5* ACC IN-STATE RIVAL GAME OF THE WEEK

North Carolina vs. North Carolina State, 02/21/2012 20:00 EDT, Score: 86 - 74

Point Spread: -6½/-109 North Carolina

Sportsbook: 5Dimes

Result: Win

This may seem like a good spot to fade the Tar Heels on the road against in-state rival NC State, but I think this is a very difficult spot for the Wolfpack. NC State is coming off consecutive losses to Duke and Florida State, the two teams tied with North Carolina on top the ACC. Asking NC State to get up for a third straight game against one of the best teams in the conference is asking a lot, especially a North Carolina team that would love nothing more than to bury the Wolfpack early.

The Tar Heels had no trouble against NC State at home just a few weeks back, crushing the Wolfpack 74-55. NC State is a respectable 7-5 in conference play, but five of those seven wins have game against Wake Forest, Boston College, and Georgia Tech, who are a combined 8-30 in conference play.

NC State is just 4-16-1 ATS in their last 21 home games and 0-6 ATS in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a winning road record, while North Carolina is 10-4-1 ATS in their last 15 games as a favorite of 0.5-6.5. BET THE TAR HEELS!