North Carolina at Virginia Tech odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s North Carolina at Virginia Tech odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The No. 15 North Carolina Tar Heels (5-3, 0-0 ACC) visit the Virginia Tech Hokies (7-1, 0-0) in a game that marks the ACC opener for both teams. Tip time at Cassell Coliseum in Blacksburg is slated for 3 p.m. ET (ACC Network). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the North Carolina vs. Virginia Tech odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Rankings courtesy of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

North Carolina has not played at home since Nov. 20. This contest at Va. Tech marks the Tar Heels’ 5th straight game away from Chapel Hill (3 neutral-site, 2 road).

In the most recent of those road tilts, UNC fell to No. 8 Indiana 77-65 as a 4.5-point underdog Wednesday. North Carolina — which went 15-5 in ACC play last season (2nd place) — was a bit flat in that contest. The Tar Heels shot a season-low 33.9% and were not within 2 scores over the final 15 minutes.

The Hokies take to their home hardwood with a 7-1 mark on the season, but there are just 2-6 against the spread. Those 6 ATS setbacks have come in a row since opening the season with 2 ATS wins. That stretch includes Virginia Tech defeating Minnesota 67-57 Monday in their last contest, but failing to cover a 12.5-point spread.

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North Carolina at Virginia Tech odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:25 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: North Carolina -115 (bet $115 to win $100) | Virginia Tech -115 (bet $115 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): North Carolina +1.5 (-125) | Virginia Tech -1.5 (+105)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 142.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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North Carolina at Virginia Tech picks and predictions

Prediction

Virginia Tech 68, North Carolina 66

Moneyline

UVA is the would-be lean and likely would have been an actionable one at a better price if Carolina came into this game playing level ball. The UNC slump has depressed the payout.

PASS.

Against the spread

North Carolina beat Virginia Tech twice in the regular season last year. The Hokies then dealt the Tar Heels a 72-59 loss in the ACC Tournament (March 11). That meeting and the one before it were Unders by healthy margins, and that’s the better betting play for Sunday.

AVOID.

Over/Under

The Under is 4-0 in Virginia Tech’s last 4 games following an ATS loss.

This contest between veteran ACC lineups is ripe for a patient, defensive tussle. The Hokies have been hot on their 2-point looks and may be due for some regression in those shooting numbers. The quality looks they get are tilted toward the paint, and UNC shines in defending those attempts.

Neither side is 3-point dependent. Both teams have solid handles on the ball, and neither is apt to pile up a lot of 2nd-chance points. Carolina does well to get to the free-throw line with great frequency, but the visitors are met with defensive VT numbers that swing the other way at a like impressive level.

The Hokies play at a bottom-third tempo. This contest against road-weary North Carolina could well land in the low 130s.

BACK THE UNDER 142.5 (-115).

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ACC Championship: Clemson vs. North Carolina odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Clemson vs. North Carolina ACC Championship Game odds and lines, with expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The No. 8 Clemson Tigers (10-2, 8-0 ACC) meet the No. 17 North Carolina Tar Heels (9-3, 6-2) Saturday at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (ABC). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Clemson vs. North Carolina odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Ranking courtesy of AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY sports

The Tigers are looking to rebound after a disappointing 31-30 loss at home to rival South Carolina in the regular-season finale, ending any chances of a shot at the College Football Playoffs. Clemson is just 2-2 SU in the last 4 games, while going 2-3 ATS in the last 5 games.

The Tar Heels were also bested by their rivals in the season finale, falling to NC State 30-27 in double overtime. UNC clinched the Coastal Division with a win Nov. 12 at Wake Forest, and proceeded to drop the final 2 games. The Under is 3-1 in the last 4 games for North Carolina.

These teams didn’t meet during the regular season and last played in 2019. The Tigers have won 4 straight in the series that started in 1897 and lead 38-15-1.

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Clemson vs. North Carolina odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 12:06 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Clemson -300 (bet $300 to win $100) | North Carolina +240 (bet $100 to win $240)
  • Against the spread: Clemson -8 (-109) | North Carolina +8 (-111)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 63.5 (O: -109 | U: -111)

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Clemson vs. North Carolina picks and predictions

Prediction

Clemson 34, North Carolina 30

Moneyline

Clemson (-300) is a little on the expensive side, costing you 3 times your potential return. That’s too much risk, and not enough reward, even if North Carolina (+240) has dropped 2 in a row and comes in with zero momentum.

PASS.

Against the spread

NORTH CAROLINA +8 (-111) is worth playing, even though the Tar Heels come in with very little momentum. QB Drake Maye has been among the most consistent quarterbacks in the ACC, and he and WR Josh Downs have had quite the rapport. Maye was even getting some Heisman attention prior to the 2-game skid.

