North Carolina Tar Heels betting odds line spread pick predictions best bets

March Madness: Alabama vs. North Carolina odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Alabama vs. North Carolina odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The 4th-seeded Alabama Crimson Tide (23-11) face the top-seeded North Carolina Tar Heels (29-7) Thursday in a West Region Sweet 16 matchup. Tip-off from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles is set for 9:39 p.m. ET (CBS). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook ‘s lines around the Alabama vs. North Carolina odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

Alabama, ranked No. 18 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll, has advanced in the tournament with victories over Charleston and Grand Canyon. In the latter win, a 72-61 triumph covering as 5-point favorites Sunday, the Tide had to battle back from a 3-point deficit with 5:43 remaining.

North Carolina, tabbed as the national No. 4 in the coaches poll, has defeated Wagner and Michigan State. The Tar Heels’ Saturday win over MSU was a sturdy 85-69 job, covering a 4-point spread. Since Feb. 17, UNC is 10-1 with an average margin of victory of 13.1 points.

UA and UNC have met twice in the last 5 years, both times in early-season tournaments on neutral floors. The Tar Heels won in 2019 in a contest played in the Bahamas. In 2022, Alabama nipped North Carolina 103-101 in an overtime contest played in Portland.

Alabama vs. North Carolina odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 9:05 p.m. ET.

Moneyline: Alabama +160 (bet $100 to win $160) | North Carolina -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Alabama +4.5 (-110) | North Carolina -4.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 173.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Alabama vs. North Carolina picks and predictions

Prediction

North Carolina 85, Alabama 82

Moneyline

The lean here is on this being a close game, but UA is 1-9 straight up in its last 10 games as an underdog. Hold off on trying to cash on the Tide outright.

PASS.

Against the spread

The Crimson Tide are 9-5 ATS in non-SEC games.

Alabama looked to have been slumping in late February and early March, but its 2 tournament wins in this West bracket have been impressive.

Figure the public being a tad too high on the Tar Heels. While UNC has some systemic advantages (rebounding, free throws) in what figures to be a contest with a ton of possessions, its recent 3-point defense (39.6% last 3 games, 37.9% since Feb. 26) is a glaring issue against this fast-break, perimeter-launch Alabama 5.

On offense, Carolina can be goaded into taking too many mid-range, sub-optimal shots.

TAKE THE CRIMSON TIDE +4.5 (-110).

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Over/Under

Look for solid handles on the basketball at both ends, and figure inside looks for UA — normally a staple to be tougher to come by.

Both teams play fast. The Tide play exceedingly fast. And the only UNC-comparable defense they have seen in the SEC belongs to Tennessee. The O/U went 1-1 across UA and TU games in the regular season. The 2nd game was a drama-free Under; the 1st game hit the Over but only with some statistically unlikely transition and perimeter ball cranked out by the Volunteers.

BACK THE UNDER 173.5 (-110) in this one.

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March Madness: Michigan State vs. North Carolina odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Michigan State vs. North Carolina odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Michigan State Spartans (20-14) and North Carolina Tar Heels (28-7) are lined up for a West Region 2nd-round affair in Charlotte. Tip-off at Spectrum Center is slated for 5:30 p.m. ET (CBS). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook ‘s lines around the Michigan State vs. North Carolina odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

Michigan State, the No. 9 seed in the West, advanced through the 1st round after a 69-51 triumph as a 1.5-point favorite over 8th-seeded Mississippi State Thursday. MSU went 10-for-23 (43.5%) on 3-pointers with G Tyson Walker sinking 3 of 6 and finishing with a game-high 19 points. It was the Spartans’ 3rd consecutive cover against the spread.

North Carolina, ranked No. 5 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll, is the top seed in the West Region. The Tar Heels backed that up accordingly with a 90-62 rout of No. 16 seed Wagner Thursday, covering as 25.5-point favorites. UNC is 9-1 over its last 10 games, and has scored 90-plus in 3 of those 10.

Michigan State vs. North Carolina odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 10:42 p.m. ET.

Moneyline: Michigan State +150 (bet $100 to win $150) | North Carolina -185 (bet $185 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Michigan State +3.5 (-105) | North Carolina -3.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 140.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Michigan State vs. North Carolina picks and predictions

Prediction

North Carolina 72, Michigan State 70

Moneyline

MSU (+150) is the lean here but has better relative value getting the points. Should this tag reach +165 or so, the Spartans are a value play. PASS otherwise.

