NFL caliber talent giveth and taketh. The North Carolina Tar Heels were sparked to an Orange Bowl berth by such stars as Michael Carter, Javonte Williams, and Dyami Brown. But now that UNC has reached New Year’s Six Bowl status they will lose this terrific trio, who instead will begin preparations for the 2021 NFL Draft. On the positive, the Tar Heels will still boast quarterback Sam Howell, one of the most productive signal-callers in the country. The Texas A&M Aggies were outraged at getting passed over for the College Football Playoff. Head coach Jimbo Fisher has moved the needle in his third season at College Station. Saturday’s Orange Bowl is a matchup of teams of the future!
2021 Capital One Orange Bowl
Matchup: Texas A&M Aggies vs. North Carolina Tar Heels
When: Saturday, January 2, 2021, 8 p.m. ET
Where: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL
TV: ESPN
College Football Odds at BookMaker.eu
North Carolina Tar Heels +7.5
Texas A&M Aggies -7.5
Total: 68
North Carolina vs. Texas A&M BookMaker Wagering Analysis
The betting line for this one has moved 2.5-points towards Texas A&M. That is due to the Tar Heels not having the services of 1000-yard backs Michael Carter and Javonte Williams along with 1000-yard receiver Dyami Brown. Also factoring into the price is the strong finish by the Aggies, who had a compelling case for the College Football Playoff.
Aggies Yell for More
After a sluggish start that included a maddening 52-24 loss at the Alabama Crimson Tide, the Texas A&M Aggies won their final seven games to finish 8-1 straight up, 5-4 against the spread, and 4-5 under the total. Texas A&M ranks 42nd in the nation for scoring offense and 26th for points allowed.
Senior quarterback Kellen Mond is not a dynamic game-breaker but is a highly effective game manager. This year he posted a career-best 147.9 QB rating with 19 touchdown passes and just 3 interceptions.
Sophomore running back Isaiah Spiller kept enemy defenses honest with 986 yards, 5.6 yards per rush, and 7 touchdowns.
Head coach Jimbo Fisher was panned after the loss to Alabama but has been vindicated. Fisher uses an old-school approach of power running, play-action passing, and good defense for the Aggies' success.
Mack Attack Takes UNC to New Heights
The North Carolina Tar Heels are 8-3 straight up, 5-6 against the spread, and 6-5 over the total. North Carolina ranks 7th in the nation for scoring offense and 60th for points allowed. The Tar Heels are coming off a fully satisfying 62-26 win at the Miami Hurricanes as 3-point dogs.
While the Tar Heels will not be at full strength for this one, they do bring one of the best quarterbacks in the nation to the Orange Bowl. Sophomore Sam Howell lit up enemy defenses like a video game with a 182.2 QB rating, 10.6 yards per pass, and 27 touchdown passes. For his efforts, Howell was named second-team All-ACC. Last year he was ACC Rookie of the Year.
Head coach Mack Brown’s return to Chapel Hill was met with great enthusiasm by Tar Heel faithful while the rest of the nation raised its eyebrows. Brown has had the last laugh. In just two years he has transformed the UNC program and validated his status as one of the game’s great coaches. Texas has never been the same since they forced him out.
North Carolina vs. Texas A&M BookMaker Free Pick
In this situation, the Tar Heels are outmanned with three of their most productive players out of the lineup. Texas A&M is will have an advantage on front-line personnel. They also have the style of play that will wear down the Tar Heels.
BookMaker Best Bet: Texas A&M Aggies
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook!
