What to know about Oregon vs. UNC in Holiday Bowl: Prediction, picks, players to watch
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North Carolina has lost three straight, including the ACC championship game to Clemson. Oregon dropped two of its past three games, though the victory came over eventual Pac-12 champion Utah. Here's what you need to know about the matchup.
Who will play in Holiday Bowl?
When and where is the Holiday Bowl?
Wednesday, Dec. 28, 8 p.m. ET at Petco Park in San Diego.
What channel is the Holiday Bowl on?
Fox is airing the game.
Oregon vs. UNC prediction
Teams with a month to stew over costly losses should make for an attractive game. Prediction: Oregon, 34-28.
Oregon vs. UNC expert picks
Scooby Axson: Oregon
Jace Evans: Oregon
Paul Myerberg: Oregon
Erick Smith: Oregon
Eddie Timanus: Oregon
Dan Wolken: Oregon
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What are the odds and spread for Oregon-UNC in the Holiday Bowl?
Get the latest betting info from Tipico Sportsbook here.
What are Bo Nix's stats for Oregon this season?
Nix racked up 27 touchdown passes and 3,388 passing yards, rushed for 14 touchdowns and had 504 rushing yards. He also has caught a touchdown pass in his first season since transferring from Auburn.
How good is QB Drake Maye?
ACC Player of the Year, Offensive Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year with Heisman-level production in 2022: 35 TD passes and rushed for seven more. UNC’s leading rusher (653 yards) also had 42 total TDs.
Is Drake Maye a Heisman Contender?
How do Oregon and UNC match up?
This game could turn into a shootout with Maye and Nix. Oregon had eight consecutive games of scoring 40 or more points and posted more than 30 in two others. That type of output is bound to be trouble for a North Carolina defense that has had difficulty finding its footing.
Nix, who played his first three seasons for Auburn before making the switch as a graduate transfer to Oregon, and Maye, who initially committed to Alabama, could have met in another game of note this season if their routes hadn’t changed.
Nix might have a banner day against a secondary that was missing two starters in the ACC title game (and another was limited). Meanwhile, Oregon’s defense has made 16 interceptions.
What year is Bo Nix at Oregon?
Nix is a senior.
Is Drake Maye a true freshman?
No. Maye is a redshirt freshman.
Is Mack Brown leaving UNC?
Brown in February signed a one-year extension to his initial contract, keeping him with the Tar Heels through January 2027. He is the second-winningest active Division I coach.
How long has Dan Lanning been coaching?
Lanning, 36, is wrapping up his first season as a head coach and his first season at Oregon. Prior to taking the top job in Eugene, Lanning spent four years as a defensive coach at Georgia (2018-21), two years at Memphis (2016-17), one year at Alabama (2015) and Sam Houston State (2014), two years at Arizona State (2012-13) and one year at Pitt (2011.)
Who are other players to watch?
One defender from each team to keep your eyes on.
LB Cedric Gray, North Carolina
Gray has consistency and big-play flair with 137 tackles (leading the ACC), two interceptions and he forced three fumbles. He had at least one tackle for loss in seven games this season.
DB Christian Gonzalez, Oregon
The sophomore transfer from Colorado has made a significant impact in the Pac-12 in consecutive seasons for two different teams. He posted four interceptions (tops on the team) and a team-best seven pass breakups in 2022 while finishing fourth on the team with 50 tackles.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Oregon vs. UNC Holiday Bowl: Time, TV, prediction, picks, odds
