North Carolina vs. California: Predictions, Odds, and Expert Picks for College Football Showdown
In a critical ACC matchup, California hosts North Carolina, where both teams aim to turn their seasons around after recent losses.
The California Golden Bears (4-2) will host Bill Belichick and the North Carolina Tar Heels (2-3) in an exciting ACC matchup on Friday evening. Both squads are looking to revitalize their seasons after suffering recent setbacks.
California is rebounding from a 45–21 defeat to Duke on October 4, aiming to regain their momentum at home. Meanwhile, North Carolina seeks to recover from a heavy 38–10 loss against Clemson, hoping to conclude their two-game losing streak. Currently, the Tar Heels have a record of 2-3, while the Golden Bears are 3-3 against the spread in 2025.
Kickoff from California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, California is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET. The Golden Bears are favorites by 7.5 points, with an over/under total of 47.5 points.
Before placing any bets on the matchup, check out what SportsLine college football analyst Jimmie Kaylor has to offer.
Odds Overview
- Spread: North Carolina -7.5
- Over/Under: 47.5 points
- Moneyline: Cal -333, North Carolina +265
Jimmie Kaylor, also an expert in NFL and DFS, boasts a strong background, including being a former college football All-American. His insider knowledge has proven beneficial, yielding a remarkable 252-179-7 record in college football betting over the past two seasons.
California Strengths:
Under Justin Wilcox, the Golden Bears aim for consistency as they navigate through their ACC campaign, sporting a 4–2 record. Freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele stands out with 1,487 passing yards and nine touchdowns.
On the defensive end, linebacker Cade Uluave leads with 52 tackles, helping limit opposing teams to slightly over 22 points per game. Their young yet promising roster is establishing a competitive identity in only their second season within the ACC.
North Carolina’s Challenges:
Conversely, under Belichick’s leadership, the Tar Heels face difficulties with a 2-3 start, emphasizing a defense-first approach. Quarterback Gio Lopez shows promise with over 430 passing yards and three touchdowns, while freshman running back Demon June provides a dynamic presence on the field. Despite their inconsistencies, the tactical acumen of Belichick is beginning to bear fruit as they strive for improvement in the latter part of the season.
Kaylor heavily favors the points in this upcoming contest, identifying an essential aspect that could heavily influence the game’s outcome. For comprehensive analysis and picks, consult SportsLine to ensure you’re on the winning side.
