North Carolina Tar Heels betting odds line spread pick predictions best bets – Page 3

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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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

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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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Syracuse at North Carolina odds, picks and predictions

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

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The No. 13 North Carolina Tar Heels (4-0) welcome the Syracuse Orange (4-1) to Kenan Memorial Stadium Saturday. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Syracuse vs. North Carolina odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

The Tar Heels beat the Pittsburgh Panthers 41-24 in Week 4, covering as a 7-point road favorite. North Carolina had a bye last week. It is 3-1 against the spread (ATS) and has won 3 of its 4 games by double figures. It is just 1-1 ATS at home though. The Tar Heels are led by projected top-3 pick QB Drake Maye, who has 5 TDs and 4 INTs in 4 games. North Carolina is No. 13 in the US LBM Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Syracuse is coming off its 1st loss of the season, a 31-14 defeat at home against the Clemson Tigers. The Orange closed as a 7.5-point underdog. They are 1-0 ATS on the road and 3-1-1 ATS on the season. In Syracuse’s lone road game, it won 35-20 over Purdue. QB Garrett Schrader leads the team, throwing for 8 TDs and also tallying 340 rushing yards.

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Syracuse 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 9:51 a.m. ET,

Moneyline (ML): Syracuse +290 (bet $100 to win $290) | North Carolina -375 (bet $375 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Syracuse +10 (-110) | North Carolina -10 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 59.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Syracuse at North Carolina picks and predictions

Prediction

North Carolina 31, Syracuse 24

Moneyline

PASS.

Simply put, the Tar Heels haven’t been good enough to warrant a -375 favorite. However, at home, they shouldn’t be bet against either, especially after Syracuse struggled more than expected against Clemson in Week 5.

Avoid this play all around.

Against the spread

LEAN SYRACUSE +10 (-110).

The Orange struggled against Clemson, but otherwise, they have impressed. They beat Army 29-16, Purdue 35-10 and Western Michigan 48-7. On the road, they are 1-0 ATS.

For North Carolina, it is 1-1 ATS at home but is 0-1 ATS this season as a favorite of 10 or more points. Back SYRACUSE +10 (-110).

Over/Under

BET UNDER 59.5 (-110).

Both teams have had solid defensive efforts this season. Syracuse ranks 21st in the nation in opponents yards per play at 4.6 with North Carolina sitting 35th at 5.0. The Orange are 1-4 O/U and have held their opponent to 20 or fewer in 4 of 5 games.

UNC is 2-2 O/U, but has scored more than 31 points just twice and will be facing a competent defense. Also, had 20 points not been scored in overtime in the UNC-App State game, that would’ve ducked under the 58.5 total. Given both teams’ trends, back UNDER 59.5 (-110).

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North Carolina at Pitt odds, picks and predictions

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

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The Pitt Panthers (1-2) welcome the No. 17 North Carolina Tar Heels (3-0) to Acrisure Stadium Saturday. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET (ACCN). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the North Carolina vs. Pitt odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

North Carolina is 2-1 against the spread (ATS) this season, and it is coming off a 31-13 win over the Minnesota Golden Gophers in which it covered as a 7-point favorite. The Tar Heels are led by QB Drake Maye, who has 891 passing yards through 3 games and 4 TDs. He also has 4 INTs. North Carolina is No. 17 in the US LBM Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

The Panthers opened the season with a 45-7 win over the Wofford Terriers but have lost 2 straight games, dropping Week 2 to the Cincinnati Bearcats 27-21 and Week 3 to the West Virginia Mountaineers 17-6. Pittsburgh is 0-2-1 ATS this season. It is led by QB Phil Jurkovec, who has 474 passing yards, 4 TDs and 3 INTs on the season.

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North Carolina at Pitt odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:17 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): North Carolina -300 (bet $300 to win $100) | Pitt +240 (bet $100 to win $240)
Against the spread (ATS): North Carolina -7.5 (-105) | Pitt +7.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 50.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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North Carolina at Pitt picks and predictions

Prediction

North Carolina 31, Pitt 17

Moneyline

PASS.

There’s nothing to see here.

A top-25 side going into a difficult environment is not worth a play at -300. Similarly, Pitt has lost to 2 teams, both of which are worse than UNC, and likely won’t win. Also, not worth a play at +240.

