Virginia vs. Wake Forest NCAAF Week 7 Betting Picks and Game Predictions
Virginia Cavaliers vs. Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Saturday, October 17, 2020 at 4 p.m. ET (ACC Network) at Truist Field in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Worried About Virginia’s Defense?
In its past two games, Virginia has allowed a combined total of 79 points. Should this detail inform our approach to this game?
41 of those points were scored by Clemson. Giving up 41 points to Clemson, which is led by the nation’s top quarterback and top running back, seems understandable. Last year, Virginia surrendered 62 to these Tigers.
NC State is responsible for the other 38 points. NC State has undergone a complete turnaround in a way that defies our previous expectations.
With vastly improved quarterback play from Devin Leary and immensely creative play-calling that showcases itself especially in the first half, the Wolfpack were able to upset both Pittsburgh and Virginia. Both of those teams’ defenses are well-reputed and yet the Wolfpack scored 30+ against both.
Also, 17 of NC State’s 38 points came off of very short field following a turnover or off of an interception return.
The Importance of Virginia’s Pass Rush
It’s true that Leary did not produce all of the ideal numbers for the stat sheet. He completed only 11 of 25 passes and got intercepted.
But one reason why he was able to succeed to the extent that he did — he threw for 184 yards and two touchdowns — is UVA's lack of pass rush.
Last Saturday, the Cavaliers failed to sack Leary a single time. As was the case in its clash with Clemson, Virginia’s inability to reliably disrupt the opposing quarterback’s pocket allowed that quarterback to be very productive for his offense.
So this is evidence for the importance of Virginia’s pass rush. When UVA won its season opener against Duke, the Hooks sacked Duke quarterback Chase Brice five times and utilized their pressure to force him to throw four interceptions.
Because the Wahoo defense needs to create pressure for its team to win, we need to know what Wake Forest’s pass protection looks like.
Wake Forest Pass Protection
Offensive line was expected to be an area of struggle for them this season after they lost three-fifths of last year's starting offensive line during the offseason.
Currently, the Demon Deacons rank 126th in quarterback sack percentage.
NC State, for example, carries responsibility for this stat because it accumulated six sacks against Wake’s starting quarterback.
Virginia Pass Rush vs. Wake Forest Pass Protection
Experience is very helpful against Virginia’s exotic defense.
NC State’s offensive line is actually one of the most experienced of the nation. This experience clearly helped its pass attack.
But Wake Forest, given its bevy of offseason departures, is much less limited in experience. So many Demon Deacons pass-blockers will struggle to recognize and pick up on UVA’s exotic impetus.
They’ll have to figure UVA out defensively on a play-by-play basis.
The Hoos will mix 3-4, 4-2-5, and 3-3-5 defensive set-ups.
Variety in defensive set-up is a consistent feature for Virginia because it has so many players who are positionless and can lineup in different ways in order to perform different functions.
Noah Taylor is one great example of Virginia’s ideal defender. He’ll line up as inside or outside linebacker, at defensive end, at safety, and so forth. He’ll attack the backfield and also help in coverage.
Though a free safety, Joey Blount is one Cavalier who can find his way into the backfield. Blount’s absence was sorely felt on Saturday as he is considered the quarterback of the defense.
Blount will return on Saturday. HIs presence really makes everything better on defense.
Virginia Offense vs. Wake Forest Defense
Starting quarterback Brennan Armstrong is listed as ‚questionable‘ as he finds himself in the concussion protocol.
His backup, Lindell Stone, stepped in for Armstrong and actually looked better, even though it was clear that Virginia would be pass-first given the score of the game and even though Stone had not taken so many first-team reps.
Despite all of his situational disadvantages, Stone passed for 240 yards on 30 of 54 pass attempts and accumulated three touchdowns to one interception.
Stone is reliable because he fits well in UVA’s offense. Virginia knows just which plays to call for Stone. Plays like crossing routes that can target the middle of the field helped Stone maximize his performance.
Also, Stone faces a desirable match-up in a Wake Forest secondary that, like its offensive line, is struggling to make up for offseason losses.
After losing both starting cornerbacks, the Demon Deacons currently rank 121st in opposing passer rating.
So Stone will exploit Wake’s secondary and he’ll use a variety of weapons at his disposal.
Terrell Jana was already one known quantity entering the season. But other receivers are stepping up. Billy Kemp, for example, leads the team with 27 receptions and 248 yards.
The Verdict
Led by Blount, Virginia’s defense will bounce back against the much easier challenge that Wake poses with its meagre pass protection.
Offensively, UVA’s quarterback situation presents no worry with two capable passers who have the weapons at wide receiver to overwhelm Wake’s struggling secondary.
