TCU vs North Carolina Best Bets, Predictions & Picks for Monday, September 1

Week 1 of the college football action is nearly in the books, but we've still got a big Bill Belichick debut in store, as his North Carolina Tar Heels battle the TCU Horned Frogs. See how our experts envision this game going.

Jason Wilson - Betting Analyst at Covers.com
Jason Wilson • Betting Analyst
Aug 31, 2025 • 21:54 ET • 4 min read
Bill Belichick North Carolina Tar Heels
Photo By - Imagn Images. UNC head coach Bill Belichick at a recent press conference.

Bill Belichick may be the talk of college football as he makes his head coaching debut with the North Carolina Tar Heels, but the TCU Horned Frogs will be a tough test to kick off his tenure.

As Week 1 winds down, let's take a look at a variety of picks for this big-ticket clash from our betting experts.

Here are our best TCU vs. North Carolina predictions for Monday, September 1.

TCU vs North Carolina Week 1 predictions

TCU vs North Carolina State best bets

TCU TCU -3.5 (-105 at FanDuel)

Bill Belichick wasted no time revamping the North Carolina Tar Heels roster, but how quickly will all these new faces gel? It better be quick, according to Covers betting analyst Andrew Caley, because the TCU Horned Frogs are much better than most casual college football fans realize. Caley isn't convinced that Gio Lopez & Co. will hit the ground running for Belichick, partially because Sonny Dykes will field his best squad in four years at the Horned Frogs' helm.

TCU/UNC Under 55.5 (-114 at FanDuel)

Caley's also hitting the Under on the total, fading Belichick and Lopez's offense:

"The combination of so many new players trying to learn a new system, having to go up against an experienced and solid defense like TCU, makes me feel like UNC won't do its part to send this game Over."

TCU vs North Carolina TD pick

UNC Gio Lopez Under 1.5 touchdown passes (-152 at FanDuel)

Meanwhile, Ed Scimia is also steering clear of the UNC offense, and new QB Gio Lopez, in particular, with his TCU vs. North Carolina player props.

"Lopez faces a TCU defense bringing back most of its starters and was strong last year, ranking 25th in yards allowed per play. Taking the Under on Lopez is the smart play, as expecting multiple scores through the air is unrealistic in his first week with UNC."

TCU vs North Carolina prop pick

TCU Josh Hoover Over 289.5 passing yards (-114 at FanDuel)

But that doesn't mean scoring and offense will be at a premium. TCU quarterback Josh Hoover returns alongside one of his most explosive weapons, WR Eric McAlister, and both players offer upside with their Overs.

"Hoover threw for 290+ yards on six different occasions last year, and he has a wealth of talent in the receiving corps. Clutch option Eric McAlister is back, while transfers including Jordan Dwyer a Joseph Manjack IV will add proven depth."

TCU vs North Carolina odds

TCU vs North Carolina game info

Location: Kenan Stadium, Chapel Hill, NC
Date: Monday, September 1, 2025
Kickoff: 8:00 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN

TCU vs North Carolina latest injuries

TCU vs North Carolina weather

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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Jason Wilson Covers.com
Betting Analyst

Jason Wilson is an experienced journalist who has worked in a variety of roles within the industry for the past 18 years. Working at community newspapers in New Brunswick, Jason wore many hats as a reporter, editor, and photographer, covering everything from sports to courts to municipal politics. After shifting gears and working as an educator for a few years in the 2010s, Jason returned to full-time work in media as an MLB news editor for six years at theScore in Toronto before joining Covers in late 2021.

He has honed his editorial acumen over his years in the industry, showcasing flexibility, patience, and a strong work ethic. While he was relatively new to sports betting upon joining Covers, Jason has taken the plunge with gusto to learn the ins and outs of the industry, both as a method to improve professionally and to add an extra angle to his sports fandom.

In addition to sports, Jason is an avid film nut and former movie critic who monitors the Academy Awards betting odds for Covers. Jason holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism degree and a Bachelor of Education degree from St. Thomas University.

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