North Carolina Tar Heels vs Clemson Tigers Prediction, 9/19/2026 College Football Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: North Carolina Tar Heels vs Clemson Tigers

Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026

Location: Memorial Stadium in Clemson, SC

TV: ESPN+

Odds/Point Spread: Tigers (-3.5)

Total/Over-Under: 44

The North Carolina Tar Heels (2-0) are headed to Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 19, 2026 where they will try to defeat the Clemson Tigers (1-1). Clemson opens as 3.5-point favorites. The total is 44.

The North Carolina Tar Heels step onto the field holding a record of 2-0 for this season. In their last contest, the Tar Heels went up against the East Tennessee State Buccaneeers and took home the win by a score of 35-3. The North Carolina Tar Heels ran the ball 27 different times and accumulated 161 yds, which earned them an average of 6.0 yds per carry. In all, they ran 53 plays which totaled 427 yards. North Carolina conceded 23 completions on 32 attempts for 178 yds, and a completion rate of 71.9%. Against the rush, the Tar Heels gave up 77 yds on 35 tries, which averages out to 2.2 yards per run allowed.

The Tar Heels have earned 749 total yards this year. When it comes to getting in the endzone, North Carolina has totaled 2 touchdowns via the pass and 4 touchdowns via the ground. They have given the ball to the opposition 2 different times. North Carolina has recorded 43 1st downs as an offense, and they have been hurt by 8 infractions for 60 yards. As a unit they're averaging 125.5 yards on the ground which ranks them 106th in the nation. Regarding putting the ball in the endzone, the North Carolina Tar Heels have an average of 25.0 points per outing.

The Tar Heels are ranked 7th in college football concerning team defense, allowing 6.5 PPG. They are allowing an average of 2.5 yards per rush and 91.5 rushing yards per game on the season. In total, they have conceded 183 yards via the ground game in 2 games. In terms of passing yards, the Tar Heels have allowed 353 yards which has them ranked 50th in the nation. They are conceding 176.5 yards per contest via the pass as well as conceding a completion percentage of 67.2%. In total, they are surrendering 268.0 yards per game putting them 41st in the country. They have granted no TD's via the pass in addition to 1 touchdown running the ball.

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The Tigers head into this matchup 1-1 for this year. For their last game, the Tigers went home victorious with a score of 22-7 when they played the Georgia Southern Eagles. Clemson allowed 18 rush attempts for 22 yds (1.2 yards per rush). The Tigers passing defense allowed a completion rate of 56.3%, relinquishing 244 yards on 27 for 48 passing. The Tigers finished the game with 347 yards and they ran 74 plays (4.7 yds per play). Clemson rushed for 3.8 yds per attempt, finishing with 150 yds on 39 attempts.

The Clemson Tigers have an average of 246.0 yards per game, which has them sitting 134th in the nation. The Clemson offense has compiled 141 yds of penalties on 15 violations, which ranks 55th in the country in terms of helping out the opposition. They average 95.0 run yards per game and have rushed for 190 yards overall. They have thrown 2 interceptions while allowing opponents to recover 1 fumble and they have been able to earn 30 1st downs. When looking at this team's ability to score points, the Tigers rank 129th in the nation averaging 16.0 PPG. Over the course of the season so far, the Tigers currently have a total of 302 yards via the pass as well as holding an average of 151.0 throwing yards per game, which has them sitting 125th in Division 1.

The Tigers are giving up 29.0 points per game, which has them sitting 113th in D-1. Clemson has surrendered a total of 331 yards rushing (165.5 yards/game) in addition to 4 touchdowns on the ground so far this year. They have allowed the opposition 3 touchdowns through the air and 289.5 yards per outing, which has them in 130th in the nation. The Tigers defense has been on the field for 160 plays, ranking them 128th in the nation. Their defense has tallied 1 fumble recovery and 1 pick so far this year.

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

Josh's Pick: Take the Tar Heels +3.5

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