NCAA Football Betting: Georgia Tech vs. Boston College

Here’s a tip–bet this one before you go to bed on Friday night. Otherwise you’ll be getting up early on Saturday morning for this 7:30 AM Eastern start time game between Georgia Tech and Boston College played in Ireland. More appropriately, this is the Aer Lingus College Football Classic at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium. Boston College has been here before–Ireland, that is. In 1988, the Eagles beat Army 38-24 in front 42,000 fans. Hard to get a vibe for what kind of crowd will be on hand for this game. Avivia Stadium seats 51,700 for soccer so for the sake of argument we’ll assume roughly that many seats for football. A press release from the game organizers said that ‘at least 25,000 fans’ will be on hand which is a polite way of saying that the venue will be half full.

They’re also polite to not point out that both of these teams are coming off forgettable 2015 seasons. Georgia Tech’s option was slowed by inexperience and injury. They’re healthier now but return just 11 starters. Fortunately, one of those starters is at quarterback in the form of senior Justin Thomas. Boston College returns 15 starters and many handicappers are making much ado about the Eagles #1 run defense from last year. We’re more concerned about their miserable offense which put up an average of 17.2 PPG last year. They’ve got a decent quarterback now (Kentucky transfer Patrick Towles) but don’t think he’s the type that will step in and light up the score board. Defending the run is one thing, defending the option another and the Eagles haven’t faced one since 2013 (Army).

So what do we do with a matchup of 3-9 teams from a year ago thousands of miles from home? Teams that combined to go 0-10 on the road and 1-15 in conference? BC was a better poinstpread team last year (4-7 vs. 3-9) but that had more to do with higher expectations for the Yellow Jackets as much as anything. Ultimately, the biggest comparative advantage in this game looks to be tactical–the Georgia Tech triple option offense is tough to defend if you’ve never seen it. That goes a long way toward negating the Eagles’ rushing defense and should give the Yellow Jackets the victory and cover here.

BET GEORGIA TECH -3 OVER BOSTON COLLEGE