It’s a big game in College Football to start the season. The North Carolina Tar Heels are on the road at the Minnesota Golden Gophers. This is a battle of a pair of power conference teams both looking to start the season with a big win. These two teams played in Chapel Hill a season ago, with the Tar Heels coming away with an 18 point win.. North Carolina went 8-5 a season ago, losing to West Virginia in their bowl game.
Minnesota also reached a bowl game. But, the Golden Gophers made a bowl game with just 5 wins. They grabbed their 6th win of the season in their bowl win over the Bowling Green Falcons. Minnesota is out of the Big Ten and projected in the middle of the conference standings.
The North Carolina Tar Heels come into the game at -2 over the Minnesota Golden Gophers. The total for this affair is listed at 50.5 points.
Same Air Raid Tar Heels
North Carolina will use Max Johnson, a graduate transfer under center. Coach MAck Brown will still use the air raid with the former Texas A+M signal caller, who also spent some time at LSU. The biggest name returning for the Tar Heels offense is running back Omarion Hampton. The junior rushed the football a team high 253 times for 1,504 yards and 15 touchdowns during 2023.
The receiving core for the Tar Heels will start with JJ Jones. Gavin Blackwell and Nate McCollum will also play a role. Jones was the top receiver a season ago, but had just three touchdowns on the season. McColummu caught a touchdown on the season, with 44 receptions.
Following this game, the Tar Heels will head back home for three straight games. North Carolina will take on Charlotte, NC Central and James Madison. The first league game for the Tar Heels is September 28th at Duke.
Big Ten’s Gophers
Minnesota was one of the worst offensive teams in all of college football last season. They scored just 20.8 points per game. This season, they are hoping the addition of graduate transfer Max Brosmer to improve them. Brosmer played at New Hampshire before coming to Minnesota.
Elijah Spencer, Le’Meke Brockington and Daniel Jackson lead the passing game, along with tight end Nick Kallerup. The run game will be anchored by Darius Taylor. A season ago, Minnesota picked up just shy of 800 rushing yards from Taylor. Jakckson was the top receiver with 59 receptions, 831 yards and 8 touchdowns.
Coach Fleck’s Golden Gophers do not go on the road for a game until the final game of September. That is on the road in Michigan. After this, they will host Rhode Island, Nevada and then conference rival Iowa.
Tar Heels Top Golden Gophers
We like North Carolina to go on the road and win this game. Sure, no Drake Maye, but the Tar Heels still have plenty of firepower, and will get it on display in this game. This is going to be a great game, but when push comes to shove, we like North Carolina to win the game 28-24. Take the Tar Heels -2 over the Golden Gophers. Enjoy the game and best of luck with all your College Football betting!
