UNC vs. Clemson Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Drake Maye, Tar Heels Light Up the Scoreboard?
UNC vs. Clemson Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Drake Maye, Tar Heels Light Up the Scoreboard?
A few weeks ago, this upcoming matchup between UNC vs. Clemson wouldn't have been circled on as many calendars as it is now. The college football landscape, especially in the ACC, has shifted dramatically.
Drake Maye, UNC's quarterback, has been highly touted as an elite NFL Draft prospect for the entire season. He's played great in spots, while also failing to beat Virginia and Georgia Tech in consecutive weeks. This came after the Tar Heels got wideout Tez Walker back onto the field after the NCAA granted eligibility to the talented transfer. The Tar Heels nearly lost their third game in four weeks to Duke in Week 11, before pulling out the win in double overtime.
Clemson's season has been equally as inconsistent but they are trending up instead of down. Quarterback Cade Klubnik has begun to improve as a passer, while functioning as the Tigers' RB3 in the red zone, handling 87 carries for just 98 yards and three touchdowns. Clemson's strength offensively is its running back room, comprised of Phil Mafah and Will Shipley, the latter of whom did not play in Week 11 due to a head injury suffered in Week 10.
UNC's defense has become a major liability, while Clemson's offense is outmatched in terms of explosiveness. This has all the makings of an instant classic late in the ACC schedule. NCAAF handicapper Matt MacKay is back to give us his latest prediction and pick for UNC vs. Clemson in Week 12.
UNC vs. Clemson Date, Time, And Where To Watch
- Date: Saturday, November 18, 2023
- Game Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
- Where to Watch: ESPN
UNC vs. Clemson Odds
- Spread: UNC +6.5 (-105), Clemson -6.5 (-115)
- Total Odds: Under 58.5 (-110), Over 58.5 (-110)
- Moneyline Odds: UNC (+210), Clemson (-260)
UNC vs. Clemson Injury Report
UNC
Questionable: N/A
Out: K Ryan Coe (Lower Body), WR Kobe Paysour (Foot), P Ben Kiernan (Lower Body), DL Jacolbe Cowan (Upper Body)
Clemson
Questionable: N/A
Out: TE Sage Ennis (Knee), WR Brannon Spector (Undisclosed), WR Antonio Williams (Toe), OT Walker Parks (Lower Body)
UNC vs. Clemson Prediction
Oddsmakers are giving the Tar Heels +6.5 ATS on the road at Memorial Stadium during this late afternoon kickoff. This would have been inverted prior to UNC's two-game losing slump, which could've been three of their past four if not for some late-game heroics against Duke.
The point total line is sitting at 58.5 points, with -110 in either direction. Both teams have played five games cashing the under, especially with Clemson recording a statement win at home over Notre Dame with a 31-23 victory in Week 10. The Tigers also beat a good Georgia Tech team by three touchdowns, something UNC failed to do.
This game will come down to how effective Clemson's running backs perform versus Maye avoiding miscues on UNC's offense. Mafah and Shipley are high-quality running backs, which does not bode well for the Tar Heels defense, allowing 4.1 YPC and 16 rushing touchdowns in ten games this season. Even its pass defense is suspect, opening up more opportunities for Klubnik to target Tyler Brown, Beaux Collins, and Jake Briningstool downfield.
Clemson held Notre Dame to zero passing touchdowns and just 146 total passing yards, while it did surrender 5.9 YPC. This means Omarion Hampton, UNC's RB1, will need to bring his A-game, which he's been doing lately, scoring five touchdowns and racking up at least 144 rushing yards in three consecutive games for the Tar Heels.
The home team has covered the spread in each of Clemson's last four games played, while each of UNC's last six games after overtime have gone under the point total line. These trends are informative, but they still don't account for how well both offenses are playing. UNC's defense is a glorified turn-style right now, so we are obligate to stake two units on over 58.5 total points to be scored in this highly-anticipated ACC matchup.
UNC vs. Clemson Pick
- Over 58.5 (-110) Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
Win a $50 Gift Card on College Football Saturday
Think you know what's going to happen in various games on College Football Saturday this week? Answer the pick questions below for your chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card!
College Football Odds
Article Author
Matt is an avid writer, editor, and researcher. He enjoys analyzing the game within the game which is fantasy sports and sports betting. Music is another constant in his daily life. Matt loves spending time with his wife and three pets. He likes to read, listen to podcasts, and is constantly motivated to create the most accurate and engaging content in the sports betting industry.