Staff Picks for the UNC football program's non-conference contest against JMU
It's the final week of non-conference action for Mack Brown and the UNC football program as they host JMU to wrap up a three-game homestand.
The Tar Heels still have a lot to prove before heading into conference play, given the schedule doesn't get easier from here. After their matchup with JMU, North Carolina will head down the road to Durham to take on a Blue Devils team that has gotten off to a solid start this season.
Before we get to that game, we have JMU to worry about! Here are our staff picks for this week's contest between the UNC football program and JMU.
Nick Delahanty- Site Expert
Not to be negative, but this is a game I could see the UNC football program losing.
Of the non-conference teams that North Carolina has faced, I truly believe that JMU is the best among the bunch, as Saturday's contest won't be an easy one. Especially given the questions at the quarterback position, I'm a little concerned heading into this game.
However, I do want to give the Tar Heels the benefit of the doubt here. I ultimately think that, although it won't be pretty, North Carolina will take home the win before hitting the road to begin ACC play.
Prediction: North Carolina 24, JMU 21
Record: 3-0
Chase Maxwell- Contributor
James Madison should be the toughest team the Tar Heels have faced since their Week 1 matchup with Minnesota. This will be their last non-conference game of the season, and I'm unfortunately forecasting a tight one before heading into ACC play. UNC football tends to lose one or two painful, unexpected, or head-scratching games each year—and I'm hoping one of them doesn't come against the undefeated Dukes
Prediction: North Carolina 27, JMU 24
Record: 3-0
Michael McKay- Contributor
Omarion Hampton returned with a vengeance against NC Central and probably played more than he needed to, but you also got the feeling that none of the collisions were hurting him. He was killing Eagles so bad, you'd expect Coach Brown to get a visit from the Fish & Wildlife Service. If Hampton runs at even 75% of what he was trucking at against NC Central, he should pulverize the Dukes as well. Hopefully the defense can give him and his back-ups plenty of opportunities to dominate time of possession.
Prediction: North Carolina 27, JMU 17
Record: 2-1
Luke Sugar- Contributor
North Carolina hosts James Madison University in what should be a back-and-forth brawl. This will be the Tar Heels’ most difficult test on their home turf so far. JMU sits at 2-0 on the season and North Carolina sits at 3-0, so the stakes are high, and an unbeaten team will fall.
Looking at the history between these two squads, North Carolina has always had JMU’s number — and it’s never been close. The Tar Heels are 3-0 versus JMU in three blowout wins. However, this season’s matchup should be a little closer.
I do believe the Tar Heels’ quarterback question leaves a chink in their armor for JMU to take advantage of. Jacolby Criswell and Conner Harrell are both expected to get reps for the Tar Heels. While Criswell offers a more consistent arm and Harrell offers more consistent legs, switching quarterbacks so frequently can cause some disruption in the flow of the offense.
Per usual, Omarion Hampton will be North Carolina’s most reliable offensive weapon.
Versus NC Central, Hampton galloped for 210 yards and three touchdowns, squashing any worries of lingering injuries.
The Tar Heels fend off JMU in a close one and defend their home turf, moving to 4-0.
Prediction: North Carolina 27, JMU 17
Record: 3-0
JT Zangara- Contributor
The Tar Heels have a ton of questions at the quarterback position this week vs JMU. Will it be Conner Harrell or will it be Jacolby Criswell getting the start Saturday afternoon? Either way, I expect Omarion Hampton to take over the game yet again after having 210 yards and 3 touchdowns vs NC Central last week. The James Madison defense has been strong defensively and have yet to give up more than 7 points in a game this year. Although, their offense struggled against Gardner-Webb only scoring 13 points. I believe the game will remain close but Hampton and the Tar Heels will pull away to remain undefeated going into week 4.
Prediction: North Carolina 24, JMU 13
Record: 3-0