Keeping It Heel
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Staff Picks for the UNC football program's home opener against Charlotte

How does the Keeping It Heel staff feel the UNC football program will fare in their 2024 home opener?

By Nick Delahanty

Aug 29, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Conner Harrell (15) throws the ball against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the second half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Aug 29, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Conner Harrell (15) throws the ball against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the second half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images / Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
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Following a nail-biting victory in the season opener, the UNC football program is set to play its first home game of the 2024 season on Saturday afternoon.

Conner Harrell will make his first regular season start for the boys in Carolina Blue, hoping to get into a groove now that the job is officially his for the taking.

Last week, our staff did a pretty good job at predicting the game (I was one point off from getting the correct final score.. I'm still mad about it!). What does our staff expect this week for the UNC football program?

Nick Delahanty- Site Expert

This game will be very telling for the UNC football program.

I'm interested to see how Conner Harrell plays after having all the first-team reps and plenty of time to prepare. Although he might not have been outstanding in relief in the season opener, it's a tough position to be in, especially given he was told he wasn't starting about 10 days before the season began.

It's a totally different mindset knowing you're the starter, and look for North Carolina to focus the game plan around his strengths.

I firmly expect the Tar Heels to handle business. If this game is close, it could be a sign of a long season ahead for this team.

Prediction: North Carolina 34, Charlotte 10
Record: 1-0

Chase Maxwell- Contributor

Connor Harrell will earn his first regular-season start in Chapel Hill this Saturday against Charlotte due to a season-ending leg injury Max Johnson suffered in the Tar Heels week one matchup against Minnesota. The Charlotte defense, which allowed 30 points to James Madison in week one, should allow Harrell and the Tar Heels offense a great opportunity to build chemistry in a live-game situation. After Jahvaree Ritzie and the North Carolina defense's impressive performance against the Gophers last week, I have no problem believing the Tar Heels will be able to get the job done against their in-state rivals on both sides of the ball.

Prediction: North Carolina 31, Charlotte 13
Record: 1-0

Michael McKay- Contributor

Conner Harrell is in and he has three games to get comfortable before the Tar Heels dive into ACC play against Duke. Charlotte is an ideal first opponent, as they are not terribly dangerous, only putting up seven points last weekend against James Madison. The 49ers also allowed 194 yards rushing, and that's without a man-beast like Omarion Hampton bearing down on them. JMU was able to spread the ball around, with seven players making at least one catch. Harrell would do well to get his receiving corps fed like that, and hopefully, Hampton will have his helmet off by the early third quarter.

Prediction: North Carolina 30, Charlotte 10
Record: 0-1

Luke Sugar- Contributor

The Tar Heels have a prime opportunity to give the North Carolina faithful a win in their home opener versus Charlotte. And I think the Tar Heels get the job done in dominating fashion. In their opening game, Charlotte was completely overwhelmed by James Madison in a 30-7 thrashing. I expect no different from the Tar Heels, who should have their way with the Charlotte defense. With his home crowd behind him, North Carolina quarterback Conner Harrell will gain some confidence during his first regular-season start. Plus, star running back Omarion Hampton will give Harrell a safety valve and take some pressure off the sophomore quarterback. Hampton should find his way into the endzone at least once.

Looking at the Tar Heels’ defense, I think Kaimon Rucker will be a nightmare for the Charlotte offensive line. Rucker should cause chaos and disruption for the inexperienced Charlotte quarterback, Max Brown — who has played only five career games. Also, Alijah Huzzie will be a Swiss Army knife for the Tar Heels, doing a little bit of everything for the secondary and special teams. North Carolina wins big and moves to 2-0.  

Prediction: North Carolina 34, Charlotte 14
Record: 1-0

JT Zangara- Contributor

After a narrowly won game with the Gophers in week one, I believe the Tar Heels take care of business in the Home Opener vs Charlotte. This Non-Conference matchup should be a great opportunity for the Tar Heels to get into a groove after a close call in week one. Charlotte’s run defense struggled against JMU last weekend, and they lost some starters to injuries during camp. I think this leads to Omarion Hampton having a great game and the North Carolina offense getting in rhythm. It will be important for North Carolina to start clicking on offense early. I expect the Tar Heels to run all over Charlotte and start the season 2-0. 

Prediction: North Carolina 37, Charlotte 6
Record: 1-0

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