Clemson -8 (-109) probably would have been the suggested play before the Tigers collapse against South Carolina in the finale. Now, there is doubt, especially as the Tigers will need to push the tempo to try to keep up with the high-octane Tar Heels attack. This will be a fun game to watch, and a game decided by 1 score.

Over/Under

OVER 63.5 (-109) is the lean, but go with a small-unit wager only.

UNC has rolled up 480.9 total yards per game to rank 11th in the country, while putting up 320.9 passing yards per game to check in 8th. The offense also has 37.1 PPG to rank 15th in the nation.

On the flip side, the Tar Heels D has made strides late in the season, but it is still very giving, allowing 30.3 PPG overall.

Clemson is good for 34.3 PPG to rank 27th in the nation, and this team allows just 20.9 PPG. But the UNC offense should be able to do much better than that.

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North Carolina at Indiana odds, picks and predictions

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

The No. 15 North Carolina Tar Heels (5-2) and No. 8 Indiana Hoosiers (6-0) clash in a top-15 showdown Wednesday in Bloomington as part of the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. The opening tip at Assembly Hall will be at 9:15 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the North Carolina vs. Indiana odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Rankings courtesy of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

North Carolina arrives in Bloomington with a 2-game losing streak in tow. UNC lost to Iowa State Friday and Alabama on Sunday. Both games were part of the Phil Knight Invitational in Portland. Sunday’s gamer was a wild, 4-overtime contest, with the Tar Heels pushing as a 2-point favorite and losing 103-101. UNC was undone by 16 3-pointers in that game.

The Hoosiers last played on Friday, covering as a -27.5-point favorite against Jackson State. Indiana shot over 57% for a 4th time this season in winning  90-51. For the season, IU’s 61.6% effective field-goal mark ranks 2nd in the country.

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North Carolina at Indiana odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:30 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: North Carolina +155 (bet $100 to win $155) | Indiana -210 (bet $210 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): North Carolina +4.5 (-110) | Indiana -4.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 145.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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North Carolina at Indiana picks and predictions

Prediction

Indiana 74, North Carolina 71

Moneyline

Talent levels and expectations have UNC a bit undervalued and IU a tad overvalued.

By KenPom’s rankings, Indiana is playing its 2nd team ranked in the top-250. North Carolina is playing its 8th.

Look for more 3s from UNC and for the Tar Heels’ guard play to take over a smack-in-the-face game for IU. G Caleb Love is averaging 20.0 points per game; he and other UNC guards should be able to cause problems aggressively driving the lane in a way the Hoosiers just have not seen yet.

The preferred bet here would be North Carolina +5 or more. With the line at -4.5, TAKE THE TAR HEELS +155. They are not a slam dunk to win the game, but the payoff here is worth the risk.

Against the spread

PASS, but perhaps keep an eye on this line. Take UNC if it reaches +5 or better.

Over/Under

Under-the-hood factors swing both ways here. PASS.

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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 / College Football News

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North Carolina vs. Alabama odds, picks and predictions

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

The No. 1 North Carolina Tar Heels (5-1) battle the No. 18 Alabama Crimson Tide (5-1) Sunday in Portland at 3:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the North Carolina vs. Alabama odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Rankings courtesy of USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll

North Carolina has been playing with fire as the No. 1 team in the country all season. It finally caught up to them Friday with a 70-65 loss to Iowa State in Portland, just a day after beating a closer-than-expected 89-81 win over Portland State. North Carolina is outside the top 50 in the nation in scoring offense and scoring defense.

Alabama lives and dies by the 3-point shot. The Crimson Tide are 21st in the nation, averaging 28.3 attempts per game, but they’ve only hit an average of 9 per game. Taking so many 3s, you would love to see a higher percentage of makes. If they shoot at this rate against the Tar Heels, UNC has the talent to run them out of the gym. If they can hit these shots, it could be a 2nd loss in a row for North Carolina in Portland.

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North Carolina vs. Alabama odds

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

  • Moneyline (ML): North Carolina +100 (bet $100 to win $100) | Alabama -130 (bet $130 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): North Carolina +1.5 (-110) | Alabama -1.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 155.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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North Carolina vs. Alabama picks and predictions

Prediction

UNC 78, Alabama 72

Moneyline

BET UNC +100.

The Tar Heels finally lost their 1st game of the season after failing to be the dominant No.1 team as ranked in the preseason. Now that the 1st blemish is on the apple, UNC will rebound and win this game against Alabama. Being the underdog in this matchup, I prefer to take the +100 moneyline over the spread of +1.5 (-110).

