Sportsbook – North Carolina’s Best Player Suspended. It is not that often when a defensive player’s suspension makes news at the sportsbook but that is the case with North Carolina. The Tar Heels open up the season on Saturday night as they play LSU. The Tar Heels are five-point underdogs at the Internet sportsbook in that contest that can be seen on ABC television.
North Carolina is ranked 18th in the country while LSU is ranked 21st but the Tigers are the favorites at Sbg Global. The loss of Davis is huge for North Carolina. He is projected as a first round pick in next year’s NFL Draft.
NCAA Investigating North Carolina – The Tar Heels have been distracted because the NCAA is looking into whether or not Austin and receiver Greg Little received improper benefits. Austin was supposedly suspended for violating team rules and not because of the NCAA investigation but you have to wonder. North Carolina is also being investigated for possible academic misconduct as well. It is a real mess right now for head coach Butch Davis to deal with. It is possible that other players for North Carolina could be suspended for the opener which is why LSU has risen to a 5-point favorite.
LSU has been Disappointing – You may not remember it but LSU won a national title just a few years ago. Since winning the national title the Tigers have not been serious contenders. Les Miles is starting to feel the heat and he really needs to win this game against North Carolina to jump start LSU’s season.
Neither Offense is Reliable – If you want to bet a total to go under then this might be the game for you. Neither team has a reliable quarterback while both teams have good defenses. The Tigers have to hope that Jordan Jefferson is more consistent while the Tar Heels are still stuck with T.J. Yates. North Carolina’s defense was sixth in the country last year in total yards allowed per game. The last four LSU non-conference games have gone under the total and this could be another one. The total at the sportsbook is 42 and with these two erratic offenses it is very possible that the game goes under that number.