Virginia should Coast-al past old rival NC
By CHRIS LETOURNEAU Late October is a delicious time in college football because it’s the start of rivalry season. Sure, the big ones like Michigan-Ohio State and Alabama-Auburn don’t happen until around Thanksgiving, but there are plenty of historic matchups dotting the schedule between now and then. One is the South’s Oldest Rivalry between Virginia and North Carolina, which has been contested since 1892. The Tar Heels began to pull away in the series by winning seven straight from 2010-16, but the Cavaliers won 20-14 on the road last year to stop the bleeding. This year, Virginia is in position to do something it never has accomplished: win the Coastal Division and earn a spot in the ACC Championship Game. To pull it off, the Cavs must win their other big rivalry game at Virginia Tech on Nov. 23. But tomorrow is a key step. Virginia (5-2, 3-1) has found a reliable quarterback in transfer Bryce Perkins, who threw for 189 yards and a touchdown and ran for two scores in last week’s 28-14 win against Duke. He won’t blow you away, but he’s exactly what coach Bronco Mendenhall wants, someone to move the chains and not turn the ball over. North Carolina (1-5, 1-3), on the other hand, is a mess on offense. The Tar Heels lost by three points each of the past two weeks, and while playing close games can galvanize a team, coming out on the wrong end of the scoreboard all the time can make you lose interest. Virginia, favored by 9 points at home, has much more to play for and will roll. In other games: TONIGHT Boston College (+3½) vs. Miami –- The line has jumped above a field goal, making the Eagles a viable bet as home underdogs in prime time. The return of AJ Dillon will energize the offense, and the defense will be disruptive when it counts in a straight-up win against the ’Canes. TOMORROW Iowa State (-3½ ) vs. Texas Tech –- Everyone seems to like the Raiders, but nothing much has changed since the previous two meetings, both Cyclones wins by a combined 97-23. If anything, Iowa State’s defense is tougher and freshman quarterback Brock Purdy has become a dynamic complement to running back David Montgomery. UConn (+5) vs. UMass –- The Minutemen probably should win this game, but the wild card is the weather, which is supposed to be rainy and windy at Rentschler Field in East Hartford. UMass did not look good a week ago. Take the points in a tight and potentially ugly affair. Georgia vs. Florida (under 52) –- Who knows how the No. 7 Bulldogs respond after being embarrassed two weeks ago by LSU. But they still have the best secondary in the country behind a strong pass rush. The No. 9 Gators also boast an excellent defensive backfield, so while the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party will have alcohol aplenty, points will be at a premium. Iowa (+6) at Penn State –Fans probably wanted to write off the No. 17 Nittany Lions’ loss to Ohio State as a hiccup, but it was followed by a brutal home defeat at the hands of Michigan State and a near upset last week at Indiana. Something isn’t right in Happy Valley, and the No. 18 Hawkeyes will capitalize. Missouri (-7) vs. Kentucky –It might feel like the No. 12 Wildcats aren’t getting enough respect as touchdown underdogs against a 4-3 team, but Kentucky cannot throw the ball or defend the pass. Mizzou QB Drew Lock should have a field day, and Kentucky will be lucky to eclipse 14 points, something it hasn’t done since Sept. 29. Washington State (+3) at Stanford –- The No. 14 Cougars are 7-0 against the spread this season and are facing a No. 24 Cardinal team that has looked listless at times on both sides of the ball. Wazzou has momentum firmly on its side after wins against Utah, Oregon State and Oregon and will beat Stanford for the third straight year. Boise State (-9½) at Air Force –- The Broncos have found a rhythm on offense as QB Brett Rypien has led them to 87 total points in the past two games. Air Force, which lost this game by 25 last year, is coming off two tough road games and won’t have enough on defense to stay close. San Diego State (-2½ ) at Nevada –- In the late-night special, take the Aztecs to win their seventh straight game and fourth straight in the series against the Wolf Pack, who are brutal defensively. Last week: 6-4-0 Season: 29-35-2