Against the spread

PASS.

With the feeling being UNC will win outright, it is not worth it to take the spread instead.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 155.5 (-115).

Both teams sit outside the top 50 in scoring offense. With Alabama hitting only 32.1 percent of its 3-point shots per game, this will leave plenty of opportunity for North Carolina and its transition offense. Unfortunately, this has not been good so far this season for the Tar Heels and they will also find trouble scoring.

It feels like a high number for the way these 2 teams are playing right now. So Under 155.5 (-115) is my favorite play in this matchup.

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North Carolina vs. Portland odds, picks and predictions

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

The No. 1 North Carolina Tar Heels (4-0) and the Portland Pilots (4-2) meet Thursday in the Phil Knight Invitational at Moda Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the North Carolina vs. Portland odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Rankings courtesy of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

The Tar Heels have played 4 games at home to get ready for their first trip away from Chapel Hill. UNC had 3 wins and non-covers against UNC Wilmington, Charleston and Gardner-Webb before handling James Madison 80-64 for the 12.5-point cover. The Under is 3-1 through 4 games overall.

The Pilots are looking to rebound after an 80-68 at home against Seattle of the WAC. Portland started out 3-0 SU, but it has dropped 2 of the past 3 while the Under has cashed in each of its last 3 outings.

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North Carolina vs. Portland odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:45 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): North Carolina -1800 (bet $1,800 to win $100) | Portland +800 (bet $100 to win $800)
  • Against the spread (ATS): North Carolina -14.5 (-115) | Portland +14.5 (-105)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 152.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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North Carolina vs. Portland picks and predictions

Prediction

North Carolina 80, Portland 63

Moneyline

North Carolina (-1800) will cost you 18 times your potential return. That’s a bad wager normally, but it is especially bad when playing a team in its hometown, even though, technically, this is considered a neutral-site game.

PASS.

Against the spread

NORTH CAROLINA -14.5 (-115) is the No. 1 team in the nation, but it hasn’t really hit its stride yet in 4 games against tomato cans. Portland isn’t the toughest team in the nation either, but at least there is some adversity here with the cross-country travel, playing on a holiday and playing in the hometown of the opponent.

Portland might be without team steals leader G Michael Meadows, too, as he is questionable to play due to an undisclosed ailment. He has missed the past 2 games.

Over/Under

UNDER 152.5 (-110) is the lean, but go with a half-unit play at best.

Portland has been rather middle of the pack with a 45.3% field-goal percentage so far, and the defense is just so-so, too. While North Carolina is posting 80.8 PPG to rank 66th in the nation, it is doing so down low and at the stripe. UNC ranks just 318th from downtown during the early going, hitting 3-pointers at just a 28.8% clip.

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NC State at North Carolina odds, picks and predictions

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

The No. 24 NC State Wolfpack (7-4, 3-4 ACC) meet the No. 13 North Carolina Tar Heels (9-2, 6-1) Friday at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET (ABC). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the NC State vs. North Carolina odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Rankings courtesy of AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY sports

The Wolfpack won 7 of the first 9 games despite the fact it lost ACC preseason player of the year QB Devin Leary to a season-ending injury in the FSU game on Oct. 8. After a narrow escape against Virginia Tech (22-21), and a decent win over Wake Forest (30-21), the Pack have dropped back-to-back games against Boston College (21-20) and Louisville (25-10).

Last week’s 15-point loss against the Cardinals tied for the worst setback of the season. NC State is 1-3 SU and 0-4 ATS on the road this season.

The Tar Heels wrapped up the ACC Coastal Division prior to last week’s game. It suffered a 21-17 loss at home against Georgia Tech, failing as a 22-point favorite in 1 of the biggest upsets of the season. UNC is just 2-3 ATS in the last 5 outings, while the Under is 3-0 in the last 3.

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NC State at North Carolina odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 1:48 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): NC State +190 (bet $100 to win $190) | North Carolina -240 (bet $240 to win $100)
  • Against the spread: NC State +6 (-110) | North Carolina -6 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 56.5 (O: -102 | U: -118)

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NC State at North Carolina picks and predictions

Prediction

North Carolina 33, NC State 23

Moneyline

North Carolina will cost you nearly 2 1/2 times your potential return, and prior to last week that would’ve looked like a slam-dunk play. However, this is a team which was a 22-point favorite losing straight up at home.

The thinking here is that the Heels bounce back against a beaten-up Wolfpack team, but this is also a rivalry game so anything can happen.

AVOID.

