Maryland-North Carolina Has Huge ACC Title Implications

North Carolina @ Maryland

Line: UNC -3

It seems as if every ACC game not involving Duke or NC State has a huge impact on the title race, and this one is no different. After VT's loss last night, UNC controls its destiny in the Coastal Division. Maryland is trying to keep pace with FSU and Wake in the Atlantic Division.

Keys to the Game

1. Which Maryland Team Will Show Up?

The team that shuts out Wake Forest or gets shut out by Virginia? The team that soundly beats Cal or the team who gets run over by Virginia Tech last week? The Terps have been a much better home team, going 5-0 while just 1-3 on the road. Good thing for them the game is in College Park.

2. Can UNC Run on Maryland Like VT Did?

And like UNC ran on Georgia Tech last week? Ryan Houston is a man running the ball out of the backfield, and his running mate Shaun Draughn is no slouch either. The Terps may still be in the hot tub after Darren Evans poured 250+ on them last Thursday. Butch Davis would like to win with defense and ball control offense. Maryland has been outrushed soundly in two of their three losses.

Prediction

The Tar Heels are six points away from an undefeated season, and I think they are playing the best of any team in the ACC right now. If their defensive line can play like they did last week, I think they can slow down one of the top rushers in Da'rel Scott for Maryland.

However, it is hard to go against the Terps at home this season. I will take the Terps in the mild upset.

Maryland 24, North Carolina 23

Maryland Covers +3

Last Week: 2-3 ATS, 4-1 SU
Season: 25-16-2 ATS, 28-15 SU

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