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North Carolina vs Syracuse Game Preview
The North Carolina Tar Heels visit the Syracuse Orange on Friday, October 31, 2025, at the JMA Wireless Dome. Both ACC teams are desperate to end four-game losing streaks in what could be a pivotal late-season contest. Kickoff is set for 7:30 PM ET on ESPN.
North Carolina (2-5, 0-3 ACC) is coming off a heartbreaking 17-16 overtime loss to Virginia, while Syracuse (3-5, 1-4 ACC) continues to search for rhythm after a 41-16 defeat to Georgia Tech. Both programs are trying to salvage momentum heading into November.
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Line Movement and Odds
Syracuse opened as a slight 2-point favorite at home, with a moneyline around -130. North Carolina sits at +108, while the total is set at 46.5. Bettors anticipate a low-scoring, grind-it-out game between two struggling offenses.
Track real-time odds and updates on the college football odds page and get verified picks on the NCAAF picks section.
North Carolina Tar Heels Outlook
North Carolina has lost five of its last six games, but the defense has shown signs of life. The Tar Heels held Virginia to 17 points last week, limiting them to just 2-of-10 on third downs. Despite the loss, their physicality and defensive discipline stood out.
Quarterback Gio Lopez has had an up-and-down season, throwing for 1,128 yards with four touchdowns and five interceptions. His mobility remains an asset, but turnovers have cost the Tar Heels in key moments. Running back Demon June has been the bright spot offensively, rushing for 315 yards and averaging over 5 yards per carry.
North Carolina’s defensive front has been effective, ranking 17th nationally in sacks (14) and tied for 6th in interceptions (5). Their ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks could be a key factor against a young Syracuse signal-caller.
Injury Report
- Christo Kelly (OL) – Questionable
- Deems May (TE) – Questionable
- Thaddeus Dixon (DB) – Questionable
- Peter Pesansky (OL) – Questionable
- Jake Bauer (LB) – Questionable
- Kamarion Thomas (DL) – Questionable
- Guytano Bartolomeo (K) – Questionable
Syracuse Orange Outlook
Syracuse has not won since its upset over Clemson on September 20 and is 0-4 since. The offense has struggled to find consistency with Rickie Collins under center. The sophomore quarterback has thrown for 957 yards and six touchdowns but has also committed eight interceptions in four games.
The Orange remain dangerous through the air, ranking 15th nationally in passing yards (2,284). Receiver Johntay Cook has emerged as Collins’ top target, posting 511 yards and four touchdowns. However, the team’s rushing attack remains limited outside of quarterback scrambles.
On defense, Syracuse mirrors North Carolina in opportunism — also ranking 6th nationally in interceptions. If they can create short fields for Collins and avoid giveaways, they’ll have a solid chance to protect home turf under the dome.
Injury Report
- Mark Petry (OL) – Out, Knee
- Steve Angeli (QB) – Out, Achilles
- Austin Collins (OL) – Questionable
- Derek McDonald (LB) – Questionable
- Rashard Perry (DL) – Questionable
- Tyshawn Russell (WR) – Out
- Malachi James (RB) – Questionable
- Fatim Diggs (LB) – Questionable
- Nate Prater (DB) – Questionable
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Betting Trends
- Syracuse is 19-1 straight up as a favorite in its last 20 games.
- North Carolina is 3-1 ATS after a loss in its last four games.
- Syracuse is 18-8 straight up at home across its past 26 games.
- The under has hit in 3 of North Carolina’s last 5 contests.
- Syracuse is 8-4-1 on over/under totals in its last 13 games.
Prediction
Both teams are evenly matched statistically, but Syracuse’s home advantage and slightly steadier offense make the difference. Expect a low-scoring, defensive game where turnovers could swing momentum late.
Projected Score: Syracuse 24, North Carolina 20
Best Bet: Syracuse -2 (-110)
Total Lean: Under 46.5 (-110)
For more betting insights and verified analysis, check the expert betting guide and the college football handicappers leaderboard.