Against the spread

BET NORTH CAROLINA -7.5 (-105).

UNC is coming off a big-time win over Minnesota in which it looked like the preseason team everyone thought it would be. North Carolina rolled the Golden Gophers, beating them by 18 despite being just a 7-point favorite.

UNC has a drastic advantage at QB with Maye. Jurkovec has just a 46.7% completion rate and will struggle against the Tar Heels. The Panthers lost by 6 to Cincinnati in Week 2 despite being 6.5-point favorites. They aren’t worth backing here, and the quarterback difference makes the Tar Heels a strong play.

UNC is also 2-1 ATS while Pitt is 0-2-1 ATS, so the Tar Heels have been better than books have expected while the Panthers have struggled. Take NORTH CAROLINA -7.5 (-105).

Over/Under

LEAN UNDER 50.5 (-115).

The Tar Heels gave up 34 points to App State in Week 2, but other than that, they have allowed just 15 points per game in the other 2 weeks. They are 1-2 O/U.

Given Jurkovec’s accuracy issues, they may be able to limit the Panthers at home. The Tar Heels have also topped 31 just once this season while Pitt has held its opponent to 17 or fewer in 2 of 3 games.

Expect a sloppy game on Saturday and take UNDER 50.5 (-115).

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Minnesota at North Carolina odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Xday’s VFirstNameOnly at HFirstNameOnly odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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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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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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Appalachian State at North Carolina odds, picks and predictions

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

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The Appalachian State Mountaineers (1-0) and the North Carolina Tar Heels (1-0) meet Saturday at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:15 p.m. ET (ACC Network). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Appalachian State vs. North Carolina odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

App State opened its season with a 45-25 victory over the Bulldogs of Gardner-Webb from nearby Boiling Springs, N.C. The Mountaineers were unable to cover the 23-point number against the FCS foe as the Over (51) cashed rather easily. App State gained 394 total yards to 365 for GW, but the big difference was a plus-3 turnover margin.

UNC opened the season with a resounding 31-17 win over border rival South Carolina at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte last Saturday. QB Drake Maye tossed a pair of TDs, and the Heels got after it on D with 9 sacks. That helped mask a concern, as Carolina was minus-2 in turnover margin.

North Carolina is No. 16 in the USA TODAY Sports AFCA Coaches Poll.

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Appalachian State 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 Thurday at 7:53 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Appalachian State +700 (bet $100 to win $700) | North Carolina -1100 (bet $1100 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Appalachian State +19.5 (-115) | North Carolina -19.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 58 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Appalachian State at North Carolina picks and predictions

Prediction

North Carolina 45, Appalachian State 30

Moneyline

North Carolina (-1100) will cost you 11 times your potential return, and that’s quite a bit to risk on a singular wager. Even as part of a multi-team parlay, including UNC straight up is not a wise play, and sucks all of the value out of your ticket. Over the long term, betting such heavy favorites is not a good betting strategy.

AVOID.

Against the spread

APPALACHIAN STATE +19.5 (-115) is worth a look. Remember, these teams played an epic 63-61 game in Boone last season, with the Mountaineers giving the Tar Heels all they could handle. Will we see anything close to that? It’s doubtful, but this is a big game for Yosef Nation and the App State fans, and the Mountaineers should be able to keep it within 2 TDs.

Over/Under

OVER 58 (-110) might be the best play on the board in this battle.

Again, we had 124 total points in last season’s matchup, with both sides eclipsing this total on their own. We aren’t going to see that again. But these teams suddenly didn’t become Iowa or San Diego State, i.e. teams which have lockdown defenses. We’ll see our share of points at Kenan on Saturday, just not a video game like at Kidd Brewer Stadium last season.

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North Carolina vs. South Carolina odds, picks and predictions

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

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The North Carolina Tar Heels and the South Carolina Gamecocks open the regular season at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (ABC). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the North Carolina vs. South Carolina odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

The Tar Heels look to avenge a 38-21 setback on Dec. 30, 2021, in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl against the Gamecocks. In fact, each of the past 3 meetings in this border state rivalry have been played in Charlotte since 2015, with the Gamecocks winning a regular-season meeting Sept. 3, 2015, and the bowl game. UNC won 24-20 on Aug. 31, 2019, in the opener that season.

