UNC Football: Staff Picks Game Twelve: vs NC State

The UNC football team will look to end the regular season on a high note against NC State on Friday.

Last week’s loss against Georgia Tech was very disappointing.  The Heels played their worst game of the season and allowed a below average team to upset them in their own stadium.

However, as bad as last week was, the Heels have still had a great season to this point.  This is evident by the fact that entering the final week of the regular season, the UNC football program has a ton left to play for.

North Carolina has only won double-digit games once this century, and the only thing standing between them and a 10-win year is the rival NC State Wolfpack.  This game has been circled on both teams’ calendar for a long time.  The Heels will be eager to get back at the ‘Pack after blowing a late two-score lead in Raleigh last season, and State will be hungry to get after Drake Maye and the Heels after the comments UNC’s QB made earlier this season.  Plus, after an overall disappointing season, NC State would love nothing more than to spoil Carolina’s home finale.

Will the Tar Heels bounce back, beat their rivals, and head to Charlotte with momentum by defeating NC State?  Find out what our staff thinks below!

Nick Delahanty

The loss to Georgia Tech was certainly disappointing, but I think it was a valuable learning lesson for this group.

We saw how much hype was going toward the program, and how quickly it all deflated. Now, the pressure is somewhat off, as the Tar Heels have one more tune-up before the ACC championship game against the Clemson Tigers.

Do I think the loss to Georgia Tech helps completely write the ship? Absolutely not. But I do think this group will come out playing tougher than they did a week ago.

If Antoine Green can give it a go, I think the offense will get back in shape. If he can’t play for a second consecutive week, Drake Maye has to find a way to get Josh Downs involved, as he’ll draw even more attention if his dynamic counterpart is sidelined.

This one will be close, but I think the UNC football program will send its seniors out on a good note.

Prediction: North Carolina 28, NC State 24

Mark DeMott

After a disappointing loss to Georgia Tech, UNC will look to bounce back against the rival NC State Wolfpack. State will be playing a backup QB after the injury to starter Devin Leary, and after the loss to Georgia Tech, Carolina’s defense will be sure to come into the game with a chip on their shoulder.  Drake Maye will be looking for a rebound performance after the worst game of his college career last weekend.

I think that UNC’s defense will have some struggles, but they should be able to prevent State’s offense from exploding.  UNC’s offense will make enough plays and Maye will look like the Heisman candidate that he’s looked like all year long.

I predict that the Tar Heels will bounce back this Friday and beat NCSU.  UNC will enter the ACC Championship Game with a win and the confidence to beat Clemson.

Prediction: UNC 24 NCSU 21

Prediction:

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