{"id":25292,"date":"2023-12-26T17:38:00","date_gmt":"2023-12-26T22:38:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/news\/?p=25292"},"modified":"2023-12-26T13:02:00","modified_gmt":"2023-12-26T18:02:00","slug":"unc-vs-wvu-free-picks-mayo-bowl-best-bets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/news\/college-football-bowl-games\/unc-vs-wvu-free-picks-mayo-bowl-best-bets\/","title":{"rendered":"UNC vs West Virginia Free Picks: Mayo Bowl Predictions, Best Bets 12\/27"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

North Carolina Tarheels vs West Virginia Mountaineers Best Bets: Mayo Bowl Preview & Prediction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Football content contributor Ron Marmalefsky<\/a>\u00a0slathers on some expert picks on The Mayo Bowl being played on December 27th, between UNC and WVU<\/strong>. What are his takeaways and things to watch when considering betting? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

North Carolina once again started quickly, but once again, they faded down the stretch.  West Virginia\u2019s Neal Brown was on the very warm seat entering the season, and players were leaving the program.  They exceeded expectations at 8-4, proving again that Brown can coach.  Now, if only the players cared about this game, we would have something special going on in Charlotte.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Find free college football best bets<\/a> and bowl game coverage<\/a> this postseason. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Mayo Bowl Preview: The Portal Factor<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Portal Factor<\/strong>: This is one of a few upcoming games where I feel compelled to discuss my take on who will NOT be playing in this game.<\/strong>  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s start with North Carolina.  They will be missing impact players such as QB Drake Maye, WR Tez Walker, Center Cory Gaynor, plus leading tackler and number two pass rusher Cedric Gray.  Other key players out (some due to injury) include their #2 WR, top TE, a starting CB, and two other defensive players who made decent contributions.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Freshman Connor Harrell threw six passes in 2023.  Offensively, I think North Carolina will still find running holes with RB Hampton being one of the better players in all of the NCAA.  The pass game will suffer.  Defensively, North Carolina was hardly great to begin with, so the losses will hurt.  I see a bit less of an impact, but we\u2019re talking around 15 players that may miss this bowl game.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As for West Virginia, they will be without their fine center, and two decent DB\u2019s.  They have ten players in the transfer portal (as of 12\/21) but the overall impact will not be felt as much.  Depth at WR and at safety are the two areas most affected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mayo Bowl Predictions and Best Bets: UNC Overview <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll always get North Carolina\u2019s best effort in a bowl game.  With the raw QB, I think RB Hampton will be relied upon in the run AND the pass game.  The Tar Heels rushed for 28 touchdowns. <\/strong> The run defense was always going to be challenged in this spot no matter who stayed and played.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On paper, West Virginia should run in the neighborhood of 230+ yards, and clearly over five yards-per-carry.  I also expect around 60% allowed through the air, which could be worse if team depth is compromised.  On the plus side, their PK was 18-19.  On the negative side, their kick return defense was suspect.  As an aside, teams with so many opt-outs can see regression in punt and kick protection, especially with all the time off.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mayo Bowl Video Picks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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