Best Bet: Cavaliers -2 (-110) with Bovada
Virginia Cavaliers vs. Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Saturday, October 17, 2020 at 4 p.m. ET (ACC Network) at Truist Field in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Worried About Virginia’s Defense?
In its past two games, Virginia has allowed a combined total of 79 points. Should this detail inform our approach to this game?
41 of those points were scored by Clemson. Giving up 41 points to Clemson, which is led by the nation’s top quarterback and top running back, seems understandable. Last year, Virginia surrendered 62 to these Tigers.
NC State is responsible for the other 38 points. NC State has undergone a complete turnaround in a way that defies our previous expectations.
With vastly improved quarterback play from Devin Leary and immensely creative play-calling that showcases itself especially in the first half, the Wolfpack were able to upset both Pittsburgh and Virginia. Both of those teams’ defenses are well-reputed and yet the Wolfpack scored 30+ against both.
Also, 17 of NC State’s 38 points came off of very short field following a turnover or off of an interception return.
The Importance of Virginia’s Pass Rush
It’s true that Leary did not produce all of the ideal numbers for the stat sheet. He completed only 11 of 25 passes and got intercepted.
But one reason why he was able to succeed to the extent that he did — he threw for 184 yards and two touchdowns — is UVA's lack of pass rush.
Last Saturday, the Cavaliers failed to sack Leary a single time. As was the case in its clash with Clemson, Virginia’s inability to reliably disrupt the opposing quarterback’s pocket allowed that quarterback to be very productive for his offense.
So this is evidence for the importance of Virginia’s pass rush. When UVA won its season opener against Duke, the Hooks sacked Duke quarterback Chase Brice five times and utilized their pressure to force him to throw four interceptions.
Because the Wahoo defense needs to create pressure for its team to win, we need to know what Wake Forest’s pass protection looks like.
Wake Forest Pass Protection
Offensive line was expected to be an area of struggle for them this season after they lost three-fifths of last year's starting offensive line during the offseason.
Currently, the Demon Deacons rank 126th in quarterback sack percentage.
NC State, for example, carries responsibility for this stat because it accumulated six sacks against Wake’s starting quarterback.
Virginia Pass Rush vs. Wake Forest Pass Protection
Experience is very helpful against Virginia’s exotic defense.
NC State’s offensive line is actually one of the most experienced of the nation. This experience clearly helped its pass attack.
But Wake Forest, given its bevy of offseason departures, is much less limited in experience. So many Demon Deacons pass-blockers will struggle to recognize and pick up on UVA’s exotic impetus.
They’ll have to figure UVA out defensively on a play-by-play basis.
The Hoos will mix 3-4, 4-2-5, and 3-3-5 defensive set-ups.
Variety in defensive set-up is a consistent feature for Virginia because it has so many players who are positionless and can lineup in different ways in order to perform different functions.
Noah Taylor is one great example of Virginia’s ideal defender. He’ll line up as inside or outside linebacker, at defensive end, at safety, and so forth. He’ll attack the backfield and also help in coverage.
Though a free safety, Joey Blount is one Cavalier who can find his way into the backfield. Blount’s absence was sorely felt on Saturday as he is considered the quarterback of the defense.
Blount will return on Saturday. HIs presence really makes everything better on defense.
Virginia Offense vs. Wake Forest Defense
Starting quarterback Brennan Armstrong is listed as ‚questionable‘ as he finds himself in the concussion protocol.
His backup, Lindell Stone, stepped in for Armstrong and actually looked better, even though it was clear that Virginia would be pass-first given the score of the game and even though Stone had not taken so many first-team reps.
Despite all of his situational disadvantages, Stone passed for 240 yards on 30 of 54 pass attempts and accumulated three touchdowns to one interception.
Stone is reliable because he fits well in UVA’s offense. Virginia knows just which plays to call for Stone. Plays like crossing routes that can target the middle of the field helped Stone maximize his performance.
Also, Stone faces a desirable match-up in a Wake Forest secondary that, like its offensive line, is struggling to make up for offseason losses.
After losing both starting cornerbacks, the Demon Deacons currently rank 121st in opposing passer rating.
So Stone will exploit Wake’s secondary and he’ll use a variety of weapons at his disposal.
Terrell Jana was already one known quantity entering the season. But other receivers are stepping up. Billy Kemp, for example, leads the team with 27 receptions and 248 yards.
The Verdict
Led by Blount, Virginia’s defense will bounce back against the much easier challenge that Wake poses with its meagre pass protection.
Offensively, UVA’s quarterback situation presents no worry with two capable passers who have the weapons at wide receiver to overwhelm Wake’s struggling secondary.
Best Bet: Cavaliers -2 (-110) with Bovada
