UNC Football: 5 reasons the North Carolina Tar Heels can win the ACC

Reason No. 4 – UNC’s 2016 ACC Schedule

At a first glance, some people might look at North Carolina’s schedule and scoff at the two away games versus Florida State and Miami.

But personally, I don’t think Miami poses a big threat to Carolina. Their years as a powerhouse college football team are long gone. Last season, UNC beat Miami easily 59-21 and while I do think the game will be much closer this year, I still have the Tar Heels winning.

On the other hand, Florida State has one of the best running backs in the nation, Dalvin Cook.

Cook can take over a game all by himself and Carolina’s defense will surely have their hands full with the running back. That game could come down to how much damage UNC can limit from the potential Heisman Trophy candidate.

Outside of the Florida State game, Duke could give Carolina some problems. Regardless of how good either team is, playing your arch rival is personal. Any game between North Carolina and Duke is personal. Believe that.

Pittsburgh will be a good game, if their star running back James Conner plays. Conner was the 2014 ACC Player of the Year. That season against UNC, Conner rushed 30 times for 220 yards and four touchdowns. Although Carolina defeated Pittsburgh 40-35, Conner made his presence felt.

North Carolina should not underestimate Virginia. Over the years, UNC has had a difficult time winning in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Even if the Tar Heels were to lose to the Seminoles, they would have a good chance to repeat as ACC Coastal Division champions by taking care of business in divisional games.  Their schedule this year sets up a chance for them to return to the ACC Championship Game.