ESPN’s College GameDay will be visiting Charlotte to celebrate the gridiron showdown between the Carolinas, welcoming special guests and dedicated alumni on the iconic show during Week 1 of the college football season.
The Tar Heels will technically host the South Carolina Gamecocks at Bank of America Stadium on Sept. 2 in what will also mark the 59th meeting between the two schools. North Carolina currently leads the all-time rival series, 35-20-4, a stat to remember across North Carolina sports betting.
In preparation for one of the most anticipated games of the season, BetCarolina.com presents an intriguing list of potential guests expected to join the notable panel of host Rece Davis and GameDay analysts Lee Corso, Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, and Pat McAfee.
The list ranges from alumni of both institutions, local residents, and others with connections to either their respective schools or states.
Stick with BetCarolina.com ahead of the 2023-2024 college football season. And keep in mind, the latest UNC football odds to win the ACC are currently +1000.
Here are our results:
USC vs. UNC College Gameday Picker Odds
Other possibilities:
- Ken Jeong – UNC grad
- Vince Carter – UNC grad
- Julius Peppers – UNC grad
- J. Cole – UNC fan, born in NC
- Stephen Curry – from Charlotte
- Ric Flair – from Charlotte
- Allen Iverson – lives in Charlotte
- Lewis Black – UNC grad
- Kenny Chesney – former UNC guest picker
- Nick Cannon – from Charlotte
- Kenny Smith – UNC grad
North Carolina Likely to be Well-Represented
Darius Rucker has landed the best odds of likely appearing on ESPN’s College GameDay show on opening week at +500 hypothetical odds with a 16.7% chance. This is not a shocker.
The Charleston native attended the University of South Carolina for one year before pursuing and establishing his successful solo and band career with ‘Hootie & the Blowfish.’ Rucker continues to support his fellow Gamecocks via his social media platforms, even declaring a national title for South Carolina this year.
One of the most recognizable names in the sport of auto racing, Charlotte resident and retired NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr.. has a 14.3% chance with +600 hypothetical odds to join the panel. With his extensive background serving as an analyst for NBC Sports’ NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series coverage, Earnhardt Jr. is more than at ease to discuss the football rivalry on national television.
Tied in third are two individuals who epitomize and carry forward the rich legacy of the Tar Heels, sharing a 12.5% chance with +700 hypothetical odds.
Legendary basketball coach Roy Williams delivered three national championships to Chapel Hill. Former football player Jeff
Saturday was a two-time All-ACC first-team from 1996-1997.
Saturday was also a mainstay on ESPN airwaves before briefly coaching the Colts last season.
Other notables who could appear? You might be surprised to learn CBS funny man Stephen Colbert is a USC grad. And there's a certain former sports owner who now has some free time on his hands. After selling his majority share in the Hornets, perhaps GameDay can wrestle Michael Jordan away from the golf course for a day.
As for how the game will go, the Tar Heels opened as slight favorites at -135 over at BetMGM to win the game outright over the Gamecocks.
Stick with BetCarolina.com ahead of the 2023-2024 college football season and the launch of NC sports betting apps in the Tar Heel State.
