NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
Game Preview North Carolina @ NC State
The North Carolina Tar Heels close a disappointing first season under head coach Bill Belichick with a rivalry game against the NC State Wolfpack on Saturday night in Raleigh. While NC State is bowl eligible at 6-5 (3-4 ACC), UNC enters at 4-7 (2-5) and will finish below .500, win or lose.
This marks Belichick’s first year in the college game after decades in the NFL, and though the Tar Heels failed to meet expectations, a rivalry win to end the year would provide momentum heading into the offseason.
NC State has won four straight in the series, and head coach Dave Doeren will aim to make it five while improving to 9-4 all-time against the Tar Heels. Expect aggressive play-calling and creativity in what’s sure to be an emotionally charged matchup.
More rivalry previews are available in the full college football picks section.
Discover Where the Sharps Are Betting
Real Trends, Real Edges, Real Wins
Odds and Key Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Spread | NC State -4.5 |
| Moneyline | NC State -190 / UNC +155 |
| Total (O/U) | 47.0 |
| Location | Carter-Finley Stadium, Raleigh, NC |
| Time & Date | Saturday, Nov. 30, 8:00 PM ET |
| TV Coverage | ACC Network |
Monitor live line movement at the NCAAF odds tracker.
North Carolina Outlook
The Tar Heels limp into this rivalry game following back-to-back losses to Wake Forest and Duke. Penalties and discipline have plagued the team—most notably 12 penalties for 103 yards in last week’s 28-21 loss to the Blue Devils.
Offensively, UNC has struggled to sustain drives and convert third downs in recent weeks. Quarterback play has been inconsistent, and red zone efficiency has dipped. Still, head coach Bill Belichick is focused on cleaning up mistakes and maintaining effort.
UNC’s defense has been unable to generate stops when needed, and big plays over the middle have hurt them all year. They’ll need a near-perfect game to upset NC State and avoid a 4-8 finish.
Discover how turnover margin influences rivalry outcomes with prop betting angles.
NC State Outlook
The Wolfpack come in already bowl-eligible and eager to extend their dominance in the series. Their four-game win streak against UNC is built on physical defense, opportunistic offense, and game-day intensity.
Linebacker Caden Fordham leads the nation among Power 5 players with 118 tackles. After bouncing back from a 2024 knee injury, he’s the centerpiece of a defense that thrives on controlling the line of scrimmage.
Offensively, NC State hasn’t been flashy but is efficient. The Wolfpack are opportunistic in the red zone and capable of running trick plays or aggressive fourth-down attempts, as head coach Dave Doeren suggested they’ll be “emptying the playbook.”
Explore the value of coaching tendencies with our live betting strategy guide.
Key Matchup Table
| Matchup | Edge |
|---|---|
| Discipline / Penalties | NC State |
| Defensive Front | NC State |
| Passing Offense | Even |
| Third Down Defense | NC State |
| Coaching Experience | North Carolina |
| Rivalry Momentum | NC State |
Betting Trends
- NC State is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 home games.
- UNC is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games.
- The under has hit in 6 of NC State’s last 8 home games.
- UNC has committed 20+ combined penalties in its last two games.
- NC State is 4-0 SU and 3-1 ATS in the last 4 meetings vs UNC.
- The underdog is 3-2 ATS in the last 5 matchups.
- NC State is 6-1 SU at home this season.
- UNC is 1-4 SU in its last 5 road games.
Learn how to use these trends in point spread betting.
Access Thousands of Data-Driven Plays
From the First Pitch to the Final Whistle
Prediction
Discipline, defense, and recent form all favor NC State. UNC may have the coaching spotlight with Bill Belichick on the sideline, but the Wolfpack have more consistency and momentum heading into this rivalry clash.
If NC State can pressure UNC into early mistakes and take advantage of penalty yards, this game should lean in their favor. Expect a lower-scoring affair shaped by defensive field position and clock control.
Projected Score: NC State 24, UNC 17
Spread Pick: NC State -4.5
Total Lean: Under 47.0
Access more rivalry picks and predictions at our NCAAF expert picks page.
Why You Need Expert Picks
Rivalry games like UNC vs NC State often defy conventional trends, especially with high-profile coaches and end-of-season chaos. That’s why sharp bettors use expert insights to go beyond box scores.
Visit the Handicappers Leaderboard and explore these powerful betting resources:
