UNC Football: Schedule Predictions for the 2023 Season

Week Two: Appalachian State

Delahanty:

The matchup between these two teams last year still has me anxious, as somehow, someway, the UNC football program came out on top.

Heading into this year’s matchup, I’m a lot more confident given that the game will be played in Chapel Hill. I think this year’s group won’t underestimate Appalachian State this year, as the Tar Heels will put together a successful home opener.

Prediction: North Carolina 49, Appalachian State 35 (Record: 1-1)

Falls:

Last year’s Carolina-Appalachian State game was WILD, with the Tar Heels winning 63-61 after 62 combined points in the fourth quarter were scored (40 by the Mountaineers!). While I’m not buying into the defense improving enough to beat the Gamecocks in week 1, I believe they will have learned from their mistakes in the week two game from 2022. This one is at home, not in front of a raucous Boone crowd. UNC wins this one and won’t be nearly as close as last year.

Prediction: North Carolina 45, Appalachian State 27 (Record: 1-1)

Ebersbach:

The Tar Heels faced the Mountaineers in a back-and-forth game that went through the entirety of the 4th quarter. North Carolina eventually outlasted App State as they won 63-61 on the road in Boone. I believe that was the peak of Appalachian State football as they have regressed significantly since last season as they lost many starters. With this, you can not forget App State circles this game on their calendar every year that it is played. For this reason, I believe it will be closer than expected through the first half, but the Tar Heels will eventually pull away and get the win.

Prediction: North Carolina 35, Appalachian State 26 (Record: 1-1)