North Carolina Tar Heels vs California Golden Bears Prediction, 10/17/2025 College Football Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: North Carolina Tar Heels vs California Golden Bears

Date: Friday, October 17, 2025

Location: California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, CA

TV: ESPN

Odds/Point Spread: Golden Bears (-10.5)

Total/Over-Under: 47.5

The North Carolina Tar Heels (2-3) are on their way to California Memorial Stadium on Friday, October 17, 2025 where they will try to beat the California Golden Bears (4-2). North Carolina opens this game as 10.5-point dogs. The betting total is set at 47.5.

The North Carolina Tar Heels step onto the field holding a record of 2-3 this season. In their last game, the Tar Heels stepped onto the field against the Clemson Tigers and took a loss by a score of 38-10. When it came to stopping the run, the Tar Heels conceded 89 yards on 31 attempts, which is 2.9 yards per rush allowed. North Carolina surrendered 30 completions on 39 tries for a total of 399 yds, and a completion rate of 76.9%. In the game, they ran 60 plays which gave them a total of 270 yards. The North Carolina Tar Heels ran the ball 18 times and accumulated 57 yards, earning them an average of 3.2 yards per carry.

The Tar Heels have earned 1,319 total yards this season. When it comes to scoring touchdowns, North Carolina has earned 5 touchdowns through the air and 5 rushing touchdowns. They have surrendered the ball 6 different times. North Carolina has recorded 74 first downs as a unit, and they have been hurt by 25 penalties for 255 yards. As a team they maintain an average of 102.2 yards in the run game giving them a rank of 121st in the country. Concerning getting in the endzone, the North Carolina Tar Heels are sitting at 18.8 points per outing.

The Tar Heels sit in 79th in D-1 when it comes to the opposition scoring, allowing 25.8 points per game. The opposition is running for an average of 3.6 yards per tote and 127.0 yards on the ground per contest this season. Overall, they have allowed 635 yards on the ground through 5 games. Regarding yards through the air, the Tar Heels have conceded 1,231 yards which puts them in 53rd in the nation. They have conceded 246.2 yards per game through the air as well as conceding a completion percentage of 70.3%. For the year, they are granting 373.2 yards/game which ranks them 77th in D-1. They have yielded 8 touchdowns through the air and 5 touchdowns on the ground.

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The Golden Bears head into this game 4-2 for this season. For their last game, the Golden Bears walked away with a loss by a score of 45-21 when they played the Duke Blue Devils. California conceded 37 rushing attempts for 178 yards (4.8 yards per carry). The Golden Bears pass defense gave up a completion rate of 73.3%, surrendering 265 yds on 22 for 30 passing. The Golden Bears finished the game with a total of 286 yds while they ran 61 plays (4.7 yards per play). California rushed for 1.4 yds per attempt, finishing the contest with 41 yds on 29 carries.

The California Golden Bears average 351.7 yards/contest, which ranks them 99th in the country. The California offense has compiled 340 yards of penalties on 44 infractions, which is good for 32nd in Division 1 in terms of making mistakes. They are averaging 96.7 run yards per game and have run for 580 yards for the season. They have thrown 8 picks while surrendering 2 fumbles and they have been able to obtain 117 1st downs. When it comes to their scoring prowess, the Golden Bears are sitting 95th in D-1 by scoring 24.2 points per game. For the year to this point, the Golden Bears have compiled 1,530 passing yards not to mention an average of 255.0 passing yards per contest, which has them ranked 50th in the nation.

California has allowed the opposition a total of 738 rushing yards (123.0 yards per outing) and 11 touchdowns via the rush for the campaign. They have conceded 4 touchdowns through the air in addition to 206.8 yards/outing, which puts them in 57th in the nation. Overall, they have surrendered 135 total points. Their defense has compiled 2 fumbles and 5 picks so far this year. The Golden Bears defense has taken the field for 366 plays, which is 26th in college football. The Golden Bears are surrendering 22.5 PPG, which puts them 57th in the country.

Who will win tonight's Tar Heels/Golden Bears college football game against the spread?

Josh's Pick: Take the Tar Heels +10.5

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