North Carolina QB Drake Maye begins his 2nd season under center, and he looks to build upon his outstanding 2022 campaign which had some whispering about the Heisman Trophy. He completed 66.2% of his passes for 4,321 yards, 38 TDs and 7 INTs, while also running for 698 yards and 7 scores.

South Carolina has a pretty good field general, too. QB Spencer Rattler also completed 66.2% of his attempts for 3,026 yards, 18 TDs and 12 INTs, while being sacked 31 times. He isn’t nearly as much of a threat as Maye in the run game, although he did sneak into the end zone on 3 occasions, and his rushing numbers were dented by all of the sacks.

North Carolina is No. 20 in the USA TODAY Sports AFCA Coaches Poll.

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North Carolina vs. South 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 6:46 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): North Carolina -140 (bet $140 to win $100) | South Carolina +115 (bet $100 to win $115)
Against the spread (ATS): North Carolina -2.5 (-110) | South Carolina +2.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 64.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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North Carolina vs. South Carolina picks and predictions

Prediction

North Carolina 40, South Carolina 35

Moneyline

NORTH CAROLINA (-140) is worth playing in this revenge game, especially with Maye at the helm. While he’ll have to make his way into the 2023 season without last season’s leading receiver, WR Josh Downs, the cupboard is anything but bare in Chapel Hill, as far as skill position players are concerned.

Unfortunately for Maye, WR Tez Walker, who transferred in from Kent State, will not play Saturday, as UNC awaits an NCAA ruling on his eligibility for 2023.

Still, Maye will do enough with his arm, and his feet, to be the difference maker in this game. I like Rattler, but his offensive line is a concern for me.

Against the spread

NORTH CAROLINA -2.5 (-110) is the lean, especially if it remains under a flat 3. I would have liked to see more firepower with Walker as a downfield threat, but even without the pass catcher, I think the Heels have more than enough on offense to win a high-scoring game.

Over/Under

OVER 64.5 (-110) might be the best play on the board.

UNC wasn’t exactly efficient on defense, and the offense was forced into several high-scoring games, especially early in the 2022 campaign. Remember that insane 63-61 win at Appalachian State last September? The Heels scored 31 or more points in 9 of their 1st 10 games last season, and there is no reason to believe it won’t be all gas and no brakes again in 2023.

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

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

The North Carolina Tar Heels (20-12) will take on the No. 11 Virginia Cavaliers (23-6) on Thursday in the ACC Tournament quarterfinals at Greensboro Coliseum. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the North Carolina vs. Virginia odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Rankings courtesy of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

The 7th-seeded Tar Heels cruised to an 85-61 win over Boston College in the 2nd round on Wednesday to cover as 11-point favorites. North Carolina has won 4 of its last 5 games.

The 2nd-seeded Cavaliers failed to cover as 18.5-point home favorites despite beating Louisville 75-60 in its last regular-season game on Saturday. Virginia has gone 7-3 in its last 10 games.

North Carolina and Virginia will meet for the 3rd time this season with both teams winning at home. The Cavaliers won as 4.5-point favorites 65-58 on Jan. 10 as the 132.5 Under hit. The Tar Heels won as 4.5-point favorites 71-63 on Feb. 25 as the 132.5 Over cashed.

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North Carolina vs. Virginia odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:08 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): North Carolina +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Virginia -135 (bet $135 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): North Carolina +2.5 (-115) | Virginia -2.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 129.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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North Carolina vs. Virginia picks and predictions

Prediction

Virginia 71, North Carolina 65

Moneyline

BET VIRGINIA (-135).

North Carolina desperately needs a win to have any chance of clinching a spot in the NCAA Tournament. That being said, Virginia is 15-5 against ACC opponents this season.

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Against the spread

VIRGINIA -2.5 (-105) is the pick with it not being a massive spread for the Cavaliers. The Cavaliers are 2-0 ATS at a neutral site this season; the Tar Heels are 2-3-1 ATS on neutral courts.

North Carolina is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games following an ATS win, and the favorite is 16-5 ATS in the last 21 meetings.

Over/Under

OVER 129.5 (-110) is how I’d bet the total with North Carolina allowing 71.3 points per game (222nd in the nation). Both teams are also averaging a combined 144.7 points per game this season.

The Tar Heels and the Cavaliers are a combined 6-2 to the Over in neutral-site games this season.

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