- The Under at 38.5 capitalizes on two offenses sputtering while defenses dominate the trenches.
- Gio Lopez's passing yardage Over banks on his three-game surge and Wake Forest's pass defense struggles.
- Demond Claiborne's anytime TD at -230 presents too much risk with a three-game scoring drought against a stout run defense.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Bowl eligibility hangs in the balance Saturday when North Carolina travels to face Wake Forest at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium. Both teams enter leaning heavily on defense while their offenses struggle to find rhythm, creating an intriguing betting landscape. The market has responded with a notably low total, and several player props present angles worth examining.
Wake Forest vs North Carolina Betting Odds
- Total Points: Under 38.5 (-110)
- Total Passing Yards - Gio Lopez (UNC): Over 168.5 (-115)
- Anytime Touchdown Scorer - Demond Claiborne (WAKE): -230
The Case for the Under
The total of Under 38.5 for -110 sums up the situation with two offenses that are unable to move past one another. North Carolina's scoring average of barely 19.44 points per game puts it close to the bottom in the country.
Despite having a 23.33 season average, Wake Forest's current run appears much worse since they have only scored 12 points per game in their last three games. Although the combined figures actually surpass the reported total, both defenses have demonstrated their ability to win when it counts.
North Carolina has held five teams under 18 points this season, while Wake Forest has held four of their previous five opponents under 20 points. Rather than any offensive explosions, these college football props strongly favor defenders controlling the tempo.
Gio Lopez Passing Yards Trending Up
Gio Lopez's passing yardage line at Over 168.5 for -115 tells a story of recent improvement. He's cleared this mark in only three of eight games overall, but context matters here.
He has shown definite momentum in those three games, which are his last three starts. In another recent match, he came within 1.5 yards of striking the number, meaning he's almost strung together four overs in a row.
In terms of pass defense, Wake Forest is ranked 29th in the country. Last season, they allowed more than 200 yards via the air in seven out of ten games. The Tar Heels will probably rely on Lopez's arm if Wake's run defense tightens. Lopez's college football props in North Carolina markets reflect this rising tendency.
Claiborne Touchdown Odds Reflect Risk
Demond Claiborne's anytime touchdown at -230 carries significant risk despite leading Wake Forest with eight rushing scores. He's found the end zone in just five of nine games and enters on a three-game touchdown drought.
The hefty price tag from Bovada suggests oddsmakers expect him to break through, but North Carolina's defense has been stout against explosive runs, going 1-6 when allowing more than three explosive rushes since last season.
Claiborne commands 8 of Wake's 13 rushing touchdowns, making him the primary scoring threat, but the drought and steep odds make this a fade-or-avoid situation rather than a must-play.
