Staff Picks for the UNC football program's contest against Georgia Tech
The UNC football program looks to end a three-game skid as they host Georgia Tech on Saturday afternoon.
Over the past few seasons, the Yellow Jackets have had the Tar Heels number, winning each of the previous three meetings. This is a game that the UNC football program desperately needs, but the question is, can they pull it off?
Here's what our staff thinks heading into Saturday's action:
Nick Delahanty- Site Expert
The UNC football program has lost each of the previous three meetings against the Yellow Jackets (all of which the Tar Heels were favored to win).
What makes us think this team can end the skid as underdogs?
Let's just get this one over with so we can get a first glimpse of this year's UNC basketball squad as soon as possible. Fans should have ample time to leave Kenan Stadium early to make their way to the Dean Smith Center.
Prediction: Georgia Tech 38, North Carolina 21
Record: 4-2
Chase Maxwell- Contributor
The double-digit loss to Pitt last weekend extended the Tar Heels losing streak to three- and I think their stretch of bad luck continues Saturday. Omarion Hampton, one of the only bright spots of this North Carolina offense, is aiming for a fifth straight game with over 100 rushing yards- but will face one of the best run defenses in the ACC, Georgia Tech, who has only allowed 87.5 rushing yards a game this season. I don’t think the Tar Heel defense will be able to compensate for a lack of scoring on offense, and the heels will fall short again.
Prediction: Georgia Tech 33, North Carolina 24
Record: 4-2
Michael McKay- Contributor
Nothing about UNC’s response to the Duke loss against Pitt has given me optimism that the Tar Heels are on the cusp of turning things around. I’d love to be wrong, but it’s time to stop thinking with my heart and start thinking with my head. Georgia Tech has strengths everywhere North Carolina has weaknesses. This could get ugly.
Prediction: Georgia Tech 35, North Carolina 17
Record: 3-3
Luke Sugar- Contributor
This has been a painful season for North Carolina football. I think Tar Heel nation has mentally moved into basketball mode.
Amidst their three-game losing streak, the Tar Heels now host Georgia Tech. A matchup versus a tough, 4-2 ACC opponent — like Georgia Tech — isn’t exactly the easiest way to right the ship.
And, unfortunately, I think the troubles continue for the Tar Heels, as losing has become contagious. I have Georgia Tech winning in a close one, stretching the Tar Heels’ losing streak to four games. Hopefully the Tar Heels can find a spark and finish the season strong.
Prediction: Georgia Tech 28, North Carolina 24
Record: 4-2
JT Zangara- Contributor
This week, the Tar Heels have a big ACC matchup against Georgia Tech. The Tar Heels look to end a three game losing streak and win their first ACC conference game. Georgia Tech is coming off a big ACC win vs Duke 24-14, and I believe the Tar Heel defense will continue to struggle. Although I believe the North Carolina offense could explode in this game and we could see big numbers for Criswell and Hampton. Hampton has now rushed for at least 100 yards in five of six games and will continue this trend Saturday afternoon. I expect this game to be high-scoring, but unfortunately, the Tar Heels dropped another game and went to 3-4 on the season.
Prediction: Georgia Tech 37, North Carolina 31
Record: 5-1