Thursday Night Football Preview

North Carolina vs. Minnesota

This Thursday, North Carolina heads into Huntington Bank Stadium to take on the Minnesota Golden Gophers in a highly anticipated matchup. The betting lines have seen significant movement since opening, with Minnesota initially favored by 2.5 points before a sharp 4.5-point swing in favor of North Carolina, now positioned as -1.5-point favorites.

UNC’s Game Plan

North Carolina will utilize a dual-quarterback system, rotating Conner Harrell and veteran Max Johnson (formerly of Texas A&M and LSU). The Tar Heels also bring back 13 returning starters, including star RB Omarion Humphrey, who had an impressive 1,504 yards and 15 touchdowns last season, ranking him 5th in the nation.

Minnesota’s Offensive Strategy

Minnesota will counter with Max Brosmer, a transfer from FCS New Hampshire, starting at QB. Brosmer will be well-supported by a veteran offensive line featuring four returning starters, including three seniors and one junior. Minnesota has an established record under Head Coach PJ Fleck, going 14-8-1 ATS and 21-2 straight up in non-conference play.

Previous Matchup

Last year, these two teams faced off with the Tar Heels securing a 31-13 victory. Both teams will be looking to build on their past successes and continue strong non-conference showings.

Quick Hitters: Betting Trends

• Spread: North Carolina -1.5
• O/U: 50.5
• Moneyline: -120

Betting Split:

• UNC: 54% of tickets, 66% of the handle
• Minnesota: 46% of tickets, 34% of the handle

Key Trends:

• North Carolina has hit the 1st half total over in 7 of their last 10 games.
• Minnesota has matched this trend, hitting the 1st half total over in 7 of their last 11 games.
• Minnesota has covered the 1st half spread in 3 of their last 4 games, resulting in +2 units and a 48% ROI.
• Minnesota has hit the game total over in 4 of their last 6 home games, yielding +1.80 units and a 27% ROI.
• UNC has failed to cover the 1st half spread in their last 7 games, losing -7.75 units.

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Coach Prime Night: Colorado vs. North Dakota State

Thursday night also features another exciting matchup as Colorado hosts the powerhouse program of North Dakota State. Colorado comes into this game as -9.5-point favorites and is backed by a majority of the public money.

Colorado’s Offensive Focus

The Buffaloes will rely on QB Shadeur Sanders to lead the offense, alongside wide receivers Travis Hunter and Jimmy Horn Jr. Colorado’s explosive start last season—shocking the nation by defeating TCU in their opener—put them on the national radar. However, they stumbled down the stretch, losing their final six games and finishing 1-8 in their last nine contests. Notably, Colorado returns no other offensive starters besides Sanders, Hunter, and Horn.

North Dakota State’s Approach

North Dakota State will aim to keep Colorado’s potent offense off the field by controlling the clock with their run-heavy attack. The Bison are looking to exploit Colorado's lack of returning offensive experience.

Quick Hitters: Betting Trends

• Spread: Colorado -9.5
• O/U: 58.5
• Moneyline: -115

Betting Split:

• Colorado: 76% of bets, 78% of the handle
• North Dakota State: 24% of tickets, 22% of the handle

Key Trends:

• Colorado has covered the spread in 4 of their last 5 games, producing +2.90 units and a 53% ROI.
• Colorado has hit the 1st half game total over in 2 of their last 3 games, gaining +2.00 units and a 61% ROI.

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Jax State vs. Coastal Carolina: A Battle of Question Marks

Both Jacksonville State and Coastal Carolina found success in 2023, but the 2024 season raises more questions than answers for these two programs. Jacksonville State went 9-4 last year under Coach Rich Rodriguez but now only returns three offensive starters. Similarly, Coastal Carolina faces a rebuilding phase after losing three-time Sun Belt Player of the Year Grayson McCall to NC State.

Quarterback Uncertainty

Both teams have been rotating four quarterbacks throughout the spring and summer, making it difficult to predict how each offense will perform. Jax State lost their 7-year QB Zion Webb, while Coastal Carolina is adjusting to life without McCall.

Quick Hitters: Betting Trends

• Spread: Jacksonville State -2.5
• O/U: 55.5

Betting Split:

• Jax State: 54% of tickets, 50% of the handle
• Coastal Carolina: 46% of tickets, 50% of the handle

Key Trends:

• Coastal Carolina has hit the moneyline in 6 of their last 8 games, netting +6.60 units and a 63% ROI.
• Coastal Carolina has covered the spread in 9 of their last 13 games, resulting in +4.60 units and a 32% ROI.
• Coastal Carolina has only hit the 1st half game total over in 2 of their last 7 road games, losing -3.65 units and a -46% ROI.
• Jax State has hit the moneyline in 9 of their last 13 games, generating +6.45 units and a 22% ROI.
• Jax State has hit the 1st quarter game total over in their last 5 games, producing +5 units and an 81% ROI.
• Jax State has only hit the game total over in 1 of their last 6 home games, losing -4.50 units and a -68% ROI.

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Final Thoughts

With intriguing matchups on Thursday night, bettors have a lot to consider. Whether it’s North Carolina’s dual-QB system, Colorado’s offensive firepower led by Shadeur Sanders, or the question marks surrounding Jax State and Coastal Carolina, these games offer plenty of value and excitement. Stay tuned to Break the Board Sports for expert analysis and in-depth betting insights.