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The No. 18 North Carolina Tar Heels (2-0) welcome the Minnesota Golden Gophers (2-0) to Kenan Memorial Stadium Saturday. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Minnesota vs. North Carolina odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.
The Tar Heels kicked off their season with a 31-17 win over South Carolina at a neutral site, covering as a 3-point favorite. North Carolina then beat App State 30-34 in overtime, but failed to cover as an 18-point favorite. It is led by QB Drake Maye, who has 477 yards, 2 TDs, and 2 INTs. North Carolina is No. 18 in the US LBM Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.
The Golden Gophers may be 2-0 straight up, but they are 0-2 against the spread (ATS). They beat Nebraska 13-10 to open the season, failing to cover as a 7.5-point favorite. They then beat Eastern Michigan 25-6, also letting down bettors as a 20-point favorite. Starting RB Sean Tyler has been the most productive player for Minnesota, rushing for 134 yards on 27 attempts.
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Minnesota at North Carolina odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 7:38 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Minnesota +225 (bet $100 to win $225) | North Carolina -275 (bet $275 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Minnesota +7.5 (-110) | North Carolina -7.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 51 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Minnesota at North Carolina picks and predictions
Prediction
North Carolina 24, Minnesota 17
Moneyline
PASS.
A sprinkle on Minnesota here wouldn’t be a bettor’s worst idea, but I would rather play the spread to back the Golden Gophers. While Minnesota hasn’t been overly impressive, the Tar Heels have been worse.
They were just 3-3 at home last season and struggled against both South Carolina and App State. Maye hasn’t looked like a QB who is expected to be a top-5 pick, and there’s no much reason to believe he’ll bounce back. Nonetheless, I’d pass on the moneyline.
Against the spread
LEAN MINNESOTA +7.5 (-110).
Through 2 games, Maye has 2 TDs and 2 picks. App State and South Carolina are solid competition, but he needs to be better. That said, UNC is 1-1 ATS this season and was just 2-4 ATS at home last season. A TD spread is too much credit to a team that arguably should’ve lost in Week 2.
Minnesota has struggled to cover, but it has yet to be an underdog this season and is 2-0 straight up. Tyler should propel the offense, and QB Athan Kaliakmanis, who is starting, has 1 TD and 2 INTs. He’s been good enough to keep this game close.
Back MINNESOTA +7.5 (-110).
Over/Under
BET UNDER 51 (-110).
Simply put, neither offense has looked competent. The Golden Gophers have averaged 19 points per game and are 0-2 O/U this season. North Carolina is 1-1 O/U. It won 40-34 against App State with 17 points coming in overtime, so that game nearly went Under too.
With Maye having yet to show that electric downfield arm, the Tar Heels may struggle offensively. Minnesota has yet to allow more than 10 points in a game this season as well.
Take UNDER 51 (-110).
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