The North Carolina Tar Heels (4-4) and the UConn Huskies (4-4) meet Saturday at Pratt & Whitney Stadium in East Hartford, Connecticut. Kickoff is scheduled for noon ET (CBS Sports Network). Let's analyze college football odds around the North Carolina vs. UConn odds and make our expert college football picks and predictions for the best bets.
North Carolina dropped its second straight game, but nearly pulled off a stunning upset, falling 38-35 in overtime to the No. 1 Miami Hurricanes. QB Billy Edwards Jr. delivered his best performance of the season, throwing for 341 yards and 4 TDs, including 2 to TE Jelani Thurman. The Tar Heels covered as 13.5-point home underdogs as the Over (52.5) hit.
The Huskies saw their 2-game winning streak end with
a 35-26 loss to the Air Force Falcons. Despite not completing a single pass, the Falcons dominated on the ground, rushing for 366 yards. Huskies QB Kalieb Osborne threw for 263 yards and 2 TDs. The Huskies failed to cover as 2.5-point road underdogs while the Over 52.5 cashed.
North Carolina leads the all-time series against UConn 3-1, although 2 Tar Heels victories were later vacated. The Huskies won the most recent meeting, 27-14 in the 2024 Fenway Bowl as 1.5-point underdogs while the Under (53.5) cashed.
– Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll, conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports
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North Carolina at UConn odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 12:53 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): North Carolina -300 (bet $300 to win $100) | UConn +240 (bet $100 to win $240)
- Against the spread (ATS): North Carolina -8 (-110) | UConn +8 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 54.5 (O: -110 | U: -108)
North Carolina at UConn picks and predictions
Prediction
North Carolina 28, UConn 24
Moneyline
PASS.
I believe North Carolina (-300), but not enough to bet them to cover more than a touchdown. I'll take my wager to the spread.
Against the spread
BET UCONN +8 (-110).
UConn's offense has been putting up some impressive numbers, averaging 34.4 points and 439.6 yards per game. Osborne has been a big reason why, averaging 273.4 total yards with his ability to make plays through the air and on the ground.
That's bad news for a North Carolina defense ranked 123rd nationally on third downs, allowing opponents to convert 44.2% of the time. The Tar Heels have also lost 2 straight and are averaging just 25.8 points per game (PPG), so blowing teams out hasn't exactly been their specialty.
With Osborne leading a productive offense against a shaky North Carolina defense, the Huskies should have plenty of chances to keep things interesting.
Over/Under
BET UNDER 54.5 (-108).
North Carolina has put up some big numbers lately while their defense allows 23 PPG. The Huskies defense gives up 25.3. North Carolina's games are averaging just 48.6 combined points, so don't let a couple of recent shootouts fool you. This matchup could be much quieter than expected.
Betting odds calculator
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This article originally appeared on Sportsbook Wire: North Carolina Tar Heels at UConn Huskies odds, picks and predictions
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