UNC Football vs. Wofford: Game info, preview, prediction and more
The tradition every school in the nation follows is finally here for the UNC football program. This Saturday will be Carolina’s senior day, marking the end of U-N-C chants from Kenan for the season.
It will also mark the last time many Tar Heel favorites run out of the tunnel including Davey O’Brien semi-finalist Sam Howell. It’s not official that Howell will be leaving for the NFL Draft, however, walking as a senior can pinpoint to that direction.
Before fans can speculate if this is Howell’s last home game, there’s still work to be done. Plus, the quarterback is battling a shoulder injury which has his status in question.
Last week the UNC football program saw their slim ACC title game hopes go down the drain with the 30-23 overtime loss against Pittsburgh. Howell was an efficient 22 for 33 throwing the ball, but the run game was nowhere to be found with Ty Chandler rushing for 42 yards on 14 carries. If you do the math that’s 3 yards a carry on average, which is 2.9 yards less than his season average.
But with UNC needing just one more win to become bowl eligible, Saturday presents a favorable chance to get that win.
What should feel like a bye week against (1-9) Wofford Terriers seems more nerve-wrecking than it should. Sitting at 5-5 the slow starts have been the kryptonite to the UNC football program’s success, and even with a talented roster, falling short at the end is the theme of this season.
So, how does Carolina send the seniors off with one last hoo-ray?
Key To Victory For UNC
The Terriers defense doesn’t pose a threat, however, their run game does.
Stopping running back Irvin Mulligan is the key to success for Carolina’s defense. Mulligan currently has 848 yards on the season with an average of 6.9 yards per carry. Loading the box to force Wofford to throw will limit the moving of chains and keep the defense off the field.
The next key is to attack the air on offense. Last week Antoine Green had two touchdowns and racked up over 100 receiving yards for the second time this season. Another monster game from Green and a consistent Josh Downs could equal a record-breaking day in Chapel Hill.
This game should end up in a blow out and if so, UNC fans may see some glimpses of what the future will look like with quarterbacks Jacolby Criswell and Drake Maye.
Something To Watch
How much of a blowout before we see who is next up? If he plays, Howell could lead this offense to a big lead where he would be replaced. That could give us a look at the future of the position in Criswell and Maye. Both have the tools to be the next leader of the huddle, but who will it be? This game can show UNC fans what we can anticipate for the next season and also give light on who Carolina thinks is the next man up.
Another thing to watch is if Howell doesn’t play. That means Criswell or Maye would get the start and it’s likely we see both anyway in the game at some point.
Lastly, keep an eye on how aggressive Carolina plays it versus going a conservative route. This is the type of game where UNC just lets it fly, instead of working the clock. Expect deep bombs and not just screens throughout.
What You Need To Know
WHAT? Wofford Terriers (1-9) AT North Carolina Tar Heels (5-5, 3-4 in ACC)
WHEN? Saturday, November 20 at NOON
WHERE? Kenan Memorial Stadium in Chapel Hill, North Carolina
TV? ESPN 3
RADIO? Tar Heels Sports Network
WEATHER? Partly cloudy with a high of 54 degrees
LINE? N/A
LAST MEETING? First Meeting (N/A)
ALL-TIME SERIES? First Meeting (N/A)
PREDICTION? UNC 51, Wofford 17
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