North Carolina is on the road to take on Minnesota today as college football Week 1 action continues. The game will kick off at 8 p.m. ET, with Fox on the call. The Tar Heels have moved from slight underdogs on betting lines to spread favorites against the Golden Gophers. Sportsbook promos for North Carolina vs. Minnesota are available as we get set for this primetime matchup.
North Carolina favored over Minnesota ahead of Week 1 matchup
How North Carolina could win this game
North Carolina begins the season in the middle of the pack for odds to win the ACC. Max Johnson and Conner Harrell could both see time under center as the quarterback competition continues. Omarion Hampton is back for his junior campaign after rushing for 1,504 yards and 15 TDs. He could be even more of a focal point as the QB situation sorts out.
The Tar Heels will likely look to establish Hampton early and often against a Golden Gophers team that allowed 154.7 rushing yards and 26.9 points per game last season. On defense, UNC gave up an average of 405.4 yards and 27.1 points per contest. The team posted an 8-3 record as a favorite last season but struggled on the road with a record of 1-3 in away games.
How Minnesota could win this game
Expectations are tempered for Minnesota, with the preseason win total line set at 5.5. The team has been regularly competitive at home under head coach P.J. Fleck. The Golden Gophers are 13-8 as hosts and 2-3 in the home underdog role over the last three seasons. New Hampshire transfer Max Brosmer will make his debut for Minnesota at quarterback.
He’ll be taking over an offense that averaged 143.4 passing yards and 20.9 points per game. When these two schools met in 2023, the result was a 31-13 home win for UNC. Minnesota kicked off last season with two home wins while allowing a combined 16 points. Another strong defensive effort and holding Hampton in check could be a recipe for success against UNC.
