North Carolina vs. Minnesota Odds: Tar Heels Given 56.5% Chance to Edge Minnesota in Week 1 Battle
North Carolina vs. Minnesota Odds: Tar Heels Given 56.5% Chance to Edge Minnesota in Week 1 Battle
North Carolina and Minnesota are ready to get their 2024 seasons underway with a rematch of last year's ACC vs. Big Ten clash. The Tar Heels have become a slight favorite on the road after receiving steam on the moneyline, but it will be anyone's game.
These two teams met last September in Week 3, when UNC ran away with a 31-13 blowout win. Things may be different this time around, especially because UNC no longer has No. 3 overall pick Drake Maye under center. Maye threw for over 400 yards in last year's home win, a part of his monster season for the Tar Heels.
UNC will now head on the road to face off with the Golden Gophers, and they have yet to name Maye's successor at quarterback. Minnesota has a new QB of their own in Max Brosmer, a transfer from New Hampshire. All eyes will be on these signal callers as they attempt to get comfortable quick in their new offenses.
Let's check out the latest odds for North Carolina vs. Minnesota on Thursday night.
North Carolina vs. Minnesota
Date: Thursday, August 29, 2024
Time: 8:00 PM ET
Location: Huntington Bank Stadium (Minneapolis, MN)
How to watch: FOX
North Carolina Record: 0-0
Minnesota Record: 0-0
Complete North Carolina vs. Minnesota odds
North Carolina vs. Minnesota Odds
| Team | Spread Odds | Moneyline Odds | Total Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Carolina | +32.5 (-110) | +3000 | 61.5 (-110) |
| NC State | -32.5 (-110) | -10000 | 61.5 (-110) |
UNC comes into this game as a slight favorite, after the line steamed towards them over the last week.
Sharps have been hammering the Tar Heels, who originally opened as a 2.5-point underdog. The Heels are now -2 and -130 on the moneyline, giving Mack Brown's team a 56.5% chance of victory on the implied odds.
Currently, the betting splits are loaded with big money on UNC. While getting 49% of the bets on the spread and ML, the Tar Heels are reeling in over 76% of the money to pick up a win on the road in Minneapolis.
Meanwhile on the total, 51% of the bets and 67% of the money is backing the under 51.5 in this game. The total has bounced around between 49 and 51, but has mostly settled in that spot despite larger money coming on the under.
North Carolina vs. Minnesota Preview
The Tar Heels and Golden Gophers arrive to this matchup with a lot to figure out. There's been a lot of roster turnover on each side, and new pieces under center will take time as they try to replace former leaders.
While the quarterback position is a question mark on both sides, these teams don't have much to worry about at running back. Omarion Hampton is one of the best running backs in the country, returning after racing for over 1,500 yards and 14 touchdowns last year. On the other side, Darius Taylor amassed 800 yards of his own in just six games while dealing with several injuries. These teams will have to count on the backs to set the tone as they get the gears turning.
UNC arrives with a better outlook on the season with a win total of 7.5, but they face a much easier schedule than the Gophers. If they can get the offense moving early, they can capitalize on their favorable road through the ACC. Minnesota has a win total of 5.5, and will have to fight to make a bowl game in a crowded Big Ten Conference.
College Football Odds
Peter is a sports writer focused on coverage and analysis of college football and basketball, as well as the NFL and other major sports. A graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism, he has been writing sports articles for over 8 years.
After working for ClutchPoints, Peter joined OddsChecker in 2023. He is a New York sports superfan and is fluent in the sports betting industry.