Against the spread

The Spartans are 8-4 ATS in non-conference play. UNC is 2-4 ATS when playing on 1-or-fewer days of rest. The Tar Heels are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games against a Big Ten opponent.

North Carolina likes to play with pace and is efficient at both ends. The Tar Heels have averaged a robust 81.7 points per game this season, and they excel in taking care of the basketball while playing up-tempo ball.

MSU is content to keep possessions in check and is 8-4 ATS when facing teams averaging 77-plus PPG. Still, the Spartans may need to have another good game from beyond the arc to make this a 50-50 game at the end. But in that regard, they are battling a UNC 5 that has trailed off in perimeter defense of late.

TAKE MICHIGAN STATE +3.5 (-105).

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Over/Under

The Over is 4-1 in Carolina’s last 5 games. It is 8-2 in 10 UNC neutral-site games.

Expect some lofty free-throw totals for the Tar Heels and at least the fair possibility of 9-or-more triples for the Spartans. Peg the public as reading into MSU’s low Thursday score a bit too much.

BET OVER 140.5 (-110) — the lean here isn’t much, so consider a partial-unit play.

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March Madness: Wagner vs. North Carolina odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Wagner vs. North Carolina odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Wagner Seahawks (17-15) and North Carolina Tar Heels (27-7) tangle in a West Region 1st-round game in Charlotte. Tip time at the Spectrum Center is slated for 2:45 p.m. ET (CBS). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Wagner vs. North Carolina odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

Wagner made the Tournament field as champions of the Northeast Conference. The Seahawks registered an underdog win in a Tuesday First Four game in Dayton. The No. 16 seed was a 3-point underdog in that one, a 71-68 triumph over Howard. The victory marked the Seahawks’ 4th in a row, marking the program’s longest streak since December of 2022.

North Carolina is ranked No. 5 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll. The West Region No. 1 seed won the regular-season ACC title, but the Tar Heels were ousted by NC State in the ACC Tournament title game Saturday. In that contest, UNC was a 10½-point favorite but was outshot by a wide margin in an 84-76 loss. The Wolfpack outshot the Tar Heels 54.9% to 37.3% from the floor.

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Wagner vs. North Carolina odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:230 a.m. ET.

Moneyline: Wagner +3000 (bet $100 to win $3,000) | North Carolina -10000 (bet $10,000 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Wagner +24.5 (-105) | North Carolina -24.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 133.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Wagner vs. North Carolina picks and predictions

Prediction

North Carolina 76, Wagner 56

Moneyline

PASS. Look for better relative value against the spread.

Against the spread

Wagner has played a suspect schedule, one ranked No. 361 by KenPom, and the Seahawks went into March having won just 13 games. Wagner is a very young team playing great perimeter defense of late (26.5% opponent 3-point accuracy across the last 7 games) and grinding games down to a glacial pace.

North Carolina will have a mammoth talent advantage in this one. Just as it had against 5 previous Quad 4 foes this season, games in which the Tar Heels went 2-3 ATS.

The Seahawks have won 4 in a row against the number. Perhaps the home-away-from-home Tar Heels succumb to a somewhat sleepy time slot or peeks ahead past a 16-seed. A Carolina win by 20-plus, yet still one not reaching this bar is likely enough to warrant an account login for WAGNER +24.5 (-105).

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Over/Under

WU games lined in the 130’s have seen the Under go 10-2. UNC ranks 23rd in the nation in scoring, at 81.6 points per game, but the Under has prevailed in 5 of its last 8 games.

When playing the faster teams in the NEC, the Seahawks have been successful in making Unders a profitable play. Both teams defend the 3-ball well and are solid enough in defensive rebounding. Those are relative matchups: The Tar Heels will still get their points, but UNDER 133.5 (-110) is worth a partial-unit play.

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ACC Tournament: NC State vs. North Carolina odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s NC State vs. North Carolina odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The NC State Wolfpack (21-14) square off against the North Carolina Tar Heels (27-6) in the ACC Tournament Championship Game from Capital One Arena Saturday. Tip is set for 8:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the NC State vs. North Carolina odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

NC State took Virginia to overtime Friday night and blew the doors off the arena, outscoring it 15-7 in the extra frame to capture a 73-65 win. F DJ Burns Jr. led the way with 19, and C Mohamed Diarra had 9 points and 12 boards. The Wolfpack upset Duke, 74-69, Thursday as 11-point underdogs and stand in the spotlight against their in-state rivals. They lost to the Tar Heels by 9 and 13 in their meetings this season.

