The UNC Tar Heels had a week off and are no doubt ready to get back on the field. They will welcome the East Tennessee State Buccaneers on Saturday at 12 p.m. ET at Kenan Stadium (Chapel Hill, N.C.). Both come into the game bolstered by wins in their previous outings.

In Week 1, even if it wasn’t a dominant performance, UNC beat the TCU Horned Frogs 15-10.

The Tar Heels stayed disciplined and finished the game with only 20 penalty yards. They had not posted that few since Nov. 11, 2023, finishing with a matching 20 against Duke.

Meanwhile, you can’t lose the game if you win every quarter, and that was precisely East Tennessee State’s strategy against the Tusculum Pioneers in Week 1. Given that consistent dominance, it should come as no surprise that the Buccaneers blew Tusculum out of the water 48-14. Their offense was clicking when it mattered most, converting on eight of 11 third-down attempts.

East Tennessee State’s success was spearheaded by running back TJ Peyton, who rushed for 121 yards and a pair of TDs on only 11 carries, and quarterback Mason Mims, who threw for 242 yards and three touchdowns with one INT while averaging 11.5 yards per attempt.

Going forward, UNC probably can’t wait for this one to start considering the Tar Heels are favored by 35.5 points. They finished last season with a 5-7 record against the spread.

How to Watch East Tennessee State Buccaneers at UNC Tar Heels

  • Date: Sept. 12, 2026
  • Time: 12 p.m. ET
  • Venue: Kenan Stadium (Chapel Hill, N.C.)
  • TV: ACC Network
  • Streaming: Stream on Fubo
  • Buy tickets: Buy Buccaneers at Tar Heels tickets on Gametime

East Tennessee State Buccaneers at UNC Tar Heels Odds, Line and Spread

Betting lines as of 09/11/2026 at 1:42 p.m. ET. Odds subject to change. Bet with bet365.

  • Moneyline (ML): Tar Heels -33333 | Buccaneers +3750
  • Against the spread (ATS): Tar Heels -35.5 (-110) | Buccaneers +35.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 55.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

East Tennessee State Buccaneers vs. UNC Tar Heels Against the Spread and Over/Under

Over/Under Trends

  • UNC: under hit in 4 straight games outside of the conference (34.5 avg. points)

East Tennessee State Buccaneers vs. UNC Tar Heels ATS and Over/Under Records

East Tennessee State Buccaneers

  • Last season: 0-1 ATS, 1-0 over/under

UNC Tar Heels

  • This season: 1-0 ATS, 0-1 over/under
  • Last season: 5-7 ATS, 4-8 over/under

Players to Watch in East Tennessee State Buccaneers vs. UNC Tar Heels

Tar Heels Players to Watch

Demon June Previous Game: 25 rush yards, 6 carries

  • Led team in rushing yards last season

Jordan Shipp Previous Game: 71 rec yards, 0 TDs on 5 rec

  • Led team in receptions last season

Buccaneers Players to Watch

TJ Peyton Previous Game: 121 rush yards, 2 TDs on 11 carries

  • Leads team with 201 rushing yards and three rushing TDs this season

Mason Mims Previous Game: 242 pass yards, 3 TDs on 13-of-21 passing

  • Has 615 passing yards and five TDs through two games this season

Prediction for East Tennessee State Buccaneers vs. UNC Tar Heels on Sept. 12, 2026

Buccaneers 10 – Tar Heels 45

ATS Lean: Buccaneers

We expect UNC to win comfortably at home, but East Tennessee State to keep the final margin inside the spread.

Disclosure: Some or all of this content may have been generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, AI can occasionally produce incorrect information. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Sep 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Source: Yahoo Sports