UNC vs. Western Carolina: Preview, broadcast info and more

UNC takes on Western Carolina on Senior Day in Chapel Hill

Fresh off their first conference win of the season, the North Carolina Tar Heels will play their final non-conference game of 2017.

The Tar Heels beat Pitt last Thursday on the road in what was their best performance of the season. Now they are looking for their second-straight win when they take on Western Carolina on Senior Day.

This will be the last chance to see UNC seniors play at Kenan Memorial Stadium in Chapel Hill and it should be a special day.

The Catamounts enter the game coming off a tough loss to Mercer at home dropping them to 7-4 overall and 5-3 in the Southern Conference. They are playing at UNC for the first time in school history and hope to get into the FCS Playoffs despite their loss last week.

A win would certainly help their case to the FCS playoff committee but a loss would likely keep them out for the 35th-straight year.

While the Catamounts have something big to play for, the Tar Heels are just playing for some pride.

They are not bowl eligible after starting the season 1-8 with their only win coming against Old Dominion prior to last week’s win over Pitt. This hasn’t been the season the Tar Heels had hoped for but there are some things they can take into next season.

The Tar Heels have the chance to put together a win streak for the first time this season. They can also build some momentum into their finale against rival NC State in Raleigh. A win this week allows them the chance for a three-game win streak to close out the season.

Then there is the development of players for next season.

Nathan Elliott took over as quarterback for the Tar Heels a few weeks ago in the loss to Miami at home.

Elliott was named the starter against Pitt and got the win. The offense just seems to flow better with him in there.

If Elliott can continue to play well in the final two weeks it could go a long way for him in winning the starter job next season.

UNC should win this game on Saturday but how the season has gone, you never know. Let’s hope UNC doesn’t play down to the competition and can avoid the big upset.

What you need to know

WHAT? Western Carolina 7-4 (5-3 Southern Conference) AT UNC 2-8 (1-6 ACC)
WHEN? Saturday, Nov. 18 at 3 p.m. ET
WHERE? Kenan Memorial Stadium in Chapel Hill, North Carolina
TV? Watch ESPN (STREAM)
RADIO? Tar Heel Sports Network
WEATHER?  Partly cloudy skies. High 65F.
LINE? NO LINE
ALL-TIME SERIES? First meeting between two teams
PREDICTION? UNC 44, WCU 13