The Virginia Cavaliers and Indiana Hoosiers are each looking to go to 2-0 and take an important step towards bowl eligibility with a win in their Week 2 showdown. Virginia surprised many by getting to a bowl last year after a 2-10 campaign in 2016, and the Wahoos cruised to an easy 42-13 win against FCS Richmond in their opener. Virginia doubled up their opponents in terms of total yardage, and the Cavaliers covered the CFB betting line with ease.
Meanwhile, Indiana had a tough test on the road against a decent Florida International team. The Hoosiers were able to answer the bell in a 38-28 win, but they just missed out on getting the cover on the NCAAF betting line.
This matchup in Week 2 will take place on Saturday, September 8, 2018, at 7:30 p.m. ET at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, Indiana.
College Football Odds at BookMaker.eu
Virginia +6.5
Indiana -6.5
Over/Under 51
Odds Analysis
There has been little movement when it comes to betting a side in this one. Indiana has remained a steady 6.5-point favorite per the NCAAF betting odds since Sunday evening. The total has seen some action though. Originally, the over/under came out at 53, but it has fallen to 51 over the last few days.
Matchup to Watch
Indiana’s offense fared pretty well against FIU’s defense last week. As he said he would, head coach Tom Allen alternated quarterbacks during the game, but Peyton Ramsey did receive the lion’s share of the action.
Ramsey was pretty efficient in the victory. He completed almost 75 percent of his passes for 156 yards and had three touchdowns against one interception. Ramsey was not asked to complete a lot of deep passes on the day, and he averaged less than six yards per pass attempt in the victory.
Backup Michael Penix Jr. played well too when given the opportunity. Penix is a true freshman, so he is still learning the ropes, but he completed 80 percent of his passes for 96 yards and a touchdown.
Whoever lines up under center will need to be on their game against a good Virginia secondary. All four starters from 2017 returned to this unit, and they flummoxed Richmond in the opener. This unit does take some chances in press coverage and can be beaten, but the question is whether or not Indiana can take advantage.
Player to Watch
JUCO transfer Bryce Perkins looked great in his Virginia debut. Perkins was originally an Arizona State commit, but he transferred out of Tempe after two years and is looking to remake his career in Charlottesville.
Perkins is off to a good start. He wasn’t the most accurate passer in the win against Richmond, but he proved that he can move the ball. He completed a shade over 50 percent of his passes last week and threw for 185 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. Additionally, he ran for 108 yards and two scores, showcasing his legs in the process.
Free ATS Pick
The last time we saw Virginia take on an FBS opponent, it did not go well for the Cavaliers. Virginia was blown out 49-7 by Navy in the Military Bowl, and this team looked completely at a loss when it came to stopping the triple option.
This is a very underrated defense though. Virginia brings back everyone in the secondary and there is a bit of talent in the front seven too. This is Bronco Mendenhall’s third year at the helm of this program, and we are starting to see some of the traces that made BYU so good for so long.
With that in mind, I’m calling for Virginia to pull off the upset here. There’s really no reason for Indiana to be this large of a favorite, and I see the Cavaliers winning an ugly game.
College Football Odds: Virginia 20, Indiana 17
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook!
