Ready to Pounce<\/h3>\n
Georgia State has never beaten an ACC team, but the Tar Heels need to be wary of Panther defender Quavian White. The two-time All-Conference defender intercepted new South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler twice last week. Georgia State’s rushing defense held the Gamecocks to just 2.5 yards per carry.<\/p>\n
Georgia State out-gained South Carolina and had a better yards-per-play mark than the Gamecocks, but special teams played the deciding factor in last week’s contest.<\/p>\n
Tar on their Heels<\/h3>\n
North Carolina’s defense has lived up to its school nickname lately, as defenders have been slow to make stops in the Tar Heels’ first two games. UNC allowed over eight yards per carry on the ground, and 40 points in the fourth quarter to Appalachian State last week. The Mountaineers earned 361 yards through the air and six different receivers caught six touchdown passes. This comes a week after North Carolina allowed FCS-level Florida A&M to score 24 points on 5.1 yards per play.<\/p>\n
Carolina’s offense has been able to make up for the defense’s miscues as QB Drake Maye showed that he’s capable to stepping into Sam Howell’s shoes admirably. Last week against App State, Maye threw for over 350 yards and 4 TDs, while adding another on the ground. He did that without the Tar Heels’ top receiving option in Josh Downs.<\/p>\n
Georgia State vs North Carolina Prediction<\/h2>\n
Like we said in the open: When these two teams met last season, North Carolina was a 26-point favorite at home, and that’s after the Tar Heels lost their opening game to Virginia Tech. Georgia State is likely better than it was last year (and the Panthers weren’t bad in 2021, winning eight games and romping in the Camellia Bowl). Obviously you have to flip some points for home field advantage. But this is almost a 20-point adjustment from last year’s spread when these two teams met.<\/p>\n
If you are a “watch the games” handicapper, North Carolina certainly hasn’t passed the eye test. But if you use power ratings and market numbers, we can’t get to this number. Our ratings have this game closer to 13, giving us a look toward the North Carolina side.
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Happy Hour CFB Kickoff Show<\/h3>\n
Iowa has held the Cy-Hawk Trophy since 2015. Can Iowa State finally break through this season and bring it back to Ames? Join Dave Cokin, Ralph Michaels and Tony Mejia for the Happy Hour CFB Kickoff Show as we preview the College Football Week 2 slate from a variety of betting angles.<\/p>\n
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