North Carolina vs. Syracuse, Odds, Picks, Preview, and Prediction, Friday, October 31, 2025
Use Code WWWC On Friday, the North Carolina Tar Heels will take on the Syracuse Orange at JMA Wireless Dome in Week 10 NCAAF action. The Orange are two-point spread favorites, and the game total is 45 points scored. The Halloween ACC battle is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.
This North Carolina vs. Syracuse prediction highlights a Tar Heels team that has lost four straight games and an Orange squad that has stumbled since beating Clemson in its first conference contest. Friday's game marks the eighth all-time meeting between UNC and Cuse on the gridiron. North Carolina leads the series 4-3 and won the last matchup 40-7 in 2023.
Do you need a boost in your handicapping? Try our NCAAF Predictions.
North Carolina is turnover-prone
North Carolina (2-5 SU, 4-3 ATS, and 2-5 O/U) lost 17-16 to Virginia last weekend. The Tar Heels are still searching for their first ACC win of the season.
Get Free $30 Credit for Premium Picks + Exclusive Discounts
Subscribe Now
UNC fell to 16th-ranked Virginia in overtime, as the home team's two-point conversion failed. The Tar Heels outgained the Cavaliers 353-259, holding the visitors to 59 rushing yards, but committed three turnovers. One of those costly miscues came when WR Kobe Paysour fumbled at the one-yard line, resulting in a touchback. The Heels also turned it over in the red zone, when UVA picked off UNC QB Gio Lopez at the five-yard line.
The South Alabama transfer Lopez has completed 60.9 percent of his passes for 805 yards with four touchdowns and five interceptions this season. He has also rushed for two scores. Lopez's top receiving target is sophomore WR Jordan Shipp (29 receptions for 320 yards and two TDs), and freshman RB Demon June (51 carries for 315 yards and one TD) paces the Tar Heels' run game.
North Carolina averages 18.7 points per game (123rd) and averages 267.7 total yards (134th), including 162.5 passing yards (121st) and 105.2 rushing yards (124th). The Tar Heels' defense allows 25.0 points (75th) and 360.0 total yards (61st) per game, including 240.8 passing yards (97th) and 119.2 rushing yards (35th).
North Carolina Tar Heels Football Injury Report: No new injuries to report for Friday's ACC clash versus Syracuse.
Syracuse has struggled to score since losing its QB
Syracuse (3-5 SU, 3-4-1 ATS, and 4-4 O/U) lost 41-16 to Georgia Tech in its last game. The Orange are 1-4 in conference competition this season.
The Cuse couldn't compete with the Yellow Jackets, as they trailed 20-3 at halftime and were unable to recover. Georgia Tech gained nearly 550 total yards, with over 300 through the air and 239 on the ground. The Orange scored on a quick touchdown drive early in the third quarter, but was otherwise unable to gain traction. They are averaging just 12.5 points per game since starting QB Steve Angeli's injury.
LSU transfer Rickie Collins has led the Syracuse offense in Angeli's absence. He has completed 54.5 percent of his passes for 957 yards with six touchdowns and eight interceptions. Both quarterbacks have been under duress, as the Cuse offensive line has allowed 20 sacks (108th) this season. Sophomore RB Yasin Willis (101 carries for 429 yards and four TDs) paces the Orange ground game, and junior WR Johntay Cook (39 receptions for 501 yards and two TDs) is the team's top receiver.
Syracuse scores 25.4 points per game (85th) and averages 350.8 total yards (100th), including 257.5 passing yards (41st) and 93.3 rushing yards (130th). The Orange defense surrenders 31.3 points (115th) and 369.1 total yards (73rd) per game, including 236.3 passing yards (93rd) and 132.9 rushing yards (53rd).
Syracuse Orange Football Injury Report: OG Austin Collins and LB Gary Bryant III are questionable to play against North Carolina.
North Carolina vs. Syracuse Pick and Preview
Moneyline Pick for North Carolina vs. Syracuse
- Tar Heels ML (5 Units)
Syracuse has been a different team since Angeli's Achilles injury, losing four straight games by 13 or more points. The Orange offense was humming under Angeli, but has sputtered under Collins. North Carolina, on the other hand, appears to be trending in a better direction after two narrow defeats to Cal and Virginia. I doubt they will continue to cough up the ball near the goal line on offense, and their defense should be able to get pressure on Collins, who is protected by a weak line and could be without his starting center.
I like the value of a wager on North Carolina to win straight-up on Halloween night.
Over/Under Pick for North Carolina vs. Syracuse
- Under 45 points (5 Units)
The Tar Heels have played pretty well defensively, holding their last two opponents to 21 and 17 points, respectively. They have been stout in the red zone this season, ranking fifth nationally in opponent red zone conversion percentage. I believe they'll generate pressure on the ineffective and turnover-prone Collins and force him into a pick or two. On the other side of the ball, I don't expect much scoring from the UNC offense, either. The Heels haven't scored more than 20 points against their FBS competition and rank 116th in red zone conversion percentage.
The under has been the winning wager in these teams' games recently. Bet on that trend to continue this week!
Betting on College Football?
- Bet with other College Football fans at the best sportsbooks
- Sign up today and get started with the latest college football sportsbook promos
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days
