Scully's NCAAF Week 6 picks: UNC will find its footing against VT

The 2020 college football season has been anything but normal, but it is exciting nonetheless. The Pac-12 has announced its return will come in November, and the Big Ten is two weeks from getting underway.

After a 2-1 ATS performance in Week 4, I am playing a couple ACC teams and a SEC underdog in Week 5.

Louisville vs. Georgia Tech 

With a week off to prepare, Louisville will finally get its offense going. Georgia Tech was worn down by winless Syracuse last week, surrendered 37 points, and won’t be able to match points with Louisville.

The Cardinals brought back all their skill players and entered this season with high expectations, after they averaged more than 42 points per game in their final three wins last year.

However, they have felt the loss of offensive tackle Mekhi Becton, the first-round draft pick of the New York Jets, as Malik Cunningham has been sacked 11 times and has thrown five interceptions.

Louisville’s defense is not good, but this game will come down to offense. Miami and Pittsburgh, Louisville's previous opponents, are much better defensively than Georgia Tech. Both gave Louisville serious trouble, but running back Javian Hawkins and wide receiver Tutu Atwell are eligible to have breakout games Friday.

Georgia Tech freshman quarterback Jeff Sims has struggled since he led a comeback win over punchless Florida State in the Yellow Jackets' opener, and the inconsistent signal caller will be asked to do too much here.

Pick: Louisville -4

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#19 Virginia Tech vs. #8 North Carolina

After a couple sloppy wins, North Carolina will find its footing with a convincing victory over Virginia Tech. The Tar Heels have too much firepower, and this is a revenge setting, after a tough, six-overtime loss in Blacksburg last season.

North Carolina had to endure a three-week layoff after its opener, because of a cancellation, and the young team was mistake-prone at Boston College last week, when it recorded nine penalties and multiple errors on special teams.

The ground game led the way, with 176 rushing yards, and quarterback Sam Howell should bounce back after a disappointing 14-for-26 passing performance.

Virginia Tech is making the most of a limited roster, as 21 players were sidelined because of injuries or the coronavirus last week.

The Hokies have shown grit to get to 2-0. They outscored winless Duke, 38-31, in Week 4, but North Carolina is much better than their first two opponents.

Virginia Tech’s shortcomings will catch up to them in Chapel Hill.

Pick: North Carolina -5

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Arkansas vs. #13 Auburn

The points are attractive in what is expected to be a low-scoring game.

Arkansas snapped a 20-game SEC losing streak in Week 4, when it held a potent Mississippi State offense mostly in check.

The Razorbacks are playing with an edge defensively, and transfer Feleipe Franks has taken the reins at quarterback. He completed 20 of his 28 passes, with two touchdowns and no interceptions, Saturday.

This is not the same Auburn defense from last year. The Tigers were easily outgained by Kentucky in their opener, when they took advantage of mistakes and a few deep passes to win by a deceiving double-digit margin, and they were pummeled by Georgia last week.

Auburn doesn’t run the ball effectively, either. The Tigers were held to 39 yards on 22 carries last week, and quarterback Bo Nix is more of a dual threat than a pocket passer.

New coach Sam Pittman has changed the culture at Arkansas, and the Hogs are no longer a pushover.

Pick: Arkansas +14

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James Scully's 2020 NCAAF record ATS on BetAmerica heading into Week 6: 4-7