The Stanford Cardinal will unfortunately be without their top player and offensive catalyst RB McCaffrey for this bowl game, but it's understandable as the young man preps for his future in the NFL. Stanford stumbled through the earlier half of their schedule, before closing strong winning their last 5 straight coming into the postseason. In their last outing Stanford went out of conference and beat Rice by a final of 41-17 after coming off back to back road wins against Oregon and Cal. Stanford doesn't have much offensive punch without McCaffrey and the Cardinals rank 99th in the nation in offensive production compared to 37th in total defense. We really liked the potential of this North Carolina squad throughout the regular season. NC QB Mitch Trubisky is an NFL level talent and he's been solid throwing for 3,468 yards and 28 TDs to 4 INTs. As for North Carolina, their passing defense has been excellent ranking them No. 14 nationally in yards allowed per game. North Carolina's quarterback flourished in 2016, compiling an impressive 7-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio as well. Stanford is hurt greatly by McCaffrey deciding not to play in the bowl game as he is their key to their offense and special teams. North Carolina stumbled down the stretch, but playing in some better weather should really benefit this offensive attack and their speed. We'll side with the Tar Heels to push the Cardinal as they go on to cover the spread.