Against the spread

NORTH CAROLINA -6 (-110) is a strong play as long as this stays below a flat 7.

UNC had a stinging loss against the Yellow Jackets last week, pun totally intended, and it lost any remote chance of a possible College Football Playoff spot. But it’s still all on the table for the Heels, as they can dump their rivals, and still win the ACC Championship. UNC should be re-focused and ready to roll the Pack.

Over/Under

Play UNDER 56.5 (-118), even though that’s usually risky behavior in a UNC game.

This is a North Carolina offense which racks up 38.0 PPG to rank 13th in the nation, while posting 492.7 total yards per game to rank 8th, and 328.9 passing yards per game to rank 6th. And as impressive as the offense is, the defense has been poor. However, the Under is 3-0 in the last 3 for UNC, as the offense hasn’t been hitting on all cylinders.

The Under is 4-2 in the last 6 games overall for NC State, too, and 3-1 in 4 games on the road. It won’t be a defensive slog, but toss in the fact rain showers are in the forecast, too, and it should be a sloppy, slow track for this rivalry game.

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If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

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James Madison at North Carolina odds, picks, and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s James Madison at North Carolina odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The James Madison Dukes (4-0) take on the No. 1 North Carolina Tar Heels (3-0) Sunday. Tip-off from Dean E. Smith Center is at noon ET (ACC Network). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the James Madison vs. North Carolina odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Rankings courtesy of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

While the Dukes are 4-0, none of these games have come against an opponent the likes of the Tar Heels. James Madison currently sports a bloated 105.3 points per game average — 2nd in the nation. The top-ranked Tar Heels rank 88th with 81 points per game.

The Dukes are 1 in the country with a 48.5-point average margin of victory compared to an 11.7-point margin for North Carolina.

James Madison has started the season hot. North Carolina, despite being undefeated and ranked no. 1, has been a bit shaky.

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James Madison at North Carolina odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:41 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): James Madison +475 (bet $100 to win $475) | North Carolina -750 (bet $750 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): James Madison +11.5 (-110) | North Carolina -11.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 157.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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James Madison at North Carolina picks and predictions

Prediction

North Carolina 82, James Madison 75

Moneyline

PASS.

North Carolina (-750) is the right side, but the number is far too large to make a standalone wager on. If you really think North Carolina is shaky then James Madison (+475) is interesting, but it is not likely to win and is probably not worth it.

Against the spread

BET JAMES MADISON +11.5 (-110).

North Carolina has been shaky early in the year and is 0-3 ATS despite being undefeated and ranked No. 1. This is likely to continue Sunday against a Dukes team who can score in bunches. JAMES MADISON +11.5 (-110) is my favorite play.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 157.5 (-110).

The Dukes can score, as noted above, and UNC is scoring more than 80 points per game. While these numbers tend to lean Over, James Madison will come across a defense in North Carolina unlikely any it has seen so far this season. Another 100-point showing is not in the cards for the Dukes as North Carolina would like to keep this game in the 70s. My feeling is this will happen. So although it is only a slight lean, I like the UNDER 157.5 (-110).

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If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

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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 / College Football News

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Georgia Tech at North Carolina odds, picks and predictions

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

The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (4-6, 3-4 ACC) will face the No. 11 North Carolina Tar Heels (9-1, 6-0) on Saturday at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Georgia Tech vs. North Carolina odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

The Yellow Jackets suffered a 35-14 loss to the Miami Hurricanes last week, which caused them to come up short of covering as 2-point favorites at home. Georgia Tech has lost 3 of its last 4 games, all against ACC opponents.

The Tar Heels defeated Wake Forest 36-34 in an exciting ACC shootout last week as they covered as 4.5-point underdogs on the road. North Carolina is on a 6-game winning streak, which has the team slotted in the No. 13 spot in the College Football Playoff Rankings.

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Georgia Tech at North Carolina odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 10:56 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Georgia Tech +700 (bet $100 to win $700) | North Carolina -1200 (bet $1,200 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Georgia Tech +21 (-107) | North Carolina -21 (-113)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 62.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

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Georgia Tech at North Carolina picks and predictions

Prediction

North Carolina 44, Georgia Tech 21

Moneyline

AVOID the moneyline in this game unless you are supremely confident in Georgia Tech pulling off the massive upset on the road. Despite North Carolina being the massive favorite, taking them straight up isn’t worth the risk at the current odds.

Against the spread

The Tar Heels have lofty aspirations this season with a 9-1 record, so NORTH CAROLINA -21 (-113) is the ideal choice. The only thing that could prevent the Tar Heels from covering is if they look ahead to their next 2 games against North Carolina State and Clemson.

The Yellow Jackets are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games against a team with a winning home record. Also, the favorite is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings between Georgia Tech and North Carolina.

Over/Under

High-scoring contests are always fun to root for and this is a game that could have plenty of scoring, especially from the Tar Heels. OVER 62.5 (-112) is the correct way to play this game as North Carolina is scoring 38.3 points per game (11th in the nation) while the defense is giving up 32.1 points per game (107th in the nation).

On top of those numbers, the Over is 4-0-1 in the last 5 meetings between the Yellow Jackets and the Tar Heels when the game is in North Carolina. The Over is also 5-1-1 in the last 7 meetings overall.

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Gardner-Webb at North Carolina odds, picks and predictions

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

The Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs (0-2) and the No. 1 North Carolina Tar Heels (2-0) meet Monday at Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill, N.C. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (ACC Network). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Gardner-Webb vs. North Carolina odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Rankings courtesy of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

The Bulldogs nearly pulled off an upset with a 65-63 loss at Colorado State as 7.5-point underdogs Nov. 7. The Dawgs didn’t fare as well at Stephen F. Austin Thursday, losing 86-71 as 5.5-point underdogs as the Over connected.

The top-ranked Tar Heels were a little rusty against UNC Wilmington in the opener, winning just 69-56 on Nov. 7. The offense was much better last time out against Charleston, rolling to a 102-86 victory Friday. However, the Heels are 0-2 ATS so far.

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Gardner-Webb at North Carolina odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:35 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Off the board
  • Against the spread (ATS): Gardner-Webb +20.5 (-110) | North Carolina -20.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 141.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Gardner-Webb at North Carolina picks and predictions

Prediction

North Carolina 87, Gardner-Webb 61

Moneyline

The moneyline was off the board at the time of publishing.

Against the spread

NORTH CAROLINA -20.5 (-110) and its bettors will hope that the third time is the charm after failing to cover the first 2 outings.

The offense was the problem in the opener against UNCW, while defensive issues emerged against Charleston. Look for the struggling Gardner-Webb offense to have issues against the top-ranked Tar Heels in the raucous Dean Dome.

Over/Under

OVER 141.5 (-110) is worth playing after UNC went for triple digits against Charleston last time out. Gardner-Webb’s offense should struggle here against UNC, but the Tar Heels have the potential to even get into the 90s and flirt with triple digits again.

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Charleston at North Carolina odds, picks and predictions

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

The Charleston Cougars (1-0) and the No. 1 North Carolina Tar Heels (1-0) meet Friday 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 Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Charleston vs. North Carolina odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Charleston opened with a solid 85-78 win over Chattanooga, covering a 4.5-point spread as the Over connected. The Cougars shot 45% from the field (28 of 62), and Reyne Smith was the big man on campus with 24 points, including five 3-pointers. Charleston had 3 players in double digits in points.

The Tar Heels struggled a little bit with UNC Wilmington in the season opener, winning 69-56 as a 23.5-point favorite as the Under connected. UNC had some shooting woes, hitting at just 46% (22 of 48) from the field, including a dismal 2 of 10 from downtown.

Rankings courtesy of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

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Charleston at North Carolina odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:18 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Charleston +1100 (bet $100 to win $1,100) | North Carolina -3000 (et $3,000 to win $100
  • Against the spread (ATS): Charleston +21.5 (-115) | North Carolina -21.5 (-105)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 159.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

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Charleston at North Carolina picks and predictions

Prediction

North Carolina 83, Charleston 69

Moneyline

PASS. Nothing here worth pursuing.

Against the spread

CHARLESTON +21.5 (-115) looked good taking care of business against Chattanooga in the opener. Sure, the Mocs aren’t the No. 1 team in the land like North Carolina -21.5 (-105), but they’re a strong mid-level program, and a nice opening test.

In fact, the Cougars were certainly much more impressive in their game than the Tar Heels were in their opening battle.

Over the years, Charleston has been a thorn in the side of UNC, too, cashing in 3 of the last 4 meetings since 2010, including an outright win in 2010.

Over/Under

LEAN UNDER 159.5 (-108).

Yes, UNC is the top-ranked team in the country, and we still don’t have a great sample size for the current version of either team. But UNC really struggled with its shooting in the opener at the Dean Dome. While the Heels should be better offensively, it’s unlikely they’ll flirt with 90 or more points.

Charleston also played a good brand of defense against Chattanooga, and it was good, but not great, on offense. Under is the lean, but it’s not a terribly strong one, so go lightly and let’s feel this one out a bit before going heavier later when we get more info on these clubs.

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If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

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