The college football betting action continues to heat up with some major schools hanging by a thread in their respective conference races. Here’s some news and notes for the key matchups.
(14) Virginia Tech (8-2) vs (24) Miami (FL) (7-3)
The Hokies continue to look unstoppable in ACC play (and betting), where they’re 6-0 this season. Virginia Tech relied on its stout D and ground game to take down North Carolina on the road last week. The Hokies seem comfortable rotating Ryan Williams and Darren Evans in the backfield, with neither guy taking on true feature back status. Defensive end Chris Draper (undisclosed) and cornerback Chris Hill (ankle) are both questionable for Saturday’s tilt with Miami.
Is there a quarterback controversy in Miami? Randy Shannon insists that Jacory Harris will get the job back as soon as doctors clear him to return from his concussion. But Stephen Morris was solid again last week, throwing for 230 yards and a score with no picks. Running back Damien Berry returned from illness last week and is back to full strength.
(8) Ohio State (9-1) vs (21) Iowa (7-3)
Don’t be surprised if Dan “Boom” Herron gets the rock often for Ohio State this weekend. His 190 rushing yards last week were instrumental in the Buckeyes avoiding a sportsbook upset and scoring 35 unanswered points to beat Penn State after trailing by 11. Herron has scored in nine straight games. Defensive back Christian Bryant had surgery to clean out a foot infection and will miss the rest of the season, though he could return for a bowl game.
What happened to Iowa’s defense last week? The Hawkeyes blew a 10-point lead to Northwestern in the fourth quarter and allowed 419 total yards. Can they survive Ohio State’s ground attack? Senior linebacker Jeff Tarpinian suffered another stinger last week and could miss Saturday’s crucial game.
(13) Arkansas (8-2) vs (22) Mississippi State (7-3)
Arkansas’ offense has rolled all season but last week’s 58-point, 577-yard outburst against UTEP suggests the Razorbacks have reached a new level. Knile Davis ran for 182 yards last week and is really opening up space for Ryan Mallett, who threw for five touchdown passes and ran for one more last Saturday. Mississippi State could be in trouble this week; it ranks 79th against the pass.