The West Virginia Mountaineers were a bit of a disappointment this season but they’ll get a chance to end the 2008 season on a high note when they take on the North Carolina Tar Heels in the Meineke Car Care Bowl.
Our team of writers and handicappers break down the matchup and hand out a Meineke Care Bowl Free Pick, which takes place Saturday December 27 at 1:00PM ET.
Bet the 2008 Meineke Car Care Bowl
Oddsmakers from online sports book Sports Interaction have made West Virginia –1.5 point spread favorite. The over/under for this game has been set 46 total points.
Top Betting Trend: North Carolina is 9-4 straight up in its last 13 games while the total has gone over in six of the Tar Heels’ last nine games. The total has also gone over in four of West Virginia’s last six games.
Key Stat: The Tar Heels are averaging 27.5 points per game, while the Mountaineers are only allowing 15.9 points per game. West Virginia is also averaging 217.2 rushing yards per game, while North Carolina is allowing 140.8 points per game.
Game Outlook: We suggest you buck the previous trends and go with both West Virginia and the under in this matchup. Both teams have proven they can run the ball, while both teams have equally proven that they can’t stop the run. North Carolina has one of the most opportunistic defenses in the nation and lead all Division I college football teams in takeaways, but don’t expect the Mountaineers to put it in the air too many times. WVU will keep the ball in quarterback Pat White’s hands and let him take over the game. North Carolina has won some big games this year and the game is being played close to home in Charlotte, but we think the Mountaineers will keep the ball on the ground, grind out the clock and take home a victory. And since both teams can run effectively, the clock is going to move fast so we suggest taking the under. For the rest of our College Football Free Pick, see below.
Our Free College Football Bowl Pick for the Meineke Car Care Bowl matchup between the West Virginia Mountaineers and North Carolina Tar Heels game is
WEST VIRIGINIA –1.5
TheSpread.com Projected Final Score
West Virginia Mountaineers 23
North Carolina Tar Heels 17
We also predict that this game will GO UNDER THE TOTAL (46 Sports Interaction.com) SET BY ODDSMAKERS