North Carolina vs. Virginia Tech prediction, odds, spread, line, over/under & betting info for NCAA Week 1

Mack Brown’s third season of his second stint at North Carolina will start with a game against Virginia Tech.

2020 may have had a disappointing ending for the North Carolina Tar Heels, but for the most part, it was still a solid season for Mack Brown and his team. Now, in 2021, the Tar Heels are looking to build upon the success they had a season ago.

With offensive coordinator Phil Longo orchestrating things, quarterback Sam Howell has thrived. North Carolina lost a few key players on offense, but having a talented and experienced quarterback, along with an experienced offensive line, could lead to a lot of fun for Tar Heels fans this season.

Over at Virginia Tech, the Hokies are still trying to build momentum and find success with Justin Fuente as their head coach. For Fuente to get some pressure off his back, the Hokies need to get some wins this season. He’s entering into his sixth year at Virginia Tech and the Hokies struggled a season ago, only managing to go 5-6. This is a once-proud program that is trying to get back to being relevant within the ACC.

Here’s what you need to know as North Carolina and Virginia Tech get set to face each other.

North Carolina vs. Virginia Tech odds for Week 1

Even though this game is in Blacksburg, Virginia, the Hokies aren’t favored in this game. According to the folks over at WynnBET, the North Carolina Tar Heels are currently favored by 5.5 points. The over/under is set at 64 points.

North Carolina vs. Virginia Tech injury report for Week 1

The Tar Heels are dealing with a few different injuries heading into their game against the Hokies. Wide receiver Beau Corrales, linebacker Ethan West, wide receiver Tylee Craft, wide receiver J.J. Jones, and wide receiver Khafre Brown are all dinged up. Corrales and West are almost certainly going to miss the game, but it’s possible that Craft, Jones, and Brown could play against the Hokies.

Meanwhile, Virginia Tech has a few injured players as well. Wide receiver Changa Hodge, defensive lineman Nigel Simmons, linebacker Matt Johnson, and defensive lineman Emmanuel Belmar all have varying injuries. Hodge is likely out for the season, but it’s not clear if Simmons, Johnson, or Belmar will play against UNC.

North Carolina vs. Virginia Tech prediction for Week 1

The Tar Heels had a thrilling offense a season ago and that should be the case again this year. This is a group that threw the ball for 300 yards per game last year. Expect to see Howell throw the ball often when UNC’s offense is on the field.

Now, there are some questions about North Carolina’s defense. The Tar Heels weren’t exactly great on that side of the ball a season ago. Virginia Tech, if it can get out of its own way, should have opportunities to score in this game. We’ll see if the Hokies are able to keep up though.

Prediction: North Carolina 48, Virginia Tech 38

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North Carolina next game & schedule

After this game, the Tar Heels will return to action on Saturday, Sept. 11 when they face Georgia State in Chapel Hill.

Virginia Tech next game & schedule

Virginia Tech’s next foe is Middle Tennessee. The Hokies will welcome the Blue Raiders to town on Saturday, Sept. 11.

What channel is the North Carolina vs. Virginia Tech game on in Week 1?

North Carolina and Virginia Tech will play on Friday, Sept. 3 at 6 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.

North Carolina vs. Virginia Tech live stream

Are you looking to watch the Tar Heels and Hokies play online? A live stream of the game will be available on FuboTV.

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