UCONN Huskies (8-4) vs. North Carolina Tar Heels (6-6)
December 28, 2024 11:00 am EDT
The Line: North Carolina Tar Heels -3 / UCONN Huskies +3; Over/Under: +56.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The UConn Huskies and North Carolina Tar Heels meet Saturday in the college football action at Fenway Park. Here’s a North Carolina vs UCONN Prediction. This article will include a North Carolina vs UCONN Pick.
UConn Huskies Betting Preview
The UConn Huskies recently beat UAB and UMASS, and they lost to Syracuse. The UConn Huskies have split their last 4 non-home games. Joe Fagnano is completing 56.8 percent of his passes for 1,480 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions. Skyler Bell and TJ Sheffield have combined for 1,257 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns, while Jasaiah Gathings has 29 receptions.
The UConn Huskies ground game is averaging 198.3 yards per contest, and Cam Edwards leads the way with 756 yards and 7 touchdowns. Defensively, UConn is allowing 23.8 points and 359.3 yards per game. Jayden McDonald leads the UConn Huskies with 119 tackles, Tui Faumuina-Brown has 4.5 sacks and Malik Dixon-Williams has 3 interceptions.
North Carolina Tar Heels Betting Preview
The North Carolina Tar Heels recently beat Wake Forest, and they lost to Boston College and NC State. North Carolina has won 3 of its last 5 non-home games. Jacolby Criswell is completing 58 percent of his passes for 2,452 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions. JJ Jones and Omarion Hampton have combined for 943 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns, while John Copenhaver has 36 receptions.
The North Carolina Tar Heels ground game is averaging 189.5 yards per contest, and Hampton leads the way with 1,660 yards and 15 touchdowns. Defensively, North Carolina is allowing 28.2 points and 377 yards per game. Antavious Lane leads the North Carolina Tar Heels with 79 tackles, Beau Atkinson has 6.5 sacks and Kaleb Cost has 2 interceptions.
Why the Connecticut Huskies will win
- North Carolina has lost seven of its last eight Bowl games.
- Connecticut has won four of its last five games.
- North Carolina has failed to cover the spread in seven of its last eight games as a favorite against non-AP-ranked teams.
- The underdog has covered the spread in four of North Carolina’s last five games.
Total Points Facts
- Each of North Carolina’s last four games at neutral venues have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Three of Connecticut’s last four games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- North Carolina ranks T9th among FBS teams for H2 points per game this season (17.8).
- North Carolina ranks T123rd among FBS teams for red zone percentage against this season (91.5).
- Connecticut ranks T9th among FBS teams for H2 points per game this season (17.8).
- Connecticut ranks 12th among FBS teams for Q3 opponent points per game this season (3.5).
North Carolina vs UCONN Prediction
The North Carolina Tar Heels are getting the benefit of the doubt simply because they’re the more talented team. However, just how motivated is North Carolina after a disappointing season and a coaching change? The UConn Huskies are coming off one of their best seasons ever, have a chance at their first bowl win since 2009 and have a chance to add to the momentum. This is also a home game for UCONN as Fenway Park is less than two hours from campus. Don’t be surprised if UCONN wins this game outright. Give me the points.
