North Carolina vs West Virginia Prediction, Odds & Promos – Duke’s Mayo Bowl

Nov 11, 2023; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back Omarion Hampton (28) with wide receiver Devontez Walker (9) after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY SportsNorth Carolina Battles West Virginia in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl on WednesdayThe latest college football bowl games odds price the Tar Heels as 6.5-point underdogsRead below for North Carolina vs West Virginia prediction and odds for the Duke’s Mayo Bowl

The Duke’s Mayo Bowl between North Carolina and West Virginia is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at 5:30 PM ET. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.

North Carolina enters the matchup as 6.5-point underdogs, as the team will be without star quarterback Drake Maye. The over/under is set at 54.5 for a matchup that will feature WVU breakout quarterback Garrett Greene.

Here’s our North Carolina vs West Virginia prediction, along with a breakdown of the Duke’s Mayo Bowl betting odds.

North Carolina vs West Virginia Odds – Duke’s Mayo Bowl

The latest odds for the Duke’s Mayo Bowl list the Mountaineers as -250 moneyline favorites, meaning they have 71.4% implied probability of claiming victory.

North Carolina and West Virginia have played twice in their history, with each team winning once. The last matchup was the 2008 Meineke Car Care Bowl, in which WVU narrowly squeaked out a victory.

Odds as of December 27th, 2023 at the ESPN Bet App. Use the promo code “DIME” to sign up and bet on the Duke’s Mayo Bowl.

UNC vs West Virginia Betting Promos

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Bettors who sign up for ESPN Bet using the promo code “DIME” will be treated to a $250 bonus to use on this game and other CFB bowl action. Simply bet anything on the game to unlock your bonus. A basic $10 spread wager would return $19 if successful, plus you also get the $250 in bonuses no matter if your original wager wins or loses.

Tar Heels Betting Analysis

North Carolina enters the game with a 7-5 record and a 4-4 record in the ACC conference. The Tar Heels have had an up-and-down season under head coach Mack Brown, finishing with a disappointing loss to NC State in their final game of the regular season.

With North Carolina’s starting quarterback Drake Maye sitting out the bowl game in preparation for the NFL Draft, all eyes will be on redshirt freshman Conner Harrell. Harrell’s performance could be a game-changer for UNC, presenting a great opportunity for him to showcase his skills and leave a lasting impression.

pic.twitter.com/uapK1Cc5vC

— Drake Maye (@DrakeMaye2) December 11, 2023

Harrell, a former three-star prospect, appeared in four games this season, where he threw for 71 yards and one touchdown. He takes over a high-powered UNC offense that led the ACC in passing yards (306.8 ypg) while also averaging nearly 200 yards per game on the ground.

The Tar Heels’ defensive play is what cost them many games this season, and it’s a reason they are significant betting underdogs in this game. UNC gives up over 400 yards of offense per game, including an ACC-worst 242 yards per contest through the air.

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Mountaineers Betting Analysis

West Virginia’s journey to the Duke’s Mayo Bowl is nothing short of remarkable. Under the leadership of fifth-year coach Neal Brown, the Mountaineers have rebounded spectacularly from a disappointing 5-7 record just a year ago.

Finishing the regular season at 8-4, their best since 2018, WVU is riding a wave of momentum, having won four of their last five games. The last time they took the field back in November, WVU took down Baylor by a 34-31 score, with the Mountaineers’ run defense stifling the Bears’ ground attack.

Running with the pack 💪@WVLottery | #HailWV pic.twitter.com/IxU1woj7EI

— West Virginia Football (@WVUfootball) November 28, 2023

The Mountaineers’ offense has been solid this season, averaging 438 yards and 31.6 points per game. They had the top rushing attack in the Big 12 this season (234), although that production could take a hit Wednesday as leading rusher CJ Donaldson is among the West Virginia Bowl opt-outs.

With Donaldson out, the spotlight now turns to freshman running back Jahiem White, who has shown promise towards the end of the regular season (792 yds). His performance could be pivotal in filling the void left by Donaldson.

Defensively, the Mountaineers’ ability to hold up against the run led them to several victories this season. WVU is only allowing 144 rushing yards per game, which is top-five in the Big 12, although they are vulnerable against the pass (240 ypg).

North Carolina vs West Virginia Prediction

Despite the absence of key players like Maye, Devontez Walker, and others, North Carolina is not a team to underestimate. A key player to watch for the Tar Heels is star running back Omarion Hampton, who will be relied on heavily Wednesday after rushing for nearly 1,500 yards this season.

Given all the opt-outs, this will be an opportunity for younger players to step up and make a name for themselves. North Carolina is recruiting at a higher level than West Virginia right now, and recent performance might be skewing this betting line.

West Virginia’s struggles in bowl games are well documented, going 6-24 ATS since 1982. Furthermore, West Virginia is 0-11 ATS as a bowl favorite and 0-8 in their last eight bowl games. Take UNC to cover in what should be a close, high-scoring game.

Duke’s Mayo Bowl Pick: North Carolina +6.5 (-110)

 

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