The North Carolina Tar Heels will travel to Raleigh, NC to take on their rival in the North Carolina State Wolfpack. The Tar Heels haven’t had the season they would have liked or expected but can still finish the year over .500 with a win against the Wolfpack.
Meanwhile, North Carolina State is looking to finish the regular season with nine wins. It’s won three of their last five games, however, the two losses were by a combined four points.
Despite North Carolina only winning six games on the season, it’s still a dangerous matchup for North Carolina State in a much-anticipated rivalry. Here are our picks and predictions for North Carolina vs. North Carolina State for November 26.
North Carolina vs NC State odds
Odds via the Covers Line, an average comprised of odds from multiple sportsbooks.
North Carolina State opened as a 6.5-point favorite but has since moved down to a 6-point favorite. A couple of books have even dropped North Carolina State to a 5.5-point favorite, so shop around!
Meanwhile, the total also dipped from 63.5 to 62.5 since opening at most outlets. Use the live odds widget above to track any future line movements right up until kickoff and be sure to check out the full college football odds before placing your bets.
North Carolina vs NC State predictions
Predictions made on 11/23/2021 at 4:00 p.m. ET.
Click on each prediction to jump to the full analysis.
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North Carolina vs NC State game info
• Location: Carter-Finley Stadium, Raleigh, NC
• Date: Friday, November 26, 2021
• Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
• TV: ESPN
North Carolina vs NC State betting preview
Weather
Be sure to monitor the gametime conditions with our NCAA football weather info.
Key injuries
North Carolina: Sam Howell QB (Questionable), D.J. Jones RB (Questionable).
NC State: No injuries to report.
Find our latest NCAA football injury reports.
Betting trend to know
NC State is 6-1 ATS in its last seven home games. Find more NCAA betting trends for North Carolina vs. NC State.
North Carolina vs NC State picks and predictions
Our predictions are compiled from the analysis of the spread and total and are indications of where we are leaning for this game.
Our best bet is the play that we like the most for this game, which we would actually put some of our bankroll behind.
Spread analysis
The North Carolina State Wolfpack has been much more consistent than the North Carolina Tar Heels. North Carolina State is scoring 33 points per game and allowing just 18.7 points. Whereas, North Carolina is scoring 37 points but allowing 31.4 points per game.
What sticks out the most is North Carolina State’s defense. The rushing defense has held opponents to just 108.3 yards per game and the Wolfpack have faced very good rushing teams in the ACC this season.
The defense has also looked strong in coverage and has a pass rush that has been effective at times. The defense is still only allowing 213.1 yards per game this season through the air.
On offense, Devin Leary doesn’t get the love he deserves. There are some terrific ACC quarterbacks this season and Leary is in the conversation as one of the best, throwing for 3,186 yards, 31 touchdowns, and only five interceptions so far this season.
Leary and the Wolfpack should have plenty of success against North Carolina’s defense. The Tar Heels are extremely weak in the passing game, allowing 236.8 yards per game in the air. North Carolina has also allowed 412.5 yards per game this season and just continues to struggle to get stops this season.
Quarterback Sam Howell is still questionable to play and missed last week’s game against Wofford. But he likely only missed this game because North Carolina was playing Wofford. I’m sure he’ll be back for this one against North Carolina State. However, the run game has been way more effective than the passing game. Partly because of Howell and partly because of the running backs.
But like we just talked about, North Carolina State has been superb in stopping the run this season, giving the Wolfpack the edge in this rivalry game.
Prediction: NC State -6 (-110)
Over/Under analysis
If Sam Howell is back under center for North Carolina, this game has a complete shootout feel to it. The Wolfpack is the better offense, but Howell is just tough to prepare for.
In every North Carolina loss but the first game of the season, the Tar Heels have scored at least 22 points. That shouldn’t change in this one. On the other hand, North Carolina State has a quarterback with a chip on his shoulder in Devin Leary. Leary has been a stud all year and just hasn’t been getting the love.
It’s time to show out on national television for Leary. Take the Over.
Prediction: Over 62.5 (-110)
Best bet
I know North Carolina State has been extremely solid on the defensive end, however, North Carolina has seemed to find a rhythm late in the season. This team didn’t look right to start the year but with a win over Wake Forest and a couple of close losses to Notre Dame and Pittsburgh, North Carolina can absolutely hang against really good teams.
I’ll go Over on this number. And I wouldn’t wait to take it. Once Howell is confirmed starter, this line could move up a couple of points.
Pick: Over 62.5 (-110)
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