North Carolina vs Minnesota Picks and Prediction – 8/30/2024

The North Carolina Tar Heels visit Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Thursday to play the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the opening game of the college football regular season for both teams. North Carolina was 8-5 overall and 4-4 in Atlantic Coast Conference play last year. Carolina has a favorable schedule as well as a capable offense, which means they will likely be eligible for a bowl game with at least six wins. Keep up to date with all the college football action, with our expert college football picks.

North Carolina will not announce its starting quarterback until game 1. Connor Harrell and Max Johnson are both vying for the starting QB job. Omarion Hampton returns as the top running back, who last season rushed for 1,154 yards and 15 touchdowns. The receiving corps will have JJ Jones, Nate McCollum and Gavin Blackwell returning. North Carolina's defense is led by Kaimon Rucker at end as well as Amare Campbell at linebacker. 

The Minnesota Golden Gophers were 6-7 overall and 3-6 in the Big 10 last season. Minnesota is putting all of its offense in the hands of quarterback Max Brosmer, who transferred from New Hampshire. Brosmer led the FSC and in passing in 2023. Wide receiver Daniel Jackson will be Brosmer’s top target, while Darius Taylor is the top returning running back. The offensive line has four starters returning.

Minnesota's defense will have a new coordinator in Corey Hetherman who will use multiple fronts and several different schemes. Linebacker Cody Lindenberg will anchor the front seven while playing alongside Maverick Baranowski and Devon Williams. Jah Joyner returns as the leader in quarterback pressures with 46. Kai Perich, a four-star recruit, will start at safety.

North Carolina and Minnesota will have new quarterbacks under center this season but North Carolina has the better overall offense as many skill-position players return from last season. North Carolina also has several players on the defense that are back from last season, while Minnesota has had to retool much of its defense and will have a new defensive coordinator as well. Final Score Prediction, North Carolina Tar Heels win and cover ATS 27-24.