Staff Picks for the UNC football program's non-conference clash with NC Central
It's Week 3 of the college football season as the UNC football program hosts NC Central in another non-conference tilt.
The Tar Heels secured a double-digit victory over Charlotte a week ago and look to handle business against another in-state foe this week. North Carolina comes into the game as a 37.5-point favorite in the spread, as they are projected to wipe the floor with the visiting Eagles.
Does our staff agree that it will be a cakewalk for the UNC football program, or do they think the Tar Heels will at least struggle to cover the spread? Coming off a perfect week for our staff, can they do it once again?!
Here's our staff picks for the UNC football program's contest against NC Central:
Nick Delahanty- Site Expert
The UNC football program should win this game, but that 37.5-point spread is one I'm definitely not comfortable with them covering.
While some will think this should be an easier game for the Tar Heels (as it should), this team hasn't proven yet that they can absolutely demolish their opponent. This is another important game for the Tar Heels as they look to build some momentum and offensive rhythm as they are getting closer to the start of conference play.
I expect the Tar Heels to win this one by double-digits but under the projected spread.
Prediction: North Carolina 45, NC Central 17
Record: 2-0
Chase Maxwell- Contributor
When Omarion Hampmton got banged up in the Week 2 matchup with Charlotte, freshman running back Davion Gause stepped up and took over the game, rushing for 105 yards on 16 carries in his Tar Heel debut. While North Carolina hasn’t been perfect through the air, they should be able to win this one on the ground with their dynamic backfield duo in Hampton and Gause.
Prediction: North Carolina 41, NC Central 10
Record: 2-0
Michael McKay- Contributor
If we're being perfectly honest, UNC should win this game no matter what the injury report looks like. Unfortunately, that injury report is a little more full than we'd care to see so early in the season. But if there was ever a time to rest certain players, it's in the middle of a home stand against an FCS opponent.
Conner Harrell will need to get more reps in. Hopefully the pictures on the field will slow down enough for him to get some development in the passing game. Look for him to spread the ball around (he hit nine different receivers against Charlotte) and run a little less.
Prediction: North Carolina 38, NC Central 17
Record: 1-1
Luke Sugar- Contributor
North Carolina is gunning to start the season 3-0, and I believe they will. The Tar Heels come in as a massive 37.5 point favorite over NC Central — even with Kaimon Rucker sidelined and Omarion Hampton potentially sitting this one out. The huge spread speaks volumes about the talent disparity between these two squads. North Carolina is just flat-out more talented than the Eagles across the board.
I think North Carolina quarterback Conner Harrell builds on his solid performance from the 38-20 win over Charlotte. I’d like to see Harrell be more poised in the pocket and more on target with his throws. NC Central will need running back J’Mari Taylor to carry the load if they want any chance at competing.
Not to overlook NC Central, but this game should be an easy, feel-good win and a boost of confidence for the Tar Heels. Mack Brown is hoping this is an exhibition-type of game, where he can test out formations, run new plays and give inexperienced guys reps.
The Tar Heels win big at home and move to 3-0.
Prediction: North Carolina 41, NC Central 17
Record: 2-0
JT Zangara- Contributor
The Tar Heels controlled the game last week vs Charlotte and I believe they will continue to do the same vs NC Central. North Carolina ran into some injury troubles last week with Omarion Hampton and Bryson Nesbit. Hampton is expected to be in the lineup; meanwhile, Nesbit is still questionable. NC Central allowed 192 rushing yards last week vs Elon in a 41-19 loss. I expect Hampton and freshman Davion Gause to have great rushing days on the NC Central defense. As long as the Tar Heels stick to their game, they should be able to win big and start the season 3-0.
Prediction: North Carolina 43, NC Central 10
Record: 2-0