Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
RIVALS CLASH
TAR HEELS, WOLFPACK SQUARE OFF IN RALEIGH
Keys for North Carolina
Start fast: The Tar Heels have relied too often on finishing strong this season and it’s cost them several wins. Coming out of the gate strong against N.C. State will serve two purposes. One, it will take the always boisterous Carter-Finley Stadium crowd out of the game. Second