Two teams that have seen their seasons go all wrong will face off on Friday night when the Syracuse Orange host the North Carolina Tar Heels.
The Tar Heels have shown a bit of improvement lately under Bill Belichick, so I’m taking them to cover in my early North Carolina vs. Syracuse predictions.
Keep reading to see my early leans and free college football picks for this ACC matchup on Friday, October 31.
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North Carolina vs Syracuse predictions
Here are our early thoughts on the spread and total for this week’s game. We will have a full game preview (with a best bet and SGP) later in the week.
Early North Carolina vs Syracuse spread pick: North Carolina +1.5
Both the Syracuse Orange and North Carolina Tar Heels are riding four-game losing streaks. But in many ways, these teams are headed in opposite directions.
Syracuse got off to another strong start this year. After a loss to the Tennessee Volunteers, the Orange ran off three straight victories, including a 34-21 win at the Clemson Tigers. However, Syracuse’s season took an unfortunate turn when starting quarterback Steve Angeli went down in the Clemson game.
Suddenly, what had been an explosive offense ground to a halt with backup Rickie Collins at the helm. Since then, Syracuse has lost four games, all by 13 or more points.
Meanwhile, North Carolina continues to struggle in its first year under Bill Belichick. However, there’s no doubt that the Tar Heels have looked better over the past two weeks. In those games, they’ve lost by three on the road to the California Bears, and then were inches away from upsetting the Virginia Cavaliers at home in overtime last weekend.
If UNC keeps playing like it did against Virginia, it should handle a struggling Syracuse team. I’m taking the Tar Heels to cover.
Early North Carolina vs Syracuse total pick: Under 46.5
Syracuse’s offense hasn’t been the same since Angeli tore his Achilles tendon in the Clemson game.
In the four games since then, the Orange are 0-4, and are averaging just 12.5 points. Collins is completing only 54.5% of his passes and has more interceptions (8) than touchdown passes (6).
That should be music to the ears of the Tar Heels. North Carolina is giving up 23.9 PPG, but has held its last two opponents to 21 and 17 points, respectively.
At the same time, the Tar Heels' offensive struggles continue. They have only scored 13.3 PPG over their last four, and haven’t put up more than 20 points against an FBS opponent all season.
North Carolina has hit the Under in five of its last six games, while Syracuse has hit the Under on three of its last four. I’m expecting these trends to continue and taking the Under.
North Carolina vs Syracuse odds
- North Carolina vs. Syracuse spread: Syracuse -1.5
- North Carolina vs. Syracuse moneyline: North Carolina +110, Syracuse -132
- North Carolina vs. Syracuse Over/Under: 46.5
How to watch North Carolina vs Syracuse
- North Carolina vs. Syracuse matchup
- Date: Friday, October 31, 2025, 7:30 p.m. ET
- City: Syracuse, NY
- Venue: JMA Wireless Dome
- TV: ESPN
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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