Every week the Blue Zone gives you our can't-lose prop bets for the upcoming football game:
Duke (+165)
Although Georgia Tech enters this week’s battle with Duke as the favored side, both teams struggled mightily last time out. Duke suffered a 38-7 loss against the rival Tar Heels as opposing quarterback Sam Howell left the Blue Devil secondary grasping for answers. It was an overall poor performance by Duke, one that the team hopes to prove evanescent in Blue Devil memory.
The Yellow Jackets also suffered a lopsided defeat, falling to Pittsburgh, 52-21. Despite being 2-3, Georgia Tech has established that it can move the ball downfield effectively. The same Tar Heels that embarrassed Duke last week were themselves humiliated the week prior against the Yellow Jackets.
Both Duke and Georgia Tech sit at 3-2 against the spread. In a vacuum, I would expect Georgia Tech to come away with the win, but at an appealing price, it's better this time to rationalize with hope rather than logic.
Pick: Duke moneyline (+165)
Time of first score over/under 5 minutes elapsed
Both Duke and Georgia Tech have struggled in the first quarter this season. Additionally, the first few minutes have often been a little loose and conservative from both sides. Expect slow starts from both teams to open the game. With a chance of rain on Saturday, drops and errant throws may hinder offensive success, especially early on. Although this type of prop will likely engender anxiety in most watchers, there's value in the over here.
Pick: Over 5 minutes elapsed (-137)
Gunnar Holmberg over/under 0.5 interceptions
Duke quarterback Gunnar Holmberg has three picks on the year, but Georgia Tech’s secondary has already proven that they can force turnovers against a longer-established passer in Howell. Holmberg has been intercepted in each of the last three games, and I'd expect more of the same against a capable, though erratic, Georgia Tech defense. Turnovers have not been a rarity for the Blue Devils recently, making this prop a good play.
Pick: Over 0.5 interceptions (-145)
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