The UConn Huskies are back in the postseason for the second time in three years and have accepted a College Football odds invitation to play in the third annual Wasabi Fenway Bowl on December 28. The Huskies will take on the North Carolina Tar Heels from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) at historic Fenway Park in Boston. Head coach Jim Mora, in his third season at the helm, led the Huskies to an 8-4 record this fall. Correlate that was the best regular season for the program since 2010. Also, he secured the first winning season since that campaign.
Fenway Bowl North Carolina Tar Heels vs. UConn Huskies
| Date and Time: | Saturday, December 28, 2024, 11 a.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Fenway Park, Boston, MA |
| TV Coverage: | ESPN |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | +2 -110 | 55 -110 | +115 |  |
| North Carolina | -2 -110 | 55 -110 | -135 | |
| ||||
Fenway Bowl Overview
Specifically, in 2023, In the second-ever Wasabi Fenway Bowl, the Boston College Eagles did not have to travel far to face the AAC Champion SMU Mustangs. In turn, BC defied the 8.5-point spread to earn their seventh win of the season and against their future conference mate to boot. The final score was a close one at 23-14.
Naturally, on the East Coast in December, rainy, sloppy games have been a fairly common theme in the postseason. Boston College did a better job of adjusting. In the running game, the Eagles accumulated 263 yards, including 155 by UCF transfer quarterback Thomas Castellanos. In sum, Castellanos had seven runs of at least ten yards in the game. In the second half in particular, the Eagles averaged 6.6 yards per carry.
On the other hand, while Castellanos also made the occasional play with his arm, SMU freshman quarterback Kevin Jennings struggled. To illuminate, Jennings completed 50% of his passes, going 24 for 48 for 191 yards and a touchdown. In particular, On SMU’s last few drives, Jennings significantly overthrew several receivers while trying to make plays downfield.
North Carolina Tar Heels Team Overview
Last game, the North Carolina Tar Heels lost 35-30 against the NC State Wolfpack as 2.5-point home favorites. The game went over the online wagering total of 53.5. North Carolina has a record of 6-6 straight up, 2-9-1 against the spread, and 5-7 over/under the total. North Carolina ranks 39th for total offense, 58th for passing, 33rd for rushing, and 34th for scoring. Defensively they rank 76th overall, 90th against the pass, 58th against the rush, and 91st for points allowed. Also, North Carolina ranks 56th for fewest turnovers lost and 81st for takeaways.
UConn Huskies Team Overview
Last game, the UConn Huskies won 47-42 against the UMass Minutemen as 7.5-point road favorites. The game went over the College Football odds total of 49.5. UConn has a record of 8-4 straight up, 6-4-2 against the spread, and 7-3-2 over/under the total. UConn ranks 54th for total offense, 94th for passing, 25th for rushing and 36th for scoring. Defensively they rank 57th overall, 79th against the pass, 43rd against the rush, and 58th for points allowed. Also, UConn ranks 57th for fewest turnovers lost and 83rd for takeaways.
Fenway Bowl SBG Free Picks
The Huskies enjoyed a five-win turnaround from last season. Hence, they returned to their winning ways at home at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field. UConn posted a 6-1 record on their home turf this fall. In this situation, North Carolina has been put into turmoil with a coaching change and an interim leader in charge of this game.
Fenway Bowl SBG Best Bet: UConn Huskies.