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TCU (0-0-0) at North Carolina (0-0-0)
- When: Sep 1 2025, 8:00 PM
- Where: Kenan Stadium, Chapel Hill, NC
- Where to watch: ESPN
TCU vs North Carolina Preview & Prediction
Spread: TCU -3.5
Moneyline: TCU -178
Total: 55.0
TCU Horned Frogs Betting Outlook
The Horned Frogs are favored by MyBookie Oddsmakers in this primetime Labor Day showdown, listed at -3.5 with a total of 55.0. TCU comes in with stability at quarterback and proven firepower on offense. Josh Hoover set a school record for passing yards last season (3,949) while tossing 27 touchdowns, and he’s back to build on that breakout campaign.
Coach Sonny Dykes knows he’ll have his hands full scheming for a North Carolina team that is essentially a mystery, but TCU’s continuity at the key positions should provide a critical edge. The Horned Frogs went 9-4 last year, and with their passing attack intact, they’ll be eager to spoil Bill Belichick’s big debut.
Player Prop to Watch (TCU): Josh Hoover Over 1.5 Passing Touchdowns — his arm is the engine of the offense, and he thrives in spotlight games.
North Carolina Tar Heels Betting Outlook
The Tar Heels take the national stage under the brightest lights, and for one big reason: Bill Belichick. The legendary former Patriots coach has taken over in Chapel Hill, completely overhauling the roster with 70 new players. The intrigue here is undeniable, Belichick has long thrived on the element of surprise, and with so many fresh faces, UNC may be the hardest team in the country to scout.
At quarterback, the Heels hand the keys to transfer Gio Lopez, with Max Johnson healthy and waiting in the wings after his 2024 season ended almost immediately with injury. With so many moving parts and limited film, the first game of the Belichick era is expected to be unpredictable, but the hype surrounding this matchup is unlike anything North Carolina has ever experienced.
Player Prop to Watch (North Carolina): Gio Lopez Over 217.5 Passing Yards — he has the stage, the trust of Belichick, and the weapons to surprise.
CFB Prediction & Betting Angle
This is one of those rare openers where the coaches overshadow the rosters. TCU has continuity, proven quarterback play, and less uncertainty, while UNC counters with Belichick’s defensive mind and a brand-new lineup. MyBookie Oddsmakers giving TCU the slight edge makes sense, but the “Belichick factor” could keep this closer than expected.
Final Score: TCU 28, North Carolina 24
Lean: TCU -3.5
Total: Under 55.0
- NCAA Football Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
