Free Daily Lock Pick: MLB: White Sox vs Nationals- September 19th – Max Confidence Comp
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The Virginia Cavaliers play host to the NC State Wolfpack on Friday evening from Scott Stadium in an ACC showdown. The Wolfpack have a pair of easy wins with a loss to Notre Dame sandwiched in between, which isn't a surprise at this point. For Virginia, they come into this home game winless on the season, though they have a difficult schedule to thank. The last meting between these ACC foes came back in 2020, which was a 38-21 win for NC State, who have win four of six in the series dating back to 2006. The Wolfpack will be favored but going on the road in the ACC can always make things interesting.
NC State had a quietly difficult game against UConn in the opener, failing to cover the spread and only winning by ten points, then losing to Notre Dame at home in a game that they never seen to have a chance in. The Wolfpack had to feel better to put together a complete performance at home against VMI last week winning 45-7, though Virginia will be an interesting matchup. The road wasn't overly kind to them last season, while life within the conference schedule never allows for a night off. The schedule has some life to it, with Louisville and Marshall next, as a win in this one could put them in a great position as they hit the road against Duke in mid-October. This would be a brutal loss, against one of the worst teams in the ACC, and is a game that NC State knows they have to win.
The Wolfpack have a pair of injuries in the secondary, which will have them slightly concerned for the w eekend. Jakeem Harris (pectoral) has been ruled out for the season, while Rakeim Ashford (undisclosed) remains questionable after missing the previous two games. Ashford's status will want to be monitored, as being without two at the position could be something to keep an eye on.
The story of Friday night will be the return of Brennan Armstrong to his previous school. After putting up video game numbers for a few seasons, the Virginia great now is on the other sideline, focused on taking down his old team. He's been impressive this season, showing off his arm and his legs, leading the team in both, though the interception numbers will need improvement. Against a defense that ranks outside the top 100 in most categories, both through the air and on the ground, are matchups that the Wolfpack will be confident in exploiting.
Defensively, Payton Wilson (33 tackles) leads the way, while the pass rush has done its job, stacking up nine sacks across three games. Davin Vann has (3 sacks) has led the way and will be itching to get after an inexperienced line and quarterback in this one. NC State has found most of its defensive success from fresh legs, given their ability to control the clock and keep opposing offenses off the field. The number of snaps they've played this year pales in comparison to other teams and it's clear that fresh legs will play a difference in this one.
Free Daily Lock Pick: MLB: White Sox vs Nationals- September 19th – Max Confidence Comp Click to see the pick now