NCAA Football Thursday Throwdown – Georgia Tech vs. Miami

Nobody usually gives a damn when it comes to the ACC Coastal Division, but both Georgia Tech and Miami are making things interesting. Both teams won their conference opener, and will look to gain ground in the divisional title race, while picking up momentum in the AP Standings. Jonathan Dwyer, the running-back for Tech, will be in the spotlight as his slim Heisman hopes will be showcased on a national stage.

Tech’s glaring concern as road dogs is that they blew a 24-point lead against Clemson, before rallying behind a freaking kicker to win the game. Scott Blair threw a touchdown pass on a fake, and kicked a game-winning field goal as well to ice the Clemson Tigers. Tech is 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games on the road, and hold a decisive advantage over Miami with a 4-1 ATS/SU record when playing the Hurricanes.

As mentioned, the focus of this game will be Dwyer, who 161 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Almost nobody is doubting the Hurricanes’ rushing defense in the ACC matchups, meaning that Dwyer will have to have a big game to boost both his Heisman chances, and the Yellow Jackets over the betting line.

Georgia Tech (2-0) vs. Miami Hurricanes (1-0)

Thursday, September 17th — Land Shark Stadium, Miami — 7:30pm EST

NCAAF Betting Line: Miami -5 (53.5)

However, is there a program besides USC that you don’t want to play when they have some momentum? The Hurricanes have been an unmitigated disaster, since watching one of the best college teams ever assembled eventually fade out to graduation and the NFL draft. While there is tremendous buzz in Miami of the Canes 24-point comeback victory in the fourth quarter against FSU, they’re still just 1-4 ATS when playing at home. Sorry to be a buzzkill.

Quarterback Jacoby Harris went for 368 yards passing, and a pair of touchdowns along with a pair of picks against FSU. However, his running-back, Graig Cooper is becoming the star of the team. His versatile kick-returning abilities, and his stout rushing talents will be the decisive factor when they take the field.

Miami’s fast defense gets the nod in this matchup. Speed kills, especially when Tech is so low on talent. Look for the Canes to get out of the block quickly and stay ahead as they Cooper steals the spotlight and Dwyer fails to fuel another fourth quarter comeback.

Furious Free Pick: Miami -5 (OVER)