The Atlantic Coast Conference gets underway Saturday, September 12, 2020, when the Syracuse Orange (0-0) visit the #18 North Carolina Tar Heels (0-0). Syracuse was picked to finish 14th, out 15, in the ACC this season, while North Carolina was picked to finish in third place behind Clemson and Notre Dame. This game will air live on ACC Network at 12:00 p.m. EST.
Syracuse started the season ranked #22 in the nation, but stumbled to a disappointing 5-7 record. The Orange had no notable wins and some disappointing losses against Boston College, N State, and Florida State. Syracuse were picked to finish second in the ACC Atlantic division, but ended up finishing in 12th place.
North Carolina had a surprising resurgence under first year head coach Mack Brown as the Tar Heels finished with a 7-6 overall record and were a two-point conversion away from knocking off the Clemson Tigers. UNC did not have any standout wins or losses during the 2019 season. Picked to finish sixth in the ACC Coastal division, UNC finished one spot better in fifth.
Below is my pick for Syracuse at #18 North Carolina. All lines are from the BetRivers Sportsbook.
Syracuse Orange at #18 North Carolina Tar Heels (-20.5): O/U63 (-110/-110)
Syracuse will be led by QB Tommy DeVito who threw for 2,360 yards and 19 touchdowns last season. DeVito will be helped out by WR Taj Harris and TE Aaron Hackett, while OT Matthew Bergeron will block his blindside. On defense, the Orange are led by start safety Andre Cisco, DE Josh Black, CB Ifeatu Melifonwi, ad LB Mikel Jones.
North Carolina will be led by QB Sam Howell and are returning plenty of weapons with WRโs Dazz Newsome and Dyami Brown and RBโs Javonte Williams and Michael Carter. On defense, former QB turned best linebacker in the conference, Chazz Surratt will lead the Tar Heels. Surratt will be joined by LBโs Tomon Fox and Jeremiah Gemmel to sure up the middle third of the defense.
Series History: Syracuse leads the all-time series 3-2 and have won the last time these two played back in 2018.
Football Predictions: I am going to back North Carolina -20.5 in this one.
2019 CFB Picks Results: 94-73-2