The Canes have crept their way up the national rankings each week and hope to continue that accent this week. Georgia Tech, who enters this one at 3-1, will be an one-touchdown underdog.
This contest in Week 5 of the regular season will go down Saturday, October 1, 2016, at 12 p.m. ET at Bobby Dodd Stadium.
NCAA Football Odds at BookMaker.eu
Miami -7
Georgia Tech +7
Over/Under 51.5
Odds Analysis
The Hurricanes are the road favorites and must win by more than a touchdown to cover. Despite those hurdles, most of the betting public is leaning that way. Early in the week, more than 80 percent of the money is going on Miami to cover the spread.
The scoring total is low compared to many of the expected shootouts, as Miami’s defense has been excellent and the Yellow Jackets could struggle to score. However, bettors believe it is too low as 67 percent of the money is choosing the “over.”
Player to Watch
Mark Walton -- The Miami ball-carrier is the player to watch in this one. The sophomore has 48 carries for 401 yards with seven touchdowns in the first three games for the Hurricanes. He is averaging an impressive 8.4 yards a pop.
Walton’s strongest performance of the season came in Week 2 where he had 17 carries for 155 yards and four touchdowns against Florida Atlantic. Last week against Appalachian State, he had an 80-yard touchdown, so he’s dangerous if he gets loose.
Key stat
43.3. That’s the current positive point-differential for Miami, which has been one of the most impressive teams in the country, albeit against three small-conference foes.
The offense is rolling, as it is putting up 51 points per contest and averaging 514 yards of total offense. The defense is barely giving up more than a touchdown per game and only 65 rushing yards per contest.
These numbers won’t stick like this for the rest of the year, but both sides of the ball are currently dominating.
Free ATS Pick
The Miami defense ranks first in the country for points against. It hasn’t allowed more than one touchdown in its first three matchups of the year. Plus the team will be plenty rested after the bye last week.
The Yellow Jackets’ only loss this season came to No . 5 Clemson in Week 3. The team has notched wins over Boston College, Mercer and Vanderbilt. Georgia Tech’s defense has also been impressive, holding teams to only 14.3 points per game.
If Georgia Tech can spring the upset, though, it will need to score some points. The Yellow Jackets are averaging 24.3 points per game and need a big game from its skill players.
Quarterback Justin Thomas is 23-of-51 for 364 yards and a touchdown and will need to be better than that against such a tough opponent.
Miami may not be as good as its first few games would indicate, but there is plenty to be excited about. While Georgia Tech poses a bigger challenge, this is nothing the Hurricanes can’t handle.
Even on the road they are a touchdown favorite, and that should be easily surpassed. While Georgia Tech has the defense to hang around early, Miami is the much more talented squad.
Count on another impressive outing from the Hurricanes as they continue to announce themselves as legitimate threats to jump into the top-10 nationally. The “under” is the right call as Georgia Tech is going to struggle to move the ball effectively and score points.
NCAA Football Odds: Miami 27, Georgia Tech 17
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