Tar Heels vs Golden Gophers: Three Best Prop Bets and Our Best Bet

While four games were played last weekend, the real kickoff to college football starts this week as the University of North Carolina Tar Heels travel north to face the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Thursday at 8 p.m.

Outside of Drake Maye, the Tar Heels return most of their big-time offensive athletes from a season ago. UNC has four receiving options returning this season – TEs John Copenhaver and Bryson Nesbit, and WRs Kobe Paysour and J.J. Jones – as well as an RB that could be a dominant force this year for the Tar Heels.

Minnesota was one of the youngest teams in the nation last season, and at times the Golden Gophers gave away more games than they lost. They return over 70 percent of their production both offensively and defensively, so expect Minnesota to be a much better team during the 2024 season.

After an exciting first week of action that saw one ACC team downed in Ireland, can Minnesota knock off the Tar Heels and their big dreams of making the NCAA Playoffs this season? We’ll cover that and our three top player prop bets below.

North Carolina Tar Heels RB Omarion Hampton UNDER 95.5 Rushing Yards

The Tar Heels will rely on their running game again this season, and Omarion Hampton will be the beneficiary. Last year, the running back had seven games with more than 100 rushing yards as he finished with 1,504 rushing yards on 253 carries and 15 touchdowns.

Minnesota held him in check last year, and there is little reason to suspect the Golden Gophers won’t do the same again this year. The Big Ten school returns six of their starting seven defenders, and bettors should take the under for this player prop bet.

Minnesota Gophers QB Max Brosmer OVER 174.5 Passing Yards

Max Brosmer took a leap into the spotlight as the University of New Hampshire quarterback transferred to Minnesota. Last season, he completed 64 percent of his passes for 3,459 yards and 29 touchdowns to six interceptions. He’s a player to watch all season long.

North Carolina does feature two strong secondary players in safety Jakeen Harris and cornerback Alijah Huzzie. Still, Brosmer should shine in his first-ever contest for the Gophers and easily eclipse the 174.5-mark to cover this player prop bet.

North Carolina Tar Heels WR J.J. Jones OVER 42.5 Receiving Yards

J.J. Jones is starting his fourth and final season for the Tar Heels as perhaps its most experienced receiving option. The 6-foot-2 senior caught 46 passes for 711 yards last season, adding three touchdowns to his final tally.

The secondary was the Minnesota roster’s biggest loss from last season’s team. Gone are Tyler Nubin and Tre’Von Jones. With inexperienced players manning these positions, expect the Tar Heels to pass the football often, leading to J.J. Jones exceeding 42.5 receiving yards.

Best Bet: Minnesota +1.5

Both teams are returning a lot of players this season, but the Golden Gophers should have the upper hand in this contest. Last year’s game was marred by mental and physical mistakes a young team will often make, and Minnesota is going to be a better team this season. Expect the Golden Gophers to win this game by at least a touchdown.