Virginia At Connecticut NCAAF Week 3 Winning Predictions

The Connecticut Huskies (1-1) and the Virginia Cavaliers (0-2) will be squaring it out in one of the few top non-conference college football games this weekend. Here’s a brief NCAA football lines outlook at this game, including free online sportsbetting picks for the matchup.

Analyzing The Cavaliers At Huskies NCAAF Week 3 Winning Predictions

Where: Rentschler Field, East Hartford, Connecticut When: Saturday, September 17, 1:30 PM ET TV: ESPN 3 Radio: WINA 1070AM, Satellite Radio – Sirius 93, XM 204 Live Stream: Watch ESPN NCAAF Lines: Connecticut (-4.5), OVER/UNDER 48.5    

Why Bet on Virginia

In spite of a strong effort from QB Kurt Benkert (20 of 39 passes for 193 yards and 2 touchdowns) and RB Albert Reid (126 yards and a touchdown in 15 carries), the Virginia Cavaliers still got overpowered by the Oregon Duck in a 44-26 loss last week. To have a chance of notching their first win this season, the Cavs will need to patch up their leaky defense that is allowing 40.50 PPG through the first two games, and then hope for another good performance from UVA’s offense that is averaging 23.00 PPG scoring on the season.

Why Bet on Connecticut

The Cornhuskers (24.00 PPG scoring, 24.50 PPG allowed) have been a considerably balanced unit through their first two games. A big reason behind UCONN’s strong start to the season is that Quarterback Bryant Shirreffs, the team co-captain, has been playing well this season and is coming off a an efficient performance against Navy, where he set the school record for single-game completion percentage by completing 23 of his 26 passing attempts (88.4%) for 239 yards and a touchdown. Senior receiver Noel Thomas has been Shirreffs’ top target, ranking third in the NCAA with 10.0 receptions per game this season, including 116 yards and a touchdown in 11 receptions vs. Navy last week. Meanwhile, safety Obi Melifonwu (14 tackles in two games thus far in 2016) has been a standout performer in the Huskies’ defense, so expect him to lead UCONN’s defensive troops this weekend.

Expert NCAAF Picks and Predictions

The fact that Virginia has scored touchdowns on 6 of its 7 red zone trips this season (good enough for 85.71%, which ranks 13th nationally through two weeks) underlines the Cavs’ potential to keep this game close and even deliver an upset over UCONN. After all, Connecticut Huskies is just 18-37 against current members of the ACC. Unfortunately for UVA’s supporters; Virginia has not yet recorded a road win since 2012 while UCONN is 2-0 ATS in its two all-time meetings vs. the Cavs. This suggests that the betting value in this game is very likely to be with the Huskies.

Predicted Final Score: Connecticut 32, Virginia 25

Writer’s Pick: UCONN (-4.5)