North Carolina vs. California prediction, odds: Bill Belichick picks, best bets for Friday

The California Golden Bears (4-2) will host Bill Belichick and the North Carolina Tar Heels (2-3) on Friday night. Both teams enter Friday's matchup looking for a much-needed spark. Cal, coming off a 45-21 loss to Duke on Oct. 4, will look to regain momentum at home, while UNC looks to bounce back from a crushing 38-10 loss to Clemson and end a two-game skid. The Tar Heels are 2-3 and the Golden Bears are 3-3 against the spread in 2025.

Kickoff at California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, California is set for 10:30 p.m. ET. The Golden Bears are 8.5-point favorites in the latest odds between North Carolina and California, and the over/under for total points scored is 47.5. Before choosing between California and North Carolina, Be sure to read what SportsLine college football expert Jimmy Caylor has to say..

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Keillor is SportsLine's NFL, college football and DFS expert and has covered the NFL and college football for nearly a decade as a member of the Professional Football Writers Association of America. His experience as a former college All-American and NFL player gives him a unique perspective when constructing his fantasy lineups and bet selections. He has his finger on the pulse of college football and has made a lot of money over the past two years.

Keillor destroyed bookmakers in college football the past two seasons, posting a 252-179-7 record since the first week of the 2023 season. His 2024 college football prediction included Travis Hunter winning the Heisman at 40-to-1 odds, pushing his net worth to a whopping 96.95 units ($9,695.50 for a $100 bettor) since he joined SportsLine as an expert in 2023.

All of his picks have been featured on his SportsLine expert page or in his weekly articles. Anyone who followed his choice could rise much higher.

Kaylor is now focusing on UNC vs Cal and just became fixated on his and the CFB's forecasts. You can head over to SportsLine now to see his picks.. Here are some college football odds and American football betting Lines for Cal vs. UNC:

Why Cal can cover

The Golden Bears, led by ninth-year head coach Justin Wilcox, continue to build consistency in the ACC after joining the conference in 2024. Cal enters the season's midway point with a 4–2 record and 1–1 in conference play, showing improved balance on both sides of the ball. Freshman quarterback Jaron-Kiawe Sagapolutele emerged as a key playmaker, throwing for 1,487 yards and nine touchdowns. Running back Kendrick Rafael provided the ground game with more than 400 yards rushing.

Defensively, linebacker Cade Uluave leads the team with 52 tackles, providing a disciplined lineup that averages just over 22 points per game. With a young but dynamic core, the Golden Bears are positioning themselves to be a competitive team in their second season as members of the ACC. Find out which team to support at SportsLine.

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Why North Carolina Can Cover

The Belichick-led Tar Heels have had a rocky start to the season with a 2-3 overall record and 0-1 in ACC play. Belichick's debut year in Chapel Hill has been marked by a defense-first philosophy and an emphasis on discipline as the Tar Heels adjust to his pro-style system. Quarterback Gio Lopez has shown flashes of potential, throwing for just over 430 yards and three touchdowns while leading a young offense that is still finding its rhythm.

Freshman running back Demon June has emerged as a bright spot, displaying explosive speed and versatility out of the backfield. Wide receiver Jordan Shipp provides consistent production and is an asset in key situations. While the Tar Heels have struggled with consistency, Belichick's long-term impact and attention to detail are beginning to take root as UNC looks to turn around in the second half of the season. Find out which team to support at SportsLine.

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How to choose between North Carolina and Cal

For Cal's matchup against UNC on Friday, Kaylor is leaning toward the point total, but he also says the critical X-factor makes one side of the spread a must. You can see what it is and which side is facing back only at SportsLine..

Who's covering for California vs. North Carolina and what's the critical X-factor you need to know about? Visit SportsLine now to find out which side of the North Carolina-California spread you need to jump on, all from an expert who has returned between $9,695 and $100 to bettors since the start of the 2023 season.and find out.