UNC Football vs NC State: Game preview, info, prediction & more
UNC football faces off with rival NC State in Raleigh, needing a victory to become bowl eligible
The North Carolina Tar Heels are in need of a victory in their last game of the season when they face off with the NC State Wolfpack in Raleigh on Saturday night. With a win, UNC would become bowl eligible for the first time in three seasons. They’d also surpass their win total of the past two seasons combined in Mack Brown’s first year back with the program in better than two decades.
Earning bowl eligibility against the Wolfpack would just be a bonus, as NC State would love to play spoiler in the final game of their miserable four-win season. They’ve managed just one conference win in 2019 — a six-point victory over the ACC Coastal’s other last-place team, Syracuse.
NC State has struggled to generate offense this season, and has topped 25 points just once over the past seven games. In those seven games, they’re just 1-6, and have lost by double-digits on five occasions. The Tar Heels, on the other hand, haven’t lost a single game by most than seven points all season. And all six of their losses are by a combined 26 points.
If the Tar Heels can put together a decent defensive performance, and effectively air the ball out on offense like they’ve done for much of the season, they’ve got a good chance to walk away with a win. Sam Howell has been anything but average this season — for a freshman, or any other class of player. His receivers have been effective, and the running game opens up more and more as Howell dominates in the passing game.
Key to the game for UNC
If North Carolina can avoid giving up big plays on defense, they should win the rivalry game. NC State isn’t likely to shut down the Tar Heels’ offensive attack, so unless it becomes a shootout, the Tar Heels hold the advantage. They’re a better offensive team than the Wolfpack, but the defense is always in question from week to week.
Player to watch
Sam Howell is breaking records right and left. He’s already notched the mark for most touchdowns in a freshman season in FBS history, and he’s got another game to improve on those stats. He’s also going to pass the 3,000-yard mark on Saturday, all while having just six interceptions on the season. He’s also got a solid 59.4 completion percentage, and a QBR of 69.5. Look for him to re-write a few more freshman records against the Wolfpack on Saturday night.
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What you need to know
WHAT? North Carolina Tar Heels (5-6, 3-4 ACC) vs NC State Wolfpack (4-7, 1-6 ACC)
WHEN? Saturday, November 30 @ 6:30 p.m. CST
WHERE? Carter-Finley Stadium – Raleigh, North Carolina
TV? ACC Network
RADIO? Tar Heels Sports Network
WEATHER? Partly cloudy and chance of rain, 49 degrees
ALL-TIME SERIES? UNC leads 35-31
PREDICTION? UNC 34, NC State 24