- Matchup: North Carolina Tar Heels vs California Golden Bears
- Event Date: Friday, October 17, 2025
- Venue: California Memorial Stadium, Berkeley, CA
- Broadcast: ESPN
- Betting Odds: Golden Bears favored by (-10.5)
- Total Points Line: 47.5
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The North Carolina Tar Heels (2-3) are set to take on the California Golden Bears (4-2) at California Memorial Stadium on Friday, October 17, 2025. The Tar Heels enter the game as 10.5-point underdogs, with a total points line of 47.5.
This season, the North Carolina Tar Heels have recorded a 2-3 win-loss record. In their prior matchup, they faced off against the Clemson Tigers, suffering a defeat with a final score of 38-10. Defensively, they allowed 89 rushing yards across 31 carries, yielding an average of 2.9 yards per rush. The Tar Heels also gave up 399 passing yards on 30 completions from 39 attempts, resulting in a completion rate of 76.9%. Overall, they ran 60 plays, generating a total of 270 offensive yards. On the ground, the Tar Heels rushed the ball 18 times, accumulating 57 yards at an average of 3.2 yards per attempt.
This season, the Tar Heels have amassed a total of 1,319 yards. In terms of scoring, North Carolina has secured 5 touchdowns through the air and 5 on the ground, with 6 turnovers throughout the season. They have recorded 74 first downs and faced 25 penalties totaling 255 yards. The team averages 102.2 rushing yards per game, ranking them 121st nationally. In total points, the North Carolina Tar Heels are averaging 18.8 points per matchup.
Defensively, the Tar Heels rank 79th in Division I, allowing 25.8 points per game. Opponents have managed to rush for an average of 3.6 yards per carry and a total of 127.0 rushing yards per game against them this season, which sums up to 635 rushing yards surrendered over 5 games. Through the air, North Carolina has allowed 1,231 yards, placing them 53rd in the nation, with 246.2 passing yards allowed per game and a completion percentage of 70.3%. Overall, they average 373.2 total yards allowed per game, ranking 77th in Division I, having conceded 8 passing touchdowns and 5 rushing touchdowns.
The California Golden Bears come into this game with a 4-2 record this season. In their last contest, they were defeated by the Duke Blue Devils, ending the game at 45-21. California allowed 37 rushing attempts for 178 yards (averaging 4.8 yards per carry) and gave up a completion rate of 73.3%, allowing 265 passing yards on 22 completions from 30 attempts. The Golden Bears recorded a total of 286 yards over 61 plays, averaging 4.7 yards per play but only managed 1.4 yards per carry on 29 attempts, totaling 41 rushing yards.
The Golden Bears average 351.7 yards per game, ranking them 99th in the nation. Their offensive unit has accumulated 340 penalty yards through 44 infractions, placing them 32nd in Division I for penalties. California averages 96.7 rushing yards per game and has a season total of 580 rushing yards. They have thrown 8 interceptions and lost 2 fumbles while securing 117 first downs. When it comes to scoring, the Golden Bears rank 95th in Division I, averaging 24.2 points per game. This season, California has recorded a total of 1,530 passing yards, averaging 255.0 passing yards per game and standing 50th nationally.
On the defensive side, California has allowed 738 rushing yards (123.0 per game) and 11 rushing touchdowns this season. They have also conceded 4 passing touchdowns and an average of 206.8 passing yards per game, ranking 57th in the nation. Overall, they have allowed 135 points thus far. Their defense has produced 2 fumble recoveries and 5 interceptions during the campaign. The Golden Bears have played a total of 366 defensive snaps, ranking 26th in college football, and are allowing 22.5 points per game, which places them 57th nationally.
Who will come out on top in this college football showdown between the Tar Heels and Golden Bears against the spread?
Prediction: Bet on the Tar Heels +10.5
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