| MATCHUP | Syracuse Orange | North Carolina Tar Heels |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 2-4 | 4-2 |
| Spread | +9.5 -112 | -9.5 -108 |
| Moneyline | +275 | -345 |
| Total | Over 46.5 (-110) | Under 46.5 (-110) |
| Where | Kenan Stadium, Chapel Hill, NC | |
| When | Saturday, October 24, 2026 | |
| Time | 07:30 PM EDT | |
| TV | ACC Network | |
The Syracuse Orange and North Carolina Tar Heels meet Saturday in week 8 college football action at Kenan Stadium. Here’s a Syracuse vs. North Carolina Prediction. This article will include a Syracuse vs. North Carolina Pick.
Syracuse Orange Betting Preview
The Syracuse Orange lost to Virginia and Louisville, and play SMU next. Syracuse has lost 4 of its last 5 games. Steve Angeli is completing 54.8 percent of his passes for 731 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. Umari Hatcher and Daunte Bacheyie have combined for 1,030 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns, while Justus Ross-Simmons has 12 receptions.
The Syracuse Orange ground game is averaging 158.7 yards per contest, and Tylik Hill leads the way with 431 yards and 1 touchdown. Defensively, Syracuse is allowing 25.7 points and 331.3 yards per game. Chris D’Appolonia leads the Syracuse Orange with 42 tackles, Keyshawn Johnson has 4 sacks, and Davien Kerr has 3 interceptions.
North Carolina Tar Heels Betting Preview
The North Carolina Tar Heels beat Pitt and Duke, and they play Miami next. North Carolina has split its last 8 games. Billy Edwards Jr. is completing 59.9 percent of his passes for 1,260 yards, 9 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. Jelani Thurman and Jordan Shipp have combined for 755 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns, while Shamar Easter has 7 receptions.
The North Carolina Tar Heels’ ground game is averaging 116.2 yards per contest, and Benjamin Hall leads the way with 283 yards on 57 carries. Defensively, North Carolina is allowing 19.2 points and 359 yards per game. Derek McDonald leads the North Carolina Tar Heels with 55 tackles, Xavier Lewis has 7 sacks, and Greg Smith III has 3 interceptions.
Why the North Carolina Tar Heels will win
- Syracuse has lost each of its last 10 games as an underdog.
- North Carolina has won each of its last three games against Syracuse.
- North Carolina has covered the spread in seven of its last eight games in October.
- Syracuse has failed to cover the spread in each of its last four games as an underdog in North Carolina.
- The favorite has won the first half in 12 of Syracuse’s last 14 games.
Why the Syracuse Orange will win
- North Carolina has lost each of its last six October games at Kenan Stadium.
- North Carolina has failed to cover the spread in nine of its last 10 home games against conference opponents.
- The underdog has covered the spread in four of Syracuse’s last five games.
- North Carolina has lost the first half in three of its last four home games in October.
Total Points Facts
- Each of North Carolina’s last five games as a favorite against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Four of Syracuse’s last five games as a road underdog have gone OVER the total points line.
North Carolina Tar Heels Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 8, Gregory Smith III ranks T8th amongst FBS players for interceptions (3) this season.
Syracuse Orange Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 8, Umari Hatcher ranks 3rd amongst FBS players for receiving yards (784) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- North Carolina ranks T14th among FBS teams for Q2 opponent points per game this season (3.3).
- North Carolina ranks 125th among FBS teams for H2 points per game this season (8.8).
- Syracuse ranks 131st among FBS teams for Q3 points per game this season (2.5).
- Syracuse ranks 11th among FBS teams for average point differential in second quarters this season (+8.7).
Syracuse vs North Carolina Prediction
Syracuse is coming off back-to-back covers, but it’s not a team I’m looking to back, especially on the road. Syracuse can struggle at times to run the ball, and its defense is hit or miss. North Carolina is starting to find its form with a pair of nice road wins in the underdog role, and you’d think it’s coming back home riding a great deal of confidence. North Carolina is getting better defensively, and the offense produces in key situations. UNC has covered 3 straight games overall. The Tar Heels are heading in the right direction. I’ll lay the points with North Carolina.