’s favorite target was Michael Harley, who had 10 receptions for 170 yards and a score.The Cavaliers were able to move the ball on the ground, recording 185 yards rushing, but the Miami defense did an exceptional job of shutting down Virginia quarterback Brennan Armstrong, allowing just 181 yards through the air. The defense sacked Armstrong one time, giving them 17 this year. They also have four interceptions and five fumble recoveries.
King had his best game of the season, and now has 1401 yards passing and 11 touchdowns. The one major concern was that he was sacked five times, giving him 15 this season. King also leads the team with 301 yards rushing. He is getting no support from the ground game, as Donald Chaney, Jr. is second on the team in rushing with 166 yards.
Injury Report:
OUT: OL Navaughn Donaldson, OL Kai-Leon Herbert, OL Zalon’Tae Hillery, QB Tate Martell, S Avantae Williams
Questionable: OL Issiah Walker Jr.
Tar Heels Roll over Wolfpack
North Carolina broke open a 14-7 score with 24 unanswered points on their way to a 48-21 victory over archrival North Carolina State. The Wolfpack were dominated on the ground, as the Tar Heels rushed for 326 yards to just 34 for NC State.
Bailey Hockman and Ben Finley split time at the quarterback position, combining for 358 yards and two touchdown passes. Hockman has taken over the starting quarterback position after starter Devin Leary suffered a broken leg and is out for the season. However, freshman Finley will likely see action in this game.
Whoever is under center, they are going to need the help of running back Ricky Person, Jr., who carried the ball just four times against North Carolina before suffering a concussion and leaving the game. He is listed as questionable for this contest, which puts the pressure on Zonovan Knight, who has rushed for 406 yards on 69 carries, a 5.9 yards per carry average.
The defense has 19 sacks this season and four interceptions to their credit. Payton Wilson has been the big playmaker for the defense, leading the team in tackles with 53. He also has 1.5 sacks and leads North Carolina State in interceptions with two.