North Carolina vs. Clemson Prediction: Week 3 Odds, Picks & Best Bet
Dabo Swinney and Bill Belichick will go head-to-head for the second straight season, setting the stage for an intriguing ACC matchup as I make my latest North Carolina vs. Clemson prediction.
Clemson was blown out by No. 7 LSU on the road in Week 1, while North Carolina enters this game undefeated despite dealing with fallout and negative headlines surrounding its coaching staff. Clemson is a 3.5-point betting favorite, with kickoff from Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C., set for noon ET (ESPN, Disney+).
🏈 North Carolina vs. Clemson picks & predictions
See all of our experts' college football picks for Week 3 based on the latest college football odds.
| Pick | Bet size |
|---|---|
| North Carolina +3.5 (-115 via FanDuel) | 1.15 units |
| Under 43.5 (-108 via FanDuel) | 2.16 units |
Total wagered: 3.31 units | Max profit: +3 units
💰 North Carolina vs. Clemson prediction & best bet
Check out all of our college football predictions for more analysis across this week's slate.
Under 43.5 (-108)
This matchup screams a point total under once the final whistle blows. The Tar Heels' defense has allowed 1 total touchdown in 2 games played, giving up a stingy 2.5 YPC and carrying a +1 turnover margin into Clemson.
The Tigers' defense got exposed by LSU's new-look offense under head coach Lane Kiffin and QB Sam Leavitt. Clemson looked better in Week 2 during a 22-7 win over Georgia Southern, holding this G6 opponent to 1.2 YPC and a 56 percent completion rate.
The Tar Heels' offense has been fairly balanced with QB Billy Edwards under center, throwing for at least 230 yards in both wins, while also managing 4.5 YPC. However, it's important to note that UNC's second win came against East Tennessee State, which is an FCS roster.
Clemson has made a change at quarterback, rolling with freshman Tait Reynolds for his first career start on Saturday. Expect growing pains as Reynolds faces a Belichick-led defense.
The total has moved down from 44.5 to 43.5. Let's follow the steam and bet Under 43.5 at -108 odds on FanDuel.
📡 SBR Edge: Tar Heels' Talent
North Carolina enters Week 3 with the nation's seventh-best scoring defense, allowing 6.5 points per game and fewer than 300 yards of total offense against each of its opponents.
Tar Heels' defense dominates Clemson's new QB1
Reynolds was given the starting nod by Swinney over Christopher Vizzina. While Reynolds clearly offers more upside, the freshman signal-caller will have a steep learning curve against a veteran defensive mastermind like Belichick, whose defense shut down TCU during their season opener.
Against Georgia Southern, Reynolds failed to post a 60 percent completion rate and didn't throw a touchdown. He was also held to 2.7 YPC, failing to break 40 rushing yards on 14 attempts. The Tar Heels' defense is going to shut down Clemson's offense, even against a talented wide receiving corps, likely leading to a 3-0 record and another bad loss for the Tigers.
Score prediction: North Carolina 27, Clemson 16
📊 North Carolina vs. Clemson odds
See the latest college football odds for every Week 3 matchup.
North Carolina vs. Clemson opening odds
- Moneyline: North Carolina +320 | Clemson -410
- Spread: North Carolina +6.5 (-115) | Clemson -6.5 (-105)
- Over/Under: Over 44.5 (-105) | Under 44.5 (-115)
📺 How to watch North Carolina vs. Clemson: Week 3
- Date: Saturday, Sept. 19
- Kickoff: 12 p.m. ET
- Location: Memorial Stadium (Clemson, S.C.)
- TV: ESPN
- Streaming: Disney+
🗒️ Affiliate disclosure
Sportsbook Review may receive a commission if you sign up through our links. Not intended for use in MA. Bonuses not applicable in Ontario. 21+ only. (Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER)
