College football is back for Week 0, and the betting slate offers two intriguing matchups for fans and bettors alike. The first game pits the North Carolina Tar Heels against the Texas Christian University (TCU) Horned Frogs, while the second sees San Jose State taking on the University of Southern California (USC) Trojans.
North Carolina vs. TCU
North Carolina entered last season under first‑year head coach Bill Belichick, a name more familiar in the NFL than college football. The Tar Heels struggled, posting a 4‑8 record and suffering a 48‑14 loss in the opening game. Their offense and defense both appeared out of sync, and the program is now in a rebuilding phase that will likely take time.
TCU’s 2025 campaign was a roller‑coaster. After opening with a win over Abilene Christian and a victory against SMU, the Horned Frogs dropped road games to Arizona State and Kansas State. They rebounded with wins over Baylor and West Virginia, but then lost to Iowa State and BYU in consecutive weeks. The season ended on a high note with a 30‑27 overtime win over USC in a bowl game, and a notable victory over ranked Houston.
Looking ahead, TCU’s offense may benefit from quarterback Jaden Craig, a transfer from Harvard who showed promise despite Harvard’s limited success. Running back Jeremy Payne is expected to be a key weapon in the backfield. Betting analysts suggest the total for the game could stay under 46.5 points, but the TCU team total of over 27.5 points appears attractive, with the expectation that the Horned Frogs will score a touchdown each quarter as the Tar Heels’ defense continues to adjust.
San Jose State at USC
San Jose State heads into this contest as a clear underdog. The Spartans finished 3‑9 last season, missing a bowl game and posting a 2‑6 record in the Mountain West. Their recent history against USC is bleak, with the Trojans winning the last three meetings by a combined 146‑38 margin.
USC enters the season ranked 14th nationally and hopes to secure a College Football Playoff berth. Quarterback Jayden Maiava returns after a 3,711‑yard, 24‑touchdown season, and running back King Miller is back in the backfield. The Trojans did lose wide receiver Makai Lemon to the NFL, raising questions about who will step up as the primary receiver.
Betting lines list USC at a team total of 50.5 points. While the Trojans have the firepower to win by 30 or 40 points, the line may be a touch high. Many bettors favor the under on the team total, expecting a solid but not runaway performance. A prop bet on King Miller to score two or more touchdowns at +195 odds also presents value.
Betting considerations
Both games feature clear disparities in recent performance, which can guide wagering decisions. For UNC‑TCU, the focus is on TCU’s ability to exceed its point total while keeping the overall game under the projected total. For USC‑San Jose State, the under on USC’s team total and the Miller touchdown prop are highlighted as potential value plays.
As always, bettors should consider injury reports, weather conditions and any late‑breaking news before placing wagers. Following reputable analysts and staying disciplined with bankroll management remain essential for a successful betting experience.
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Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
