Keeping It Heel
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UNC Football: Significant Pregame Injury News Vs NC State

By Jordan Falls

Nov 11, 2023; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils wide receiver Jalon Calhoun (5) is unable to catch the ball on a two point conversion try as North Carolina Tar Heels defensive back Alijah Huzzie (28) defends in the second overtime at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 11, 2023; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils wide receiver Jalon Calhoun (5) is unable to catch the ball on a two point conversion try as North Carolina Tar Heels defensive back Alijah Huzzie (28) defends in the second overtime at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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It was learned about 30 minutes prior to game time that the UNC Football program would be without two valuable players versus NC State.

Well, as if the rivalry matchup between the UNC Football team and NC State wasn’t going to be interesting enough already, for Tar Heel fans, it just got more interesting with some significant pregame injury news.

First up, impact defensive back Alijah Huzzie, who exited the Clemson game last week with an injury, was spotted not warming up with the team prior to kickoff against the Wolfpack. Huzzie primarily plays the Star position, also known as the nickel, in the defensive secondary and has been a huge player for the Tar Heels all year.

Not only is Huzzie an impact player on defense, but on special teams as well. He is North Carolina’s primary punt returner and had a punt return for a touchdown earlier this season against Pittsburgh. His backup, Nate McCollum, saw action against Clemson. Speaking of McCollum….

It appears the UNC Football program will be without McCollum as well, who has seemingly dealt with a lower-body injury on and off for the majority of the season. Without McCollum, special teams could be a factor in fielding punts.

Offensively, McCollum will be replaced at wide receiver by a various number of players, but Tychaun Chapman and Chris Culliver have seen limited action lately and could be looked to in a key role Saturday night. Gavin Blackwell also received targets early during the season and could be another guy the UNC Football offense turns to in the passing game, along with the tight end combination of John Copenhaver, Bryson Nesbit, and Kamari Morales.

North Carolina and NC State kickoff at 8:00 PM in Carter-Finley Stadium and ACC Network.

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