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UNC vs NC State: All or Nothing

By Richard Adkins

CHAPEL HILL, NC - NOVEMBER 03: The North Carolina Tar Heels prepare to take the field for the game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Kenan Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NC - NOVEMBER 03: The North Carolina Tar Heels prepare to take the field for the game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Kenan Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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Tonight the Tar Heels are not only fighting for the state on rivalry week, but also fighting to meet qualifications for a bowl game.

Entering tonight’s game, UNC needs one more win on the final night of the regular season. The 5-6 Tar Heels find themselves needing one last victory to get to six wins and meet the qualifications for a bowl game with 4-7 NC State in their path. The Tar Heels will need to focus on three keys tonight, with those coming in the rushing, passing, and defensive category.

The first key is the run game.

Carolina goes to the running game early and often with the committee of Antonio Williams, Javonte Williams, and Michael Carter. The Heels average around 40 rushing attempts a game with the majority going to Carter and Javonte Williams each with 143 attempts on the season. Carter leads the UNC backfield in touchdowns and rushing and receiving yards.

The second key is to let Sam Howell throw.

Letting Howell throw usually means success, as the true freshman has 32 touchdowns with only six interceptions, breaking Mitchell Trubisky‘s school record of 30 touchdowns last Saturday. Carolina prefers to run the ball averaging the aforementioned 40 rushing attempts to just 32 passing attempts per game, and often find fans upset for that offensive split up with how good Howell can throw the ball.
The last two games the Howell to Dyami Brown combo has been sweeter than the 4 for 4 deal from Wendy’s, and will be needed against State’s secondary. Expect Howell to start the game with a mix of hand-offs and throws to eventually long bombs to Brown or team leader in receiver yards Dazz Newsome who is expected to play today.

The third key is to put pressure on the quarterback.

Carolina has struggled with keeping mobile quarterbacks contained, but thankfully State’s quarterback Devin Leary is more of a pocket passer. However, this doesn’t mean pressure still shouldn’t be applied, as before the Mercer game the defense had been lackluster at best giving opposing quarterbacks a full episode of Scooby-Doo to throw. The defense is allowing 390 yards per game with most wins coming out of offensive shoot-outs that usually have Howell playing hero ball with 30 secs left on the clock. Expect this game to go much different with more pressure on the quarterback and stacking the box to stop the run.

Conclusion

UNC comes in as 10.5-point favorites against the Pack as they look to punch their ticket for a bowl game. Mack Brown has the Heels back in the spotlight and can complete the one-year turnaround with even a bowl appearance. Expect State to get Carolina on their heels early, but for Howell and Carolina to ride the wave and pick up the victory with a final score of 35-21.

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