2016 Sun Bowl: UNC vs. Stanford preview, prediction and more…
By Adam Ross
The 2016 Sun Bowl will be the final game of the year for both UNC and Stanford. What should we expect when they meet in El Paso?
UNC is finding themselves with an option: “Do we destroy Stanford, or do we just play the odds?”
Well, that could be disputed but we will look at what is happening. The Heels have dumped two out of their three to end the regular season.
They also finished the 2015 season losing two-of-three including the ACC Championship Game and the Russell Athletic Bowl.
That is not ideal, to say the least.
We cannot overlook the fact that these Tar Heels were expected by fans and some media members to be as good or even better than the 2015 squad (based on the amount of returning promised players), but have superseded disappointment in a lackluster 8-4 overall record.
Any true Tar Heel who knew their history, had high hopes that they were a factor and were a factor in the ACC Championship game. But this has not been the case.
Now, the Heels have to look at themselves in the mirror, realizing that all they can do is save face, but, i must ask, do they want to do so? The reason I ask is simple. take a look at these questions the Heels need answered:
Do we really know where the Heels are headed?
With UNC unsure of what is going on with the future, it makes fans unsure of many things. Will Trubisky declare after the game? Most would think he does. I personally do not think he will. I cannot see a man, or young man, who would chose a school where he knew he would not play until his junior year to decided to go and play one year.
Some may say the fans have said to much, but this is a sight where the Heels want to know the truth, and the truth is, beating Stanford with Delaware numbers will not get Trubisky the money he deserves by declaring early, but some will know they are chasing a rabbit.
Elijah Hood has made it known that he will not play in the Sun Bowl but that he will be returning for his senior season. That is good for fans but honestly, how good is it for the team without Trubisky? It is not at all. Why does this matter for the Stanford game?
It matters more than you know. Lets look at the scenarios.
Will UNC return a QB?
If Trubisky plans to return, he plays a solid game for UNC and throws for 295 yards, 2 touchdowns , and no interceptions. As opposed to 450 yds passing with 4 touchdowns and a doubtful interception as he moves on to the NFL.
Most say the Heels shouldn’t be looking so far, and if they listened to the status quo where would they be?
Yes, Trubisky will return for his senior year.
What about Stanford?
What about them? They have aimed to be in contention for the last three years but they still remain just falling short.
Although they bring pride and a hope that they can make themselves a declared top 25 team, just as North Carolina aims to do you have to win to finish. Stanford without Christian McCaffrey is a relief for the Tar Heels. UNC has a solid secondary and needs to force Stanford to air it out more.
The Tar Heels also have a defensive line that is finally healthy and really needs to come out and have a strong showing.
Stanford has struggled but have put together a five-game win streak. In that run, they have beaten opponents with a combined record of 19-41. That is not too swift.
UNC’s last 5 opponents are a combined 30-30, and one is an FCS. The Heels cant say much, and, a lot remains to be seen.
What will happen?
Both teams will come out scoring and this will likely be a high-scoring game.
The Tar Heels will look to keep the Cardinal one-dimensional by throwing the ball and hope to get those key stops when needed.
On offense, UNC will look to attack Stanford’s secondary backed by the play of Trubisky. If it is Mitch’s final game, expect him to come out and have a nice performance.
For Stanford to win, they need to slow down UNC’s offense. That includes stopping speed back T.J. Logan who can make a big play happen at any moment.
Here’s what you need to know…
WHAT? UNC vs Stanford
WHEN? Friday, December 30, 2016, 2pm
WHERE? El Paso, Texas
TV? CBS
RADIO? Tar Heel Sports Network. Jones Angell (play-by-play), William Henderson (analyst) and Lee Pace (sideline)
WEATHER? High of 55, and 51 at game time
ALL-TIME SERIES? Tied 1-1
LAST MEETING? Stanford 37-34 (1998)
BETTING LINE? Stanford -2.5
PREDICTION? UNC 41-17
Make sure you check back with Keeping It Heel for postgame coverage regarding the game.