After their hopes were crashed last week, how will UNC respond in our NC State vs. North Carolina college football betting prediction? The Tar Heels will still play Clemson in the ACC Championship Game next week, but after losing to Georgia Tech last week, they’ve got a lot of answers to provide against their in-state rival.
NC State vs. North Carolina Betting Preview
- Spread
North Carolina (-6.5) - Moneyline
North Carolina (-230); NC State (+195) - Over/Under
56 - Game time
3:30 p.m. ET - Location
Kenan Stadium, Chapel Hill, NC - Predicted weather at kickoff
59 degrees, partly cloudy, 5-6 mph winds - How to watch
fuboTV, ABC
Top DFS Picks and Fantasy Plays
- QB Drake Maye, North Carolina ($12,000)
- QB Jack Chambers, NC State ($6,500)
- QB Ben Finley, NC State ($6,500)
- RB Elijah Green, North Carolina ($8,100)
- RB Jordan Houston, NC State ($6,100)
- RB Michael Allen, NC State ($6,000)
- RB Omarion Hampton, North Carolina ($5,600)
- WR Josh Downs, North Carolina ($10,000)
- WR Antoine Green, North Carolina ($9,000)
- WR Thayer Thomas, NC State ($7,100)
- WR Darryl Jones, NC state ($5,800)
- WR Porter Rooks, NC State ($5,700)
- WR Keyon Lesane, NC State ($5,600)
- WR J.J. Jones, North Carolina ($5,400)
- WR Kobey Paysour, North Carolina ($5,200)
- TE Bryson Nesbit, North Carolina ($5,900)
- TE Kamari Morales, North Carolina ($5,200)
- TE Trent Pennix, NC State ($4,800)
As great as Drake Maye has been this season, he was held to pedestrian numbers last week against the Yellow Jackets. Unfortunately for him, the loss also likely squashed his legitimate chances at the Heisman Trophy. Nonetheless, he should still get an invite to the ceremony at this rate.
Josh Downs had an off game against Tech as well, but he’s still an All-American-type player with a high ceiling in all formats. The Tar Heels average over 500 yards of offense per game and are one of the top scoring units in the country.
Grabbing Downs and Maye are the best options, as they can revert to their top form heading into the Clemson game.
As far as NC State players for your DFS lineup, the options are slim now that the quarterback position has been sorted. We have our answers for the Wolfpack: MJ Morris has a bright future, but Jack Chambers started against Louisville, and Ben Finley took over after just 2-of-7 passing from Chambers.
The team is no longer a viable option for DFS plays nor your fantasy plays at this rate, despite a favorable matchup against a poor defense from UNC.
Prediction for NC State vs. North Carolina
As stated, the blame for the Georgia Tech loss didn’t land squarely on Maye’s shoulder. Instead, his receivers were off all game long. The Yellow Jackets blanketed them in coverage. Still, there were certainly moments when the receivers could’ve made their own separation and didn’t.
Making matters worse, there were multiple drops. But none was bigger than Downs’ drop in the end zone on a crucial fourth down that Maye put perfectly to his hands and away from coverage.
The good thing for UNC fans here is Mack Brown has been through it all. And it seems that Maye has a square center of gravity, knowing full well he can’t dwell in the past. As the saying goes, don’t let losses beat you twice, and Maye can get back on the proverbial horse and get a victory heading into the ACC Championship Game.
MORE: College Football Picks, Predictions for Week 13 Early Line Value for Rivalry Week
NC State has no offense without Devin Leary at quarterback, but Maye will certainly have a stout defense to go up against. How Georgia Tech beat UNC in the trenches was through the middle of the offensive line. Keion White had a career night and made the PFN Team of the Week in the process.
The Wolfpack, however, have not generated much pressure from the interior of the defensive line. They’ve been uber-reliant upon their linebackers and edge defenders to get pressure this season.
That won’t work against Maye, who can construct his own pocket, reset his throwing motion, and find receivers downfield. The cornerbacks and safeties for NC State will have their hands full all game long.
For Maye, he’ll have ample time to throw and plenty of time to push the ball downfield. He’ll find open throwing lanes over the middle of the field, especially if NC State sends their linebackers as they like to.
Prediction: North Carolina 31, NC State 17