Football Betting - Tigers, Hokies ACC Favorites
Clemson are co-favorites at 250 , and they welcome back 17 starter to campus, including the running-back tandem of C.J. Spiller and James Davis. Cullen Harper was effective at quarterback, as the Clemson attack does not require him to be a big-play pivot. However, defense is where the Tigers are most dangerous, as they were ninth in the nation in yards allowed and total points. Clemson brings back eight starters on that side of the line, but the most intriguing player could be freshman DaQuan Bowers, who was one of the nation's top recruits and can play anywhere on the defensive line.
Virginia Tech joins the Tigers at 250, bringing back 11 starters from last season's team. However, the big off-season news was the dismissal of star back Brandon Ore for unknown reasons. Replacing Ore will be a massive mission for the Hokies. Virginia Tech's defense was fourth in the nation in total yards, and third in points, and the signs are there that the Hokies will be competitive once again on that side of the line even though only four starters are back. Brett Warren stepped in for injured star Vince Hall at middle linebacker last season, and he has improved over the off-season.
Miami (Fl.) is next at 350, as the Hurricanes look to regain their past glory. The 'Canes are very young, especially on offense where they return only four starters, and they are still searching for their starting quarterback. However, anything would be an improvement after the 'Canes finished a brutal 110th in total offense last year. Graig Cooper and Javarris James may have to carry the offense until their unknown quarterback adjusts to NCAA play. The defense returns six starters, but the loss of leading tackler Tavares Gooden is a blow.
Florida State is rated at 450, and the Seminoles are another former powerhouse looking to restore its greatness. Seven players return on both sides of the ball for Florida State, and people are wondering if quarterback Drew Weatherford will continue to look like a Heisman candidate in one game, then a Division-III player in the next. However, Weatherford missed most of the spring with a knee injury, and spohomore Christian Ponder looked excellent in the spring game. Last year's leading tacker, Derek Nicholson, is back to marshall an outstanding group at linebacker.
Blake walked onto his college football team and had a brief stint as an assistant coach after he graduated. He brings a sharp mind to the world of sports handicapping. Blake understands the nuances of the game that only someone who has played would understand, and he was one of the few who gave the Giants a chance against the Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. Thoughts or questions?
