North Carolina vs. UCF Prediction, Odds and Key Players to Watch for College Football Week 4

Oddsmakers expect this Saturday night matchup to be decided by a touchdown or less.

Demon June and North Carolina are underdogs against UCF on Saturday. / Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

One of college football’s most interesting attractions will head to The Bounce House this weekend. North Carolina is set to face off against UCF in an interconference matchup on Saturday.

Bill Belichick’s Tar Heels have found their footing with two straight wins after getting blown out by TCU in their season opener. The Knights, on the other hand, are a perfect 2-0 after leaving North Carolina A&T in the dust in their last game.

Oddsmakers think this matchup could be decided by less than a touchdown. Here’s our full betting breakdown for the game ahead of kickoff.

North Carolina vs. UCF Odds, Spread and Total

Spread

• North Carolina: +6.5 (-105)
• UCF: -6.5 (-115)

Moneyline

• North Carolina: +210
• UCF: -258

Total: 47.5 (Over -112/Under -108)

Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook

North Carolina vs. UCF How to Watch

• Date: Saturday, September 20
• Game Time: 3:30 PM EST
• Venue: Acrisure Bounce House
• How to Watch (TV): FOX
• North Carolina  Record: 2-1
• UCF Record: 2-0

North Carolina vs. UCF Key Players to Watch

North Carolina

Demon June: June didn’t get a touch in UNC’s first game of the season but is slowly asserting himself as a key part of the Tar Heels’ offense. The true freshman running back has now accrued 200 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown on just 23 carries. His breakout performance against Richmond in Week 2 might’ve earned him a significant role moving forward. North Carolina is still trying to find its identity on offense and June could be the clear focal point of it soon with a few more strong outings.

UCF

Jaden Nixon: Nixon returned the opening kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown in his last outing before recording four carries for 156 yards and two scores in the same game. North Carolina’s defense is much better than North Carolina A&T’s, but that doesn’t mean he can’t be highly involved against tougher competition. Myles Montgomery hasn’t been too effective on the ground and UCF could benefit from a change of pace in the backfield.

North Carolina vs. UCF Prediction and Pick

This game could be difficult to read, as neither team has put together a good showing against a quality FBS program this season. North Carolina’s offensive inconsistency is what stands out to me, though.

Gio Lopez is averaging less than 114 passing yards per game and will face a UCF defense that’s given up less than 100 passing yards per game so far this season. The Tar Heels could be forced to deploy a one-dimensional offensive approach without a clear-cut lead running back on the road. That seems like a recipe for disaster. Especially after North Carolina only put up 20 points against UNC Charlotte on the road.

UCF’s starting quarterback Cam Fancher, who left their Week 1 contest with a lower leg injury in the first half, is ramping up to a potential return to the field and his reintegration could give the Knights another boost. 

I don’t trust that the new-regime Tar Heels will rise to the challenge. The Knights should have enough in the tank to cover.

PICK: UCF -6.5 (-115 at DraftKings Sportsbook)

---

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Claim the latest DraftKings promo code offer today. Sign up and place a $5 bet to earn a guaranteed $200 in bonus bets plus over $200 off NFL Sunday Ticket. Regardless of the outcome of your wager, DraftKings will add eight $25 bonus bet tokens to your new account and award one promo code for a discounted NFL Sunday ticket subscription.