NCAA Football Free Picks: North Carolina vs. Texas A&M

The Tar Heels will be without key players as they attempt to end the season on top. Meanwhile, the Aggies hope to find motivation after being left out of the College Football Playoff. The Orange Bowl is one of the most prestigious Bowls in college football. Meeting for the first time ever, can the Tar Heels upset the Aggies?

It’s crazy to think that the UNC Tar Heels and Texas A&M Aggies have never met in college football. After some historic basketball games, these programs will finally meet on the gridiron.

I think it’s fitting that two of the oldest and most respected college football programs collide on such a stage like the Orange Bowl for their inaugural meeting.

With that being said, I don’t think this bowl game will go well for the Tar Heels.

While UNC is strong in every facet of the game, I think the Aggies outshine them.

Texas’ only loss of the season came to Alabama. The Aggies popped the Florida Gators and competed in the fierce SEC. North Carolina will be a test for Texas A&M, but if they can withstand the Gators, they should have no trouble with the Tar Heels.

UNC has impressed, beating teams like Miami (FL) and Virginia Tech, but it’s hard to compare those teams to the Aggies. While UNC has an amazing offensive production, totaling 43 points per game, their defense is going to have trouble with the A&M offense.

North Carolina allows 28.4 points per game. For a team in the top 25, that is pretty high. Comparing with Texas A&M, the Aggies allow 21.1 points per game and are ranked 27th in the NCAA.

The biggest reason I think Texas can win straight up against UNC is their defense.

Don’t get me wrong, they were exposed against Alabama, but who hasn’t?

Since November 7 against South Carolina, the Aggies have not allowed more than 21 points. Texas A&M didn’t play duds, either.

The SEC is unforgiving and Texas held their own the season. Being in contention for the CFP up until the end, it’s hard for me to side with the underdog that is UNC.

Carolina is a good football team, but I don’t like how they performed against Florida State or Virginia. Granted, those scores were close, but a top team like the Tar Heels shouldn’t be losing to teams like the Seminoles or the Cavaliers.

Adding fuel to the fire, several talented UNC players have opted out for this contest. Michael Carter and Javonte Williams have opted out, as well as the team’s leading wide receiver, Dyami Brown.

Notre Dame pounced on the Tar Heels, 31-17. I would have liked to see UNC battle Alabama or Florida, to see how they would fare in the SEC. North Carolina also missed playing the big dog in the ACC, Clemson, which most likely would have resulted in a loss.

With how prepared Texas A&M is after facing tough SEC schools, it’s no surprise that they are the favorite entering this game. Texas A&M -286 (888Sport) shows the discrepancy between the Aggies and Tar Heels.

UNC may put up a fight, but by the end of the third quarter, Texas should run away with this one on the spread and on the scoreboard. Betting sites are siding with Texas A&M as well.

• Texas A&M are 5-0 SU in last 5 games.
• The Aggies are 5-2 against the spread in last 7 games.
• North Carolina are 1-4 straight up in last 5 playing as underdog.
• UNC are 2-4 against the spread in last 6 games.