UNC, No. 4 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll, was given a scare by the Pitt Panthers Friday night as they got down by 9 early on. UNC trimmed the lead to 2 and took control in the 2nd half to win 72-65. F Armando Bacot had 19 points and 11 boards. They walked all over Florida State in a 92-67 laugher Thursday.

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NC State vs. North Carolina odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:20 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): NC State +440 (bet $100 to win $440) | North Carolina -610 (bet $610 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): NC State +10.5 (-120) | North Carolina -10.5 (-102)
Over/Under (O/U): 144.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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NC State vs. North Carolina picks and predictions

Prediction

North Carolina 69, NC State 66

Moneyline

There is 1 way that NC State wins this game and punches its ticket to the Big Dance. It’ll have to slow this game down and use its size in the paint. Burns and Diarra have the advantage underneath. If it goes to them early and gets Bacot into foul trouble, that’s its only recipe for success. NC State was just 3-for-17 from distance in the semis against UVA and tied for 152 at 34.5% on the season. Tar Heels G RJ Davis had 25 against Pitt, and he’s the best player on the floor. However, if NC State gets to Bacot, it’ll expose them.

Can NC State pull off the massive upset in order to get the tournament? Perhaps. I’m just not willing to do anything more than toss a free bet on it because UNC is too talented.

Instead, take DJ BURNS JR. OVER 10.5 POINTS (-120). He has 11+ in 3 of 4 games, and he’s massive in the paint at 6-foot-9, 275 pounds.

Against the spread

I’m all over NC State catching 10.5 points here because I think it could upset the complacent Tar Heels. I didn’t like the energy UNC came out with against Pitt, and if it does that against the Wolfpack, it’ll be too late to awaken from the catnap.

Take NC STATE +10.5 (-120).

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Over/Under

As I mentioned, the only chance NC State has is to slow this down and work it inside. Whether or not they’re successful doesn’t matter, but the effort in itself will peg this one toward the Under. The Under has cashed in 4 straight matchups between the schools, but this one is significantly lower. It sounds like the books agree with my assessment on the pace of play.

LEAN UNDER 144.5 (-110).

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North Carolina at Duke odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s North Carolina at Duke odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The No. 7 North Carolina Tar Heels (24-6, 16-3 ACC) take on the No. 8 Duke Blue Devils (24-6, 15-4) Saturday at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Tip is set for 6:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the North Carolina vs. Duke odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

UNC, No. 7 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll, has won 5 straight after an 84-51 haymaker to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish Tuesday. G RJ Davis had 22 points and 6 assists. F Armando Bacot had 14 points and was 2-for-2 from behind the arc. Bacot had a huge game in the 93-84 home win over Duke Feb. 3 with 25 points, 10 boards and 5 assists.

Duke, No. 8 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll, has only lost twice in the last 13 games. It covered as a 6-point favorite in a 79-64 victory over NC State Monday. G Jeremy Roach had 21 points but shot just 1-for-7 from deep. He is just 1-for-11 (9.1%) from behind the arc in his last 2 games.

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North Carolina at Duke odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 9:05 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): North Carolina +160 (bet $100 to win $160) | Duke -194 (bet $194 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): North Carolina +4.5 (-110) | Duke -4.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 150.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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North Carolina at Duke picks and predictions

Prediction

North Carolina 76, Duke 72

Moneyline

Duke is 15-2 at home, but UNC has won 3 of the last 4 meetings at Cameron. C Kyle Filipowski hasn’t been the same since the infamous knee injury after the loss to Wake Forest. He has been held below double figures in 3 of the 6 games since then. Roach is struggling from deep, and the Tar Heels are really humming right now.

Take NORTH CAROLINA +160.

Against the spread

Even if UNC can’t get it done, I still like it to cover this spread. UNC is 6-4 ATS in the last 10 meetings with Duke. UNC covered in the 9-point victory at its house as a 5-point favorite.

Take NORTH CAROLINA +4.5 (-110).

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Over/Under

Duke is just 2-8 O/U over the last 10 games while UNC is 4-6. They take it to another level when facing one another, though, as the Over is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings. After 177 points in the 1st meeting, this OVER 150.5 (-110) looks like easy money.

