Louisville Double-Digit Favorite; Georgia Tech Favored

NC State must rebound after a lopsided loss to Pittsburgh in which its defense yielded 529 yards, opening as a 6.5-point underdog at home to an undefeated (8-0) Georgia Tech led by dual-threat QB Haynes King (about 1,500 passing yards, 651 rushing yards and 19 total scores); Georgia Tech’s offense has posted massive outputs (including a 543-yard game vs. Syracuse) and line movement in Raleigh reflects NC State’s struggles. Top‑20 Louisville (listed between No. 16 and No. 19) has clinched bowl eligibility and will be a double‑digit favorite at Virginia Tech, with sportsbooks showing spreads around 10.5–12.5 and totals near 52–52.5; the Cardinals lean on an explosive rushing duo (Isaac Brown’s 205-yard game, Keyjuan Brown’s 95) and a stout defense. Virginia Tech, which can pressure and bottle up pocket passers but struggles with mobile quarterbacks, must ride a suddenly effective rushing attack (Kyron Drones, Marcellous Hawkins, Terion Stewart after the Cal game) to keep bowl hopes alive. Virginia has climbed to No. 15 after an overtime win over North Carolina and opens about a 3.5-point favorite vs. California, underscoring a notable turnaround under coach Tony Elliott.