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Week 9 of the college football season is here.
Tulsa failed to get to the window last week, putting a slight damper on what had been a strong start to the season with four consecutive wins starting in Week 2.
Now, we'll turn our attention to an ACC clash in North Carolina.
Let's dive into my college football picks and NCAAF predictions for Boston College vs. Duke in Week 9 below. For more college football picks and analysis, download the Action Network app today.
College Football Picks for Boston College vs. Duke
| Boston College Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+7.5 -122 | 48.5 -108o / -112u | +230 |
| Duke Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-7.5 +100 | 48.5 -108o / -112u | -285 |
The Early Pick of the Week dives back into the Power 4 to fade an ACC team that looks significantly improved.
The conference standings are heating up with Miami, SMU and Wake Forest all sitting with one or fewer losses in the conference.
A logjam exists with six teams supporting two conference losses, including the Week 9 matchup between Boston College and Duke.
The Eagles have won two straight in the ACC against Georgia Tech and Pitt. Even with a post-game win expectancy that favored the Panthers, Boston College has found its stride on the offensive side of the football.
In a Week 8 win over Georgia Tech, the Eagles posted 50 plays in standard downs with an average of 8.2 yards per play.
The rushing attack received 325 yards from running back Bo MacCormack III and quarterback Mason McKenzie, who combined to score five rushing touchdowns.
However, Boston College will be on back-to-back travel when facing Duke after the Blue Devils snapped a two-game losing streak against Virginia.
Mobile quarterbacks have failed to stuff stat sheets against Duke. The Blue Devils limited Virginia quarterback Beau Pribula to 3.1 yards per carry last week and North Carolina’s Billy Edwards to just 2.2 yards per rush the week prior.
Duke ranks 20th in Rushing Success Rate allowed, limiting methodical drives at a top-15 rate.
On the other side of the ball, Duke’s heavy inside zone with running back Nate Sheppard should dominate a Boston College defense that has a 42% Success Rate against the run concept.
Action Network's Betting Power Ratings see Duke as a 9.5-point favorite, so the touchdown in the early betting market has value. Look for the Blue Devils defense to limit the Eagles' rushing attack and knock the offense into passing downs.
Pick: Duke -7.5 or Better
