UNC Football vs. FSU: Game preview, info, prediction, and more
The UNC football team is looking for some revenge this week.
North Carolina is coming off a 38-7 pummeling of the Duke Blue Devils last Saturday, where the night ended in UNC fans locking arms and singing the alma mater. The Mack Brown, led Tar Heels currently sit with a 3-2 overall record, and are unranked going into this matchup against a 1-4 Florida State team.
This will mark the second of three-straight home games for UNC as they look to rebound from a 2-2 start and get their season on track.
Florida State enters this game fresh off their first win of the season, beating Syracuse in the final seconds. After FSU suffered a nail-biting 41-38 loss to Notre Dame in week one they have been on a steady decline only winning one out of their next three.
Despite a rough start for the Seminoles, there has been one bright spot.
Florida States’ running back, Jashaun Corbin has been good this season and his speed is a big reason for it. Corbin currently ranks 1st in the Atlantic Coastal Conference for yards per carry (8.13) and could cause trouble for the UNC football defense. Corbin could spoil UNC’s plans this weekend, however, Carolina will need to do more than just stop the nation’s top 12 yards per carry rusher to be victorious this weekend.
Key To Victory For UNC
To beat the Seminoles, UNC will need to put their foot on the gas and keep the pressure up early. Too often Carolina’s offense gets off to a slow start with the offensive line being the kryptonite to moving the chains. If Carolina waits to flip the switch in the second half it could be too late with FSU’s ability to kill the clock thanks to their running game. To keep it simple, block for Sam Howell to give his weapons separation for touchdown bombs.
Something To Watch
The offensive line. The struggles have been clear this year and the offensive line has played a major role in why. To add more salt on the sluggish offense, Sam Howell holding on to the ball too long with questionable play-calling has caused the disaster. The offensive line and Howell have played much better in the second half of games, so seeing how they look at the start could be the difference between a blowout victory or a heartbreaking loss.
Despite inconsistent play throughout the offense, Josh Downs has been torching secondaries all season. Downs is without a doubt a top 10 wide receiver this year, and his speed is what sets him apart even with his 5’10 frame. As a sophomore, Downs has been turning heads and is currently on the Biletnikoff Award watch list. FSU secondary has improved over the last few weeks, but they should still see the back of Downs jersey often throughout the game.
What You Need To Know
WHAT? Florida State Seminoles (1-4, 1-2 in the ACC) AT North Carolina Tar Heels (3-2, 2-2 in ACC)
WHEN? Saturday, October 9 at 3:30 EDT
WHERE? Kenan Memorial Stadium
TV? ESPN
RADIO? Tar Heels Sports Network
WEATHER? 70% Chance of rain with a high of 70 degrees
LINE? UNC-17.5
LAST MEETING? 2020 (L, 28-31 at FSU)
ALL-TIME SERIES? FSU leads 16-3-1
PREDICTION? UNC 41, FSU 27
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