Keeping It Heel
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3 Predictions for UNC Football program's rivalry game against Duke

The Tar Heels look to stave off a program crisis at the home of bitter rival Duke.

By Michael McKay

Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images / Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images
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Passing attack will get more focused

Jacolby Criswell
Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images / Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Quarterback Jacolby Criswell completed passes to 11 different receivers in his starting debut against James Madison. He completed 28 of 48 pass attempts.

That volume is kind of crazy, and shouldn't be duplicated against Duke. There are reasons for optimism that this trend will slow down. Hopefully, Duke will not get a high number of quick scores against North Carolina, forcing the offense to get more snaps. As previously mentioned, there is a battering ram named Omarion Hampton at the running back who needs to be unleashed on Duke's defense. A stout running attack should milk the clock enough that Criswell throws 30 or fewer passes.

If that's the case, who gets the rock? J.J. Jones, Kobe Paysour, and Bryson Nesbit were the leading receivers against JMU. That's your split end, slot, and tight end. Expect them to eat. They are proven upperclassmen, so I would expect some of the underclassmen to start getting less targets. They'll have to make big plays to continue to push for snaps as ACC play marches along.

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