Connecticut Huskies vs North Carolina Tar Heels Prediction, Odds and Picks for Saturday, 12/28/24

The UConn Huskies take the quick 90-minute trip up Interstate 84 to the Mass Pike for the Wasabi Fenway Bowl in Boston. The good news for the Huskies is that haven’t been hurt too much by the transfer portal or by opt-outs, so this should generally be the same team we saw win eight games in the regular season. QB Joe Fagnano was a little erratic with 56.6% completion percentage, with 1,480 yards, 18 TDs and 4 INTs, and he isn’t much of a runner. The Huskies did lose Durell Robinson to Auburn via the portal, but RB Cam Edwards can more than handle the full load. In fact, he led the team with 756 yards with seven scores, to Robinson’s eight. UConn was 0-3 against the ACC in 2024, falling to Duke, Syracuse and Wake Forest.

UNC has a ton of hype with Bill Belichick coming in to coach next season, but that won’t help them here. Freddie Kitchens will be the interim coach after Mack Brown was fired after the regular season. Unfortunately for Kitchens and the Tar Heels, superstar RB Omarion Hampton has opted after declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft. That’s a huge crater in the UNC offense after he gained 1,660 yards on the ground, second only to Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty. On defense, DT Jahvaree Ritzie and DE Kaimon Rucker have also declared for the draft. Let’s back UConn, as they’re closer to Boston and should have a strong fan following in the stadium. The Tar Heels should be much improved next season, but that doesn’t mean much as it relates to this game.

UConn +2.5 (-110) at time of publishing. Playable to +1.

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