Can the Irish Handle the Hokies?

Published on 6-Oct-2018 by Sportbet Staff

Football - NCAA    NCAA Football Daily Stake

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Can the Irish Handle the Hokies?

The Notre Dame faithful are building their College Football Playoff hopes sky-high again this season.

The Fighting Irish have never really recovered from their 42-14 dismantling by Alabama in the 2013 BCS championship game.

These days, every time they win a high-profile game, the sentiment arises that this is their year for redemption.

 

Bovada has the line at Irish -7½ and the over/under at 55.

Why bet on Notre Dame ...

Dudes are 5-0 for the first time since 2014. Last week, the Irish beat Stanford, 38-17. That was their second win against a ranked opponent, both at home. The question is, as always, how credible are early-season rankings?

How is Notre Dame winning? Head coach Brian Kelly handed the offense to Ian Book, who took over as QB in place of Brandon Wimbush. Book's completed 52 of 70 passes for seven touchdowns and no interceptions this season. That's a 74.3% completion rate.

 

Since the switch, the Irish have scored 94 points in two games. Plus, the Notre Dame defense has given up only 94 points in five games all season.

Why bet on Virginia Tech ...

This will be just the second-ever time the Hokies have faced Notre Dame. Their only other meeting was in South Bend two years ago when the Hokies came from behind to win, 34-31.

Moreover, the Hokies are 2-0 SU and ATS against ranked teams this season. Virginia Tech also has won straight up twice as a betting underdog.

 

Instant analysis ...

Notre Dame could actually be a wrecking machine this season. The Hokies will be the Irish’s latest victim.

Virginia Tech's home game totals have an under record of 38-26-2 over the last decade. The Hokies have gone under the game total in 10 of their last 14 games. Moreover, the under is 11-5 in night games at Lane Stadium.

My Total pick: Under 55

Bet at 5dimes

Result: Notre Dame 45 Virginia Tech 23 ... over covers

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Sportbet Columnist: Noah Williams

Noah lives and works with a simple philosophy of “Eat, Drink, Football.” This is embodied through a dedication to satellite TV, Indian delivery, Folgers in his cup, and Budweiser. He lives in a secret lair with his beautiful concubine.