UConn Huskies vs. North Carolina Tar Heels 12/28/24 – In what promises to be an interesting duel, the UConn Huskies (8-4) will lock horns with the North Carolina Tar Heels (6-6) in the Fenway Bowl. Widely regarded as one of the greatest venues in American sports history, Fenway Park will be the setting for this clash as both teams look to emerge victorious and end their season on a high. Going into the clash, UConn will be riding high on confidence after winning four of their last five games, while North Carolina will be low on form and confidence, having lost three of their last five encounters. What a sight this will be as both teams try to outsmart each other.
UConn Huskies vs. North Carolina Tar Heels 12/28/24
| When: | Saturday, December 28, 2024, at 11:00 AM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Fenway Park |
| TV: | ESPN |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Huskies | +2.5 | Over 52.5 (-110) | +120 |  |
| Tar Heels | -2.5 | Under 52.5 (-110) | -140 | |
| ||||
Waking up in Boston ☀️ pic.twitter.com/8VcAiZKMl5
— UConn Football (@UConnFootball) December 28, 2024
North Carolina enters as the favorite, but their struggles against the spread (2-9 ATS in their last 11 games) raise concerns. UConn’s ATS success (7-3 in their last 10 Saturday games) suggests value on the Huskies, particularly with the spread at +2.5. The total of 52.5 offers intrigue given North Carolina’s recent tendency to hit the over in matchups against Independents.
Joe Fagnano QB vs. Jacolby Criswell QB
Joe Fagnano has been nothing short of a lifesaver for UConn, achieving a passing tally of 1,480 yards and hitting 18 targets out of 22 with four interceptions. UConn has a deep threat because of his ability to throw it deep, as indicated by a 70 yard longest pass completed by him. Fagnano showed nice poise in the pocket while enduring three sacks, which is a plus. But again, the issue of getting consistence especially against better defenses is something to be solved.
For North Carolina, on the other hand, Jacolby Criswell has a passing record of 2,452 yards and 15 targets. While the completion percentage of her passes at 58 percent is slightly lower than that of Fagnano’s, there are many positives throughout the performance. However, vulnerability is exposed when 24 times he gets sacked and makes six interceptions, especially with aggressive defenses. His performance in this bowl would be decisive for what North Carolina would produce in this round.
UConn Huskies Push for Dominance
UConn comes into this match after beating UMASS 47-42, which was a dramatic turnaround. Offensively, they are clicking, getting 32.6 per game over their last five, with Edwards rushing for 756 yards and Skyler Bell receiving tremendously. Edwards will probably have to score more than seven rushing touchdowns, especially against this North Carolina defense that has been weak recently. Uconn defense has shown some resilience but their secondary looks shaky and might get exposed.
North Carolina’s Mixed Form Raises Questions
North Carolina’s defeat against NC State and Boston College raises concerns about their recent form. Considering Hampton has managed to record 1,660 passing yards and 15 touchdowns, the team rush’s performance cannot be overlooked either. Also, J.J. Jones’ field stretching ability (16.8 yards receiving per reception) helps them out as well. Unfortunately, their defensive frailties have cost them, and teams have taken advantage of those looking at their last five games.
Trends
UConn Huskies Betting Trends
Connecticut is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games.
Connecticut is 7-3 ATS in their last 10 Saturday games.
Connecticut is 0-6 SU against ACC opponents in their last six matchups.
North Carolina Tar Heels Betting Trends
North Carolina is 2-9 ATS in their last 11 games.
North Carolina is 1-4 SU in their last five December games.
The total has gone OVER in five of their last six games against Independents.
UConn Huskies vs. North Carolina Tar Heels Betting Prediction
The strength and confidence UConn gained in defeating Maryland 66-61 in its American Athletic Conference tournament opening game should create momentum, and UCONN appear to have an edge heading into the match. A look back into North Carolina’s record accuracy of 16/20 in assists indicates a strong passing game, however, they did have some trouble making points. UConn’s resilience and tenaciousness make them a strong choice when they are on the plus side of 2.5.
Cam Edwards is likely to get through his rushing line against Carolina based on how he played through their shaky defense, and so scoring of 52.5 should be more than enough to surpass given both team’s top players can align their strikes.
Score Prediction: UConn Huskies 31, North Carolina Tar Heels 27.