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Notre Dame at North Carolina odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Notre Dame at North Carolina odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Notre Dame Fighting Irish (12-17, 7-11 ACC) and North Carolina Tar Heels (23-6, 15-3) meet Tuesday at the Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill, N.C. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ACC Network). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Notre Dame vs. North Carolina odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

The Fighting Irish are playing their best basketball of the season, posting back-to-back wins, and victories in 5 of the past 6 outings. Notre Dame has tied a season best with 4 straight covers, too, while going 5-1 against the spread (ATS) across the previous 6 contests.

This is the 1st meeting since Feb. 22, 2023, when UNC picked up a 63-59 win in South Bend, although the Irish earned the cover as 6-point underdogs. UNC has won 8 of the past 10 in the series, but the Irish are 3-2 ATS in the past 5 meetings, with the Over going 3-1 in the past 4 in the series.

The Tar Heels have picked up 4 straight wins since Feb. 13, a 86-79 loss at Syracuse. UNC has failed to cover the past 2 outings, both as a double-digit favorite. The Under has cashed in 3 consecutive contests.

North Carolina is No. 7 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

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Notre Dame at North Carolina odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:32 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Notre Dame +980 (bet $100 to win $980) | North Carolina -2000 (bet $2,000 to win $100)
Against the spread: Notre Dame +15.5 (-114) | North Carolina -15.5 (-106)
Over/Under (O/U): 137.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Notre Dame at North Carolina picks and predictions

Prediction

North Carolina 73, Notre Dame 61

Moneyline

North Carolina (-2000) will cost you 20 times your potential return, and that’s obviously way too much risk and not enough reward. In fact, for every $100 risked, you would make just $5 of profit.

Even as part of a multi-team parlay, there is just no sense including UNC as part of your ticket.

PASS.

Against the spread

NOTRE DAME +15.5 (-114) is a strong play catching more than 15 points.

The Fighting Irish have covered 4 in a row, and 5 of the past 6 games, and it is a solid 6-2 ATS in the previous 8 as an underdog of 9.5 or more points.

North Carolina -15.5 (-106) cannot be trusted. UNC has failed to cover as a double-digit favorite in its last 2 games, while going just 2-5 ATS in the previous 7 games since Feb. 6. At home, it is just 4-5 ATS in 9 conference battles this season.

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Over/Under

UNDER 137.5 (-105) is a little on the low side, but it’s a solid play.

The total went low last time out for the Fighting Irish against Clemson in a 69-62 win as the Under (132.5) just came through. The Under is 2-1 in the past 3 games on the road, too.

For the Tar Heels, the Under has cashed in 3 in a row, while going 4-3 in the past 7 conference games at the Dean Dome, too.

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NC State at North Carolina odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s NC State at North Carolina odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The No. 8 North Carolina Tar Heels (22-6, 14-3 ACC) welcome the NC State Wolfpack (17-11, 9-8) to the Dean E. Smith Center Saturday. Tip is set for 4 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the NC State vs. North Carolina odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

North Carolina is No. 8 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll. UNC beat the Miami Hurricanes 75-71 Monday, failing to cover as a 15-point home favorite. The Tar Heels have won 3 straight games and are 4-2 straight up over their last 6. They are 2-4 against the spread (ATS) over the 6 games but 15-12-1 ATS on the season. North Carolina is led by G RJ Davis, who is averaging 21.7 points per game.

NC State lost on the road to the Florida State Seminoles 90-83 Tuesday, failing to cover as a 3-point underdog. The Wolfpack have lost 4 of their last 6 and are 3-3 ATS in that span. NC State is 12-15-1 ATS on the season and is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 on the road. The Pack are led by G DJ Horne, who is averaging 17.5 points per game.

UNC won 67-54 as a 2.5-point road underdog in the 1st meeting with NC State this season (Jan. 10) with the Under (154) cashing.

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NC State at North Carolina odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:14 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): NC State +430 (bet $100 to win $430) | North Carolina -600 (bet $600 to win $100)
Against the spread: NC State +10.5 (-110) | North Carolina -10.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 154.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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NC State at North Carolina picks and predictions

Prediction

North Carolina 84, NC State 73

Moneyline

PASS.

The Tar Heels (-600) have been too consistently good this season to bet against them at home, where they are 12-1. However, they are also far too expensive to take outright. AVOID a moneyline play.

Against the spread

BET NORTH CAROLINA -10.5 (-110).

The Tar Heels are 5-3 ATS in their last 8 games as double-digit favorites. They’re also 5-3 ATS in their last 8 home games. UNC is 2-1 ATS in its last 3 games, including 1-1 as a double-digit favorite.

As mentioned, NC State is 12-15-1 ATS on the season, but it is just 3-5 ATS in its last 7 contests. The Wolfpack don’t have the consistency to hang with a team like the rival Heels. They have 4 players averaging more than 5.6 points per game — all 4 average more than 11.6 PPG or more — and 2 of them shoot under 42% from the field.

UNC has more depth in scoring and is more well-rounded side. TAKE NORTH CAROLINA -10.5 (-110).

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Over/Under

LEAN OVER 154.5 (-115).

North Carolina plays at an ultra-fast pace and has both efficiency scoring and ample size to crash the offensive glass. The Tar Heels have gone Over in 4 of their last 8 games and have scored at least 75 in 6 of their last 7. They have allowed at least 80 in 2 of their last 4.

NC State has gone Over in 5 straight games, scoring at least 80 in 3 straight and allowing at least 83 in 3 of its last 5. That said, expect a high-pace game and TAKE OVER 154.5 (-115).

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North Carolina at Georgia Tech odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s North Carolina at Georgia Tech odds and lines, with college football expert picks and predictions.

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The North Carolina Tar Heels (6-1, 3-1, ACC) and Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (3-4, 2-2) tangle Saturday at Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta. Kickoff is at 8 p.m. ET (ACC Network). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the North Carolina vs. Georgia Tech odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

North Carolina is No. 17 in the US LBM Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports. The Tar Heels are coming off their 1st loss of the season, 31-27 last Saturday to the 24-point underdog Virginia Cavaliers. UNC will not only look to bounce back from that stunning upset but from a 21-17 loss to these Yellow Jackets last Nov. 19 as a 22-point favorite.

Georgia Tech lost to Boston College 38-23 last Saturday as a 6-point home favorite. The Yellow Jackets were undone by allowing the Eagles to rush for 308 yards. GTU has yielded 227.7 yards per game on the ground to rank 132nd in FBS.

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North Carolina at Georgia Tech odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 11:05 a.m. ET.

Moneyline: North Carolina -450 (bet $450 to win $100) | Georgia Tech +333 (bet $100 to win $333)
Against the spread (ATS): North Carolina -11.5 (-110) | Georgia Tech +11.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 63.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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North Carolina at Georgia Tech picks and predictions

Prediction

North Carolina 38, Georgia Tech 17

Moneyline

The true odds — as usual in double-digit-lined games — likely … very likely … lie between these tags. PASS.

Against the spread

North Carolina is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games. The Tar Heels are 4-1 over their last 5 games when lined as a double-digit favorite (3-1 ATS in their last 4 such games on the road). Georgia Tech is 2-12 ATS in its last 14 home games.

UNC has a diversified offense that stays on schedule while producing explosive plays. The Tar Heels have been below-average in turning quality drives into points (73.1% red-zone scoring ranks 11th in ACC). With this group, that’s a growth area, perhaps especially against a GTU defense that yields quite a few marches across the midfield stripe.

Look for a North Carolina offense that went 4-for-15 on 3rd and 4th downs last week to get back on top of things. Peg the ground-bound Yellow Jackets as a squad not built for a comeback.

TAKE NORTH CAROLINA -11.5 (-110).

Over/Under

This match-up has just a sliver of an Under lean. On a full slate of games, account log-ins are better spent elsewhere. PASS.

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Virginia at North Carolina odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Virginia at North Carolina odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Virginia Cavaliers (1-5, 0-2 ACC) and North Carolina Tar Heels (6-0, 3-0) meet Saturday at Kenan Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET (CW Network). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Virginia vs. North Carolina odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

The Cavaliers have been hot garbage for most of the season. While they picked up a feel-good 27-13 win against William & Mary of the FCS to earn their first victory of the season, Virginia is still winless in 5 tries against FBS opponents. On a positive note, it has covered in each of its 2 ACC outings.

The Tar Heels cracked the Top 10 with a 40-7 thumping of Syracuse 2 weeks ago. UNC has not only won all 6 games, but the Tar Heels have posted 3 straight wins inside the conference by 10 or more points, while winning 4 straight by 10+ points. UNC has covered 4 in a row, too.

