North Carolina has played well against NC State in recent years.

North Carolina has covered the spread in the last 5 meetings vs. NC State, a streak that dates back to 2017.

For this season’s meeting, North Carolina is a 6.5-point favorite against NC State. North Carolina is expected to win the game and based on the recent history, the Tar Heels are in a position to cover at home.

In 2021, NC State defeated North Carolina by 4 points, 34-30, but North Carolina managed to cover the spread. The last time North Carolina beat NC State, which was in 2020, they covered with a 48-21 win over the Wolfpack.

This will be an important game for North Carolina to win prior to next weekend’s ACC Championship Game against Clemson. In Week 12, North Carolina was stunned by Georgia Tech in a 21-17 loss. North Carolina’s defense surrendered 3 rushing touchdowns to the Yellow Jackets on in that defeat.

NC State enters this on a 2-game losing streak after falling to Boston College and Louisville. NC State suffered a 25-10 road loss to Louisville in Week 12. If NC State’s offense fails to generate more production, North Carolina could be in a position to cover.

North Carolina will try to extend its cover streak against NC State to 6 games on Friday at 3:30 p.m. ET.