UNC Football vs. Boston College: Game info, preview, prediction and more
The UNC football program plays its first game in three weeks against the Boston College Eagles with a chance to improve to 2-0 on the line.
The North Carolina Tar Heels’ 2020 season officially resumes on Saturday afternoon following a three-week hiatus due to Covid-19 and scheduling issues. They’ll be in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts to face off with the undefeated Boston College Eagles.
The Tar Heels had a rough start to their season-opening game against Syracuse in Week 1. The offense looked sluggish, and saw quarterback Sam Howell pass for just one touchdown to two interceptions. It was the UNC run game that ultimately led the way for North Carolina, who won the game by a final score of 31-6.
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On the other side of the ball, the Tar Heels gave up some early yardage to the Orange, but it was a bend-but-don’t-break kind of first half for Chazz Surratt and the UNC defensive unit, as the Orange managed just one field goal before the game’s intermission. Syracuse ultimately scored just one more time in the game, a third quarter field goal that made it a one-point game at 7-6. A Grayson Atkins field goal and three Javonte Williams touchdowns put the game well out of reach, though.
In his illustrious 32-year coaching career, Mack Brown has never faced off with Boston College. A winner of nearly 250 games — more than any other active head coach in college football — Brown goes up against BC’s Jeff Hafley, who is in his very first head coaching job. Hafley is looking to become the first BC head coach to begin his career with a 3-0 start.
UNC key to victory
The Tar Heels need to utilize their strong rushing attack in order to open up the passing game. With a talented pair of runners in Michael Carter and Javonte Williams, there’s no need to have Sam Howell flinging the ball all over the field from the opening snap. Allow him to ease into his game and not force things, while the defense has to decide whether to key on ground game, or the passing game.
Something to watch for UNC
Mack Brown and the Tar Heels haven’t taken the field for three weeks. How will they look against an upstart Boston College squad that’s off to a quick 2-0 start this season? Will they come out rusty after their first consecutive bye weeks since 1952? Or will they be well-rested and fired up to continue a season that’s come with as much hype and expectations as any for the Tar Heels in recent memory?
Next. UNC football uniform combo for game against BC. dark
What you need to know
WHAT? North Carolina Tar Heels (1-0, 1-0 ACC) @ Boston College Eagles (2-0, 1-0 ACC)
WHEN? Saturday, October 3, 3:30 pm ET
WHERE? Alumni Stadium, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
TV? ABC
RADIO? Tar Heels Sports Network
WEATHER? Partly cloudy, 66 degrees
LINE? UNC -14
PREDICTION? UNC 34, BC 17