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North Carolina Tar Heels vs Stanford Cardinal Game Preview
The North Carolina Tar Heels will try to build momentum after ending their losing streak when they host the Stanford Cardinal on Saturday at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill.
Both programs feature former NFL head coaches — Bill Belichick for North Carolina and Frank Reich for Stanford — though both men downplayed that angle. Instead, each is focused on developing young rosters and finishing the season strong in conference play.
North Carolina (3–5, 1–3 ACC) snapped a four-game skid last week with a 27–10 win over Syracuse. The Tar Heels leaned on their defense and freshman running back Demon June, who posted his second 100-yard rushing performance in three games.
Stanford (3–6, 2–4 ACC) suffered its third straight loss last Saturday, falling 35–20 to Pitt. The Cardinal have struggled mightily on the road, entering this matchup 0–5 away from home, and now face a well-prepared North Carolina defense that has shown signs of improvement.
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Odds and Key Information
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Spread | North Carolina –9.5 / Stanford +9.5 |
| Moneyline | North Carolina –390 / Stanford +310 |
| Total (O/U) | 48.5 points |
| Venue | Kenan Stadium, Chapel Hill, NC |
| Time | Saturday, Nov. 8, 3:30 PM ET |
| Broadcast | ACC Network |
Stanford leads the all-time series 2–1, but this is their first meeting since 2019.
North Carolina Outlook
The North Carolina Tar Heels are in rebuild mode under Belichick but finally showed balance in their win over Syracuse. Quarterback Jacolby Criswell managed the offense efficiently, while the running game delivered its best performance in over a month.
Freshman running back Demon June has become a breakout performer, totaling 432 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the season. His dual-threat ability out of the backfield (117 receiving yards) gives Carolina versatility.
Defensively, North Carolina has tightened up after an inconsistent first half of the season. The Tar Heels are allowing 23.1 points per game, forcing seven turnovers in their last three outings. Belichick’s unit has improved in red-zone efficiency, limiting opponents to a 61% scoring rate inside the 20-yard line.
Special teams have been another bright spot, as kicker Noah Burnette has connected on 10 of 11 field-goal attempts. With confidence rising, UNC hopes to defend its home turf and string together consecutive ACC victories for the first time this year.
Stanford Outlook
The Stanford Cardinal are entering a transition phase under interim coach Frank Reich, who made a bold move this week by naming redshirt freshman Elijah Brown the new starting quarterback. Brown replaces Ben Gulbranson, bringing accuracy and pocket poise to an offense that has struggled with turnovers.
Brown has appeared in three games this season, completing 64% of his passes for one touchdown. Reich described the decision as “instinctive,” hoping Brown’s rhythm and anticipation can energize a stagnant attack.
Stanford’s offense has been inconsistent, averaging just 18.2 points per game and ranking near the bottom of the ACC in total yardage. Running back Casey Filkins leads the team with 523 rushing yards, while wideout John Humphreys has been the top target with 472 yards and three touchdowns.
Defensively, Stanford has allowed 31.5 points per contest and ranks 13th in the conference in yards allowed per play (6.2). Missed tackles and secondary breakdowns have plagued the unit, particularly on the road. The Cardinal must improve their gap control and contain June to have a chance in Chapel Hill.
Key Storylines
NFL coaching ties – The Belichick vs Reich matchup adds intrigue, but both coaches insist the focus is on player development, not nostalgia.
Elijah Brown’s debut – The redshirt freshman QB takes over for Stanford, bringing a fresh dynamic to the Cardinal offense.
Demon June’s rise – The Tar Heels’ freshman back is giving the offense identity and momentum entering November.
Stanford’s road woes – The Cardinal are winless away from home this season, averaging just 14.6 points in those contests.
Defensive discipline – Belichick’s scheme has started to pay dividends, as UNC has forced key turnovers in three consecutive games.
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Betting Trends
- North Carolina is 5–1 straight up in its last six home games.
- Stanford is 0–5 straight up on the road this season.
- The total has gone under in four of North Carolina’s last six games.
- Stanford has failed to cover the spread in three of its last four.
- UNC is 4–0 against unranked opponents at home this season.
Get more trend breakdowns and projections at the NCAAF odds and scores page.
Predictions
The North Carolina Tar Heels appear to be regaining confidence under Belichick’s structured approach. Stanford’s change at quarterback brings potential upside, but a hostile road environment and a rejuvenated Tar Heel defense make this matchup difficult for the Cardinal to control.
Projected score: North Carolina 27, Stanford 17
Spread pick: North Carolina –9.5
Total lean: Under 48.5
Expect a slow-paced, defensive matchup early, with UNC’s run game wearing down Stanford’s front seven in the second half.
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