Clemson vs. North Carolina Picks and Predictions: Dabo Heads to Chapel Bill

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It's been a disappointing year for Dabo and the Tigers - Clemson Louisville Picks

Two big name head coaches lead their disappointing teams in a head to head battle, as Dabo Swinney and the Clemson Tigers head to Chapel Bill to face Belichick and the North Carolina Tar Heels. This ACC contest was supposed to have a bit more flair to it, but after worse than mediocre starts from both teams, I’m not sure how exciting it will be. Nevertheless, we’ve found our favorite picks as Cade Klubnik looks to turn around the Tigers season, even though it might be too late.

Editor’s Note: We aren’t quite getting through a key number with this wager, but I am confident we will still end up at the cash counter to collect.

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Clemson Tigers vs. North Carolina Tar Heels NCAA Football Insights

The Tigers were being talked about as a potential national championship contenders prior to the season. Cade Klubnik was one of the Heisman favorites, but the year has not gone how they planned. They opened up by losing to the LSU Tigers at home, 17-10 where neither offense could get anything going. Clemson struggled against Troy in the first half, but pulled out a win. After that, they’ve now lost two straight to Georgia Tech on the road and at home to Syracuse. Coming off a bye week, they are still looking for their first conference win.

This will be North Carolina’s first ACC contest this season, and one of the tougher teams they have faced. The Tar Heels took a butt kicking on national television to start the season, losing 48-14 to the TCU Horned Frogs at home. After that they beat Charlotte and Richmond, but looked lost against a UCF Knights team that isn’t all that impressive. I know Clemson hasn’t looked great either, but they’ve got to be more talented than the Tar Heels.

Matchup Information – Clemson vs. North Carolina – October 4

  • Venue & Location: Kenan Stadium (Chapel Hill, NC)
  • Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025
  • Kick Off: 12:00 p.m. Eastern
  • Broadcast: ESPN

Clemson vs. North Carolina Betting Odds

Odds are courtesy of BetOnline, one of our favorite online sportsbooks, as of October 4, 2025 at 7:49 a.m. eastern. Sign up today with Promo Code BNBOL55 for a 55% deposit bonus.

Spread

  • Clemson -14 (-115)
  • North Carolina +14 (-105)

Moneyline

  • Clemson -600
  • North Carolina +446

Total

  • Over 47 (-105)
  • Under 47 (-115)

I like the under and I really don’t trust the Tar Heels offense. Relying on Cade Klubnik and the Clemson offense to put up points seems like a nightmare, so I’ll lean on the Tigers’ defense instead.

Clemson vs. North Carolina NCAA Football Picks and Predictions

Max Johnson will likely get the start for the Tar Heels this weekend at home - Clemson North Carolina Picks

Max Johnson will likely get the start for the Tar Heels this weekend at home

Clemson vs. North Carolina Prediction: Clemson Wins, North Carolina Covers, Under 47

Best Bet: North Carolina Team Total Under 16.5 (-120) BetOnline

I am not scared that this number is under 17. Sure, I would like to have had that option, but I don’t see North Carolina scoring more than two touchdowns. And although I noted I think Clemson wins, I could see a world where the Tar Heels come out on top with only 14 points. That’s the amount of faith I have in Klubnik at the moment.

But the defense has been…alright I guess. They held LSU to just 17 points, but maybe that offense isn’t as good as we once thought?Despite letting the Orange go for 34 points and 433 yards, the Tigers held them to just 3/15 on third down. Clemson will need to help themselves and force turnovers in this game, but I think they are capable of doing so.

The Tar Heels have scored just three touchdowns in two games against quality opponents, one of which was on the first, perfectly scripted drive of the season. Gio Lopez suffered an injury after scoring that opening TD, and the South Alabama transfer was knocked out of last week’s game as well. It looks as if Max Johnson will take the helm for North Carolina, but I don’t see the lefty having success against a Clemson defense that desperately needs a good outing.

Bettor Beware: This one will be extra sweaty.

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