North Carolina is No. 10 in the US LBM Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

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Virginia 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 at 9:27 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Virginia +1100 (bet $100 to win $1,100) | North Carolina -2500 (bet $2,500 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Virginia +23.5 (-105) | North Carolina -23.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 57.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Virginia at North Carolina picks and predictions

Prediction

North Carolina 45, Virginia 20

Moneyline

North Carolina (-2500) will cost you 25 times your potential return, or in other words, $4 profit for every $100 risked. If you need $4 that badly, go turn in some aluminum cans, or buy a metal detector and check for coins at the beach. Anything is better than risking that much for so little.

AVOID.

Against the spread

NORTH CAROLINA -23.5 (-115) is a risky play in this one, believe it or not. This is the longest-running rivalry in the South, as these teams meet for the 129th time. UNC leads the all-time series 66-58-4, while Virginia +23.5 (-105) has won 4 of the past 6.

That all being said, go with the Tar Heels. They’re a top-10 team, putting up 31 or more points in every game this season. Virginia is in bad shape, although it has covered 3 straight, including both ACC games. I just think QB Drake Maye and the offense picks this Hoos team apart, however.

Over/Under

OVER 57.5 (-115) is the play for this ACC tangle at Kenan, and UNC should do most of the heavy lifting to the total across the finish line.

This is a team which has posted 31 or more points in every game this season. Virginia has allowed 24 or more points in all 5 games against FBS opponents, cashing the Over at a 4-1 clip in those outings. Go high, and feel confident in doing so.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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Miami at North Carolina odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Miami at North Carolina odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Miami Hurricanes (4-1, 0-1 ACC) hit the road to battle the North Carolina Tar Heels (5-0, 2-0) on Saturday. Kickoff at Kenan Memorial Stadium in Chapel Hill is at 7:30 p.m. ET (ABC). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Miami vs. North Carolina odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

The Hurricanes are coming off their 1st loss of the season, where they literally fumbled the game away in the final minute 23-20 against Georgia Tech as a -1600 favorite. It will be interesting to see how Miami responds after turning the ball over 5 times against the Yellow Jackets. Although the Hurricanes offense has run the ball well, they will lean on QB Tyler Van Dyke to exploit the Tar Heels defense through the air.

The Tar Heels are coming off a 40-7 blowout of Syracuse last week as 9.5-point favorites. QB Drake Maye threw for 442 yards and 3 TDs to insert himself into the Heisman conversation. WR Devontez Walker, who transferred from Kent State, was back last week and appears to have been implemented into the offense just fine with 6 receptions.

Miami is No. 25 and North Carolina No.12 in the US LBM Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports

Stream select live college football games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Miami 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 Friday at 12:48 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Miami +140 (bet $100 to win $140) | North Carolina -165 (bet $165 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Miami +3.5 (-115) | North Carolina -3.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 56.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Miami at North Carolina picks and predictions

Prediction

Miami 47, North Carolina 35

Moneyline

SLAM THE U (+140).

While North Carolina is predicted to win this game by just over a field goal, these teams are very similar. The Canes will look to take advantage of a Tar Heels defense that hasn’t seen an offense like Miami’s all season. There’s simply great value in Miami as underdogs coming off the heart-wrenching defeat. Van Dyke has 12 passing TDs to Maye’s 8, and has completed nearly 73% of his passes. The U has won 4 of their last 5 away games and that trend can easily continue if their stars play like stars Saturday night.

Against the spread

BET MIAMI +3.5 (-115).

Although North Carolina has won 4 straight in this ACC rivalry, I just don’t see Miami having consecutive underwhelming performances. This defense is too talented led by DB Kamren Kinchens, DB James Williams and DL Jahfari Harvey. They’ll be hungry to prove last week was a fluke as they beat themselves, and one, if not multiple members of this trio, will force a turnover. I’m not entirely sure this one will even be close, as the hungry Canes pick up coach Cristobal.

Over/Under

POUND OVER 57.5 (-110).

Expect this game to be high scoring, with 2 of the ACC’s top QBs. With Maye coming off arguably the best game of his career, points shouldn’t be a problem with their new-look offense.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:
Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Clemson / Colorado / Florida / Georgia / Iowa / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Nebraska / North Carolina / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / Texas A&M / USC / Wisconsin / Recruiting / Transfer portal / College Football Playoffs / College Sports Wire

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