Gamblers have plenty of NCAA Football Betting optimism surrounding the North Carolina Tar Heels football team. Especially with Heisman contender Drake Maye leading the Tar Heels back into relevance. Gamblers have North Carolina as a top 20 team for the college football playoff rankings. At the onset of the 2023 campaign, the Tar Heels have their sights set on taking a big leap. Following four consecutive bowl game appearances in the first four seasons under head coach Mack Brown. Based on most power rankings, North Carolina’s only slated to face two ranked opponents this year.
South Carolina Gamecocks vs. North Carolina Tar Heels Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Saturday, September 2, 2023, 5:15 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC |
| TV Coverage: | ABC |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | -2½ -110 | 64½ -110 | -135 |  |
| South Carolina | +2½ -110 | 64½ -110 | +115 | |
| ||||
South Carolina vs. North Carolina SBG Odds Overview
As mentioned earlier, North Carolina’s schedule made them a popular future market sportsbook play. But South Carolina has earned respect for exceeding expectations the past two years.
South Carolina Gamecocks Team Overview
Indeed, Shane Beamer’s program has exceeded preseason expectations two years in a row. Last season, South Carolina finished strong by knocking off a pair of highly-ranked teams (Tennessee and Clemson). If the Gamecocks will maintain momentum, it starts with offensive production.
First, new play-caller Dowell Loggains is putting more offensive controls in quarterback Spencer Rattler’s hands. Of great concern is that depth is thin at running back. So, all-purpose threat Dakereon Joyner will have to shoulder some of the work on the ground. Juice Wells is one of the nation’s top receivers. While Arkansas transfer Trey Knox could emerge as a big-time threat at tight end. The offensive line remains an unproven worry going into the fall. Following Jaylen Nichols’ significant injury in the spring.
On the other hand, South Carolina’s run defense needs improvement for defensive signal-caller Clayton White. Also, the secondary must replace standout cornerback Cam Smith. Just as it was in ’22, look for South Carolina’s special teams to be an x-factor in close games.
North Carolina Tar Heels Team Overview
It is true that North Carolina head coach Mack Brown has had a successful second coming. Brown has provided stability and consistency that the Tar Heel football program rarely enjoys. But taking the next step as a bona fide ACC threat has been elusive.
Following a 9-1 start in 2022, the Tar Heels slipped down the stretch by losing their last four games. Although the non-conference slate is challenging, coach Mack Brown’s team shouldn’t suffer any lingering effects from the late slide. Cause by the return of quarterback Drake Maye. Specifically, Maye was a second-team preseason All-American.
Also, UNC has one of the ACC’s deepest backfields. Providing better protection for Maye is a must. And the Tar Heels are counting on transfers to alleviate the loss of Josh Downs at receiver. Also, this unit will have a new play-caller after Chip Lindsey was hired after Phil Longo’s departure to Wisconsin.
In turn, North Carolina’s defense allowed the most points a game in the ACC last year. There are eight starters back and a solid haul of transfers. Thus, coordinator Gene Chizik should be able to generate some improvement from this group.
South Carolina vs. North Carolina SBG Free Picks
To summarize, this is an even NCAA Football Betting matchup. Accordingly, South Carolina makes the most sense.
South Carolina vs. North Carolina SBG Best Bet: South Carolina Gamecocks.