Law’s Local Predictions 9/17
Lawrence Davis give his predictions for this weekend’s college football games.
Duke (1-1) @ Northwestern (0-2)
Both teams are coming off of disappointing losses entering this week. Duke was beat by Wake Forest at home, while Northwestern was beat by FCS team Illinois State. Defensively for Duke, this will be a tough test. Fatigue set in early against Wake, who loves to pound the ball right up the middle until they find the end zone. Northwestern has similar qualities, but their offensive line may be better. The Blue Devil defense will have to play flawless interior gap defense if they hope to stop the Wildcats’ offense on Saturday.
Northwestern wins 30-20.
NC Central (0-2) v St. Augustine’s (0-2)
NCCU opens their home schedule with the first contest of the season in O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium against St. Augustine’s, a familiar foe. While I do not expect another 72-0 blowout like last season, I would expect the Eagles to be very sound when they take the field. Quarterback Malcolm Bell has found his rhythm under center, especially thanks to LaVontis Smith and Jalen Wilkes. The Eagles have not recorded a special teams touchdown this year, I believe that drought will end tomorrow.
NCCU wins 58-3.
North Carolina (1-1) v James Madison (2-0)
UNC got a well-needed victory last week at Illinois. They return home to face a much disciplined James Madison team. This game could end up being closer than the Heels would like, but expect a victory in Chapel Hill.
UNC wins 41-20.
NC State (1-1 v Old Dominion (1-1)
NC State returns home after a tough loss to ECU last weekend. Fortunately, they are hosting an Old Dominion team that should provide that rebound effect. The Monarchs struggle to stop the big play in the passing game. I expect Ryan Finley to have a solid game if Matt Dayes can find a rhythm running.
NC State wins 42-17.
East Carolina (2-0) @ South Carolina (1-1)
ECU looked very impressive in their win last week versus NC State. Coach Scottie Montgomery has this team very conditioned and that is turning in to late game discipline and execution. I would expect another strong showing on offense by the Pirates this week. South Carolina struggles stopping the run, watch from James Summers and Anthony Scott to have big impacts in the contest.
ECU wins 31-20.
Game of the Weekend to Watch
#10 Louisville v #2 Florida State Noon EST, ABC.
Florida State is taking their first true road trip to arguably the hottest team in college football currently. Quarterback Lamar Jackson is looking unstoppable right now for the Cardinals, and I highly doubt that will change on the day that Mohammed Ali will be honored. I love the ‘Noles and I believe that FSU will be a very strong team to be reckoned with later in the season, but Louisville will pull the upset this weekend to help build Jackson’s Heisman Trophy résumé.
Louisville wins 45-37