UNC Football vs. Virginia: Game preview, prediction and more

A game circled on many calendars is almost here as the UNC Football program is set to host the Virginia Cavaliers this Saturday night. This game comes off the heels of Carolina’s 59-17 victory over Georgia State, in which Mack Brown was happy about the performance but pointed out that the team’s running game still had “work to do that in the area.”

Thanks to the offensive explosion the UNC Football team saw their ranking move up in the AP Top 25 poll, going from No. 24 to No. 21. A stout defensive performance is exactly what Carolina hoped for as they will need to mimic that performance against what some see as a trap game.

A trap game that is also a revenge game for UNC.

Last season when these two teams met, UNC Football witnessed a nightmare collapse as the Cavilers scored 28 straight points to win 44-41 on Halloween night. Virginia is just as good now as they were then with eight starters returning, which include five offensive linemen. The experience that the Cavilers bring plus their impressive 42-14 victory over Illinois is the perfect game for UNC to prove they are the real contender this season.

Carolina can’t afford to flip the switch in the second half and will need to play a full game of clean football. The performance against Georgia State from Antoine Green, who had 117 yards and a touchdown last week can help for the big splash plays, meanwhile, Josh Down and his 8 receptions can assist in moving the chains. The defense will need to keep up the same energy throughout and keep Virginia quarterback Brennan Armstrong pressured, so he isn’t throwing five touchdowns this weekend.

To keep it brief, the overall performance against Georgia State was great but expected and will need more constancy against Virginia.

Key to Victory for UNC

The key to UNC success is unlocking the rushing game. Carolina’s passing offense seems to be clicking, however, the rushing attack has been inconsistent. Last weekend quarterback Sam Howell led the rushing attack for UNC with 104 yards on 11 carries, meanwhile running back Ty Chandler had 15 carries for only 58 yards.

Getting the Tennessee transfer going can help open the passing game and the Cavilers, who allowed Illinois running backs 5.7 yards per carry is the perfect team to get the rushing attack going. .

Something to Watch

Much like week two, this week’s focus will be on the offensive line. In week two, the offensive line offered Howell time to find his groove rather that was passing or using his feet, however, it came against Georgia State and not a team that can offer pressure as the Cavaliers can.

Fans should also watch for Carolina’s first-half urgency.

There’s no denying that the UNC Football program has been a second-half team that usually gives UNC fans sweats in the last minute of games. Starting strong and staying consistent is something Carolina has been looking for and is set to do this game.

What you Need to Know

WHAT? Virginia Cavaliers  (2-0, 0-0 in ACC) AT North Carolina Tar Heels (2-1, 0-1 in ACC)
WHEN? Saturday, September 18th at 7:30 p.m. EDT
WHERE? Kenan Memorial Stadium in Chapel Hill, North Carolina
TV? ACC Network
RADIO? Tar Heels Sports Network
WEATHER? Partly cloudy and 79 degrees
LINE? UNC -9
LAST MEETING? 10/31/2020 UVA 44 – UNC 41
ALL-TIME SERIES? UNC Leads 64-57-4
PREDICTION? UNC 38, UVA 31

Be sure to check back with Keeping It Heel as we continue our coverage on the UNC Football program.