Minnesota vs #20 North Carolina Odds, and Picks (Sep 16)

• Minnesota took down Eastern Michigan, 25-6, improving to 2-0 on the year.
• North Carolina survived a thriller against Appalachian State, winning 40-34.
• This will be the first matchup between these two teams in program history.

Week 3 of the college football season is upon us. Let’s preview the Minnesota vs North Carolina game.

How to Watch

• ESPN

Preview

Minnesota built on the momentum of their Week 1 comeback with a confident win over Eastern Michigan in Week 2. They’ll face a much tougher task this week against top-20 North Carolina, with a chance to improve to 3-0 on the season. The Golden Gophers have a very capable defense, which will be the key to their chances against the Tar Heels, but their offense has looked less than impressive in each game so far.

North Carolina escaped with a win in Week 2, but had a bit of a disappointing performance. They played the always competitive App State, but should have still won confidently after entering the game as 18-point favorites. Instead, the Tar Heels wound up heading to overtime with the Mountaineers, and then 2OT. QB Drake Maye had a subpar game, finishing 21 of 30 for 208 yards. He needs to bounce back here.

Prediction

Minnesota’s capable defense is their best chance of winning this game, but that alone won’t be enough. Perhaps because of their scare last week, North Carolina enters this game favored by just 7 points. That seems low for a top-20 team against a Golden Gophers squad that has scored just 38 points through the first two weeks. It won’t be a total blowout, but I’m comfortable betting on UNC to win and cover at home.

NCAAF Picks:

• North Carolina 27, Minnesota 13 ()