North Carolina Central vs North Carolina Prediction College Football Picks 9/14/24

Recent betting trends and streaks involving the North Carolina Central Eagles

Recent betting trends and streaks involving the North Carolina Tar Heels

Recent betting trends in games played between NC Central and North Carolina

A summary that ties it all together and produces a favorable betting outcome for the NC Central vs North Carolina game

North Carolina Central Eagles Betting Preview

NC Central’s 2024 campaign kicked off against Alabama State. The Eagles played a tight matchup the whole way and eventually came out on top 31-24. Walker Harris threw for 119 yards and a TD, but the big performer was J’Mari Taylor on 24 carries, 128 yards, and two scores.

In game two against Elon, NC Central went into the locker room with a 21-0 deficit. The Eagles couldn’t make up the gap and fell 41-19. Harris had 181 yards, one TD, and three picks this time. Joaquin Davis had four catches for 101 yards and the lone receiving score.

North Carolina Tar Heels Betting Preview

Over on the North Carolina side, their first game was against Minnesota. The Tar Heels outscored the Gophers 12-3 in the second half for a comeback win 19-17. Omarion Hampton topped the rushers on 30 carries for 129 yards, and JJ Jones caught three balls for 52 yards.

Matched up against Charlotte last weekend, the Tar Heels scored in every quarter (and gave up points in every quarter) during a 38-20 win. QB Conner Harrell logged 219 yards with two touchdowns, while Davion Gause had 105 rush yards and a score from 16 carries. North Carolina will meet James Madison and Duke after this game.

Why the North Carolina Tar Heels will win

• North Carolina has won seven of its last eight games at Kenan Memorial Stadium.

Why the North Carolina Central Eagles will win

• North Carolina has failed to cover the spread in five of its last six games against non-AP-ranked teams.

Total Points Facts

• Five of North Carolina's last six home games in September have gone OVER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

• North Carolina ranks T29th among FBS teams for Q1 opponent points per game this season (1.5).

NC Central vs North Carolina Prediction

I’m likely leaning toward North Carolina. Probably not touching it, though. The Tar Heels have already had their share of adversity this season, however, the 2-0 start does help matters a bit. UNC posted 490 total yards (269 rushing) and 28 first downs in their win over Charlotte. The defense held strong with 358 yards 309 passing), 13 first downs, and just 2-of-14 third-down tries allowed.

As for NC Central, they took a step back in their second game. The offensive numbers were skewed by a couple of big plays (specifically an 80-yard Chris Mosley rush TD) as the Eagles weren’t in the game after halftime. It’ll get even harder for NC Central this weekend.