UConn vs. North Carolina: Predictions, odds and how to watch the Fenway Bowl
The college football bowl season will feature a must-see game in an iconic sports venue. Fenway Park, home of baseball's Boston Red Sox, will host the UConn Huskies and the North Carolina Tar Heels Saturday in the Wasabi Fenway Bowl.
The Huskies are coming off a much-improved season, finishing with an 8-4 record and qualifying for a bowl game for the second time in three years. Quarterback Joe Fagnano made a strong comeback from a shoulder injury to have an impressive senior season, throwing for 1,480 yards, 18 touchdowns, and only four interceptions.
The Tar Heels, with a 6-6 record, are determined to make their mark at the Fenway Bowl. Despite the recent buzz around the hiring of Bill Belichick as their new head coach, the team's focus is on securing a much-needed bowl win. Jacolby Criswell, leading their offense, has had a solid season as the team’s third starting quarterback, with a 58% completion rate, 2,452 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and six interceptions.
Here’s everything to know ahead of kickoff for the Fenway Bowl:
Fenway Bowl predictions: UConn vs. North Carolina
Paste BN: Majority pick UNC
- Scooby Axson: North Carolina
- Jordan Mendoza: North Carolina
- Paul Myerberg: North Carolina
- Erick Smith: UConn
- Eddie Timanus: North Carolina
- Dan Wolken: North Carolina
ESPN: UConn 33, North Carolina 24
Adam Rittenberg writes: "People aren't talking enough about the job Jim Mora is doing at UConn, which improved its wins total from three in 2023 to eight this fall, the team's highest since going to the Fiesta Bowl in 2010. The Huskies have a formidable run game led by Cam Edwards and Durell Robinson, and a solid defense against the run headlined by linebacker Jayden McDonald. North Carolina is going through a coaching transition, as Freddie Kitchens will lead the team against the Huskies. From location to motivation to portal entries, all signs here suggest a UConn win."
Clutch Points: North Carolina
Bryan Logan writes: "This game opened as a 4.5-point spread but has moved as opt-outs have been an issue for North Carolina. Still, North Carolina should have a few things working in their favor. First, they have been solid on the ground and should be able to move the ball there. Second, UConn relies on the ground game to move the ball. That is where North Carolina is strong on defense. Finally, while North Carolina is missing guys due to opt-outs, so is UConn, and North Carolina has more depth to replace them. Take North Carolina in this one."
Tickets to the Fenway Bowl with StubHub
Fenway Bowl odds, lines: UConn vs. North Carolina
The North Carolina Tar Heels are favorites to defeat the UConn Huskies, according to the BetMGM college football odds.
Odds as of afternoon of Friday, Dec. 27.
- Spread: North Carolina (-2.5)
- Moneylines: North Carolina (-140); UConn (+120)
- Over/under: 52.5
How to watch UConn vs. North Carolina in the Fenway Bowl
- Date: Saturday, Dec. 28
- Time: 11 a.m. ET
- TV: ESPN
- Stream: Fubo
- Where: Fenway Park (Boston)
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