North Carolina vs Georgia Tech Prediction 10-12-24 College Football Picks

In this article, we will formulate a North Carolina vs Georgia Tech prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, October 12th at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this Week 7 matchup. 

North Carolina Tar Heels Betting Preview

The North Carolina Tar Heels are 3-3 (0-2) this year after they lost to Pittsburgh by a score of 34-24 last week. North Carolina was tied at 17 at the half and at 24 in the fourth quarter but allowed the final 10 points for the loss. The Tar Heels were outgained by a total of 520-416, won the turnover battle 1-0, and went 5-15 on third down in the game. Jacolby Criswell threw for 269 yards and one touchdown, while Omarion Hampton rushed for 106 yards and one score on 23 carries. 

North Carolina has also lost against Duke and James Madison during this three-game losing streak, but they did open the season with wins against Minnesota, Charlotte, and NC Central. The UNC offense has scored 32.7 points per game with 250.7 passing yards and 198.3 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 28.7 points per game this season. The Tar Heels have gone 39.5% on third down and 4-11 on fourth down so far this season. Jacolby Criswell has completed 56.4% of his passes for 1,158 yards, seven touchdowns, and three interceptions, while Omarion Hampton has rushed for 764 yards and seven scores. 

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Betting Preview

The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets are 4-2 (2-2) this year after they defeated Duke by a score of 24-14 last week. Georgia Tech trailed 14-10 in the fourth quarter, but they scored 14 points to end the game with the win. The Yellow Jackets outgained Duke by a total of 412-279, won the turnover battle 1-0, and went 7-16 on third down in the game. Haynes King threw for 167 yards and two touchdowns, while Jamal Haynes rushed for 128 yards on 19 carries. 

Georgia Tech also has wins against Florida State, Georgia State, and VMI, but has losses against Syracuse and Louisville. The GT offense has scored 31.5 points per game with 257.8 passing yards and 176.7 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 19.3 points per game this season. The Yellow Jackets have gone 42.3% on third down and 10-13 on fourth down through six games. Haynes King has completed 74% of his passes for 1,441 yards, eight touchdowns, and one interception, while Malik Rutherford has caught 37 passes for 474 yards and two scores. 

Why North Carolina will cover

• The underdog has won each of the last three games between Georgia Tech and North Carolina.
• Georgia Tech has lost three of its last four October games as a favorite against non-AP-ranked teams.
• Georgia Tech has failed to cover the spread in each of its last six October games as a favorite against non-AP-ranked teams.
• The underdog has covered the spread in four of North Carolina’s last five games.
• Georgia Tech has lost the first half in eight of its last 10 road games against conference opponents.
• North Carolina has won the first quarter in five of its last six games against conference opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Each of North Carolina’s last seven games as an underdog has gone UNDER the total points line.
• Eight of Georgia Tech’s last nine October road games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

• North Carolina ranks 5th among FBS teams for 1st downs this season (144).
• North Carolina ranks 115th among FBS teams for Q2 opponent points per game this season (10.3).
• Georgia Tech ranks 10th among FBS teams for rushing yards allowed per game this season (87.5).
• Georgia Tech ranks 15th among FBS teams for 1st downs this season (132).

North Carolina vs Georgia Tech Prediction 

North Carolina comes into this matchup trying to snap their three-game losing streak, but they need to play much better defense if they want to get a win. UNC allowed 70 points against James Madison three games ago and allowed 34 points last week, with both of those games coming at home. Georgia Tech has played pretty well so far this season, but they did struggle through the first three quarters against Duke last week. I know North Carolina has looked awful, but I am not convinced Georgia Tech is good enough to lay almost a touchdown on the road. Take North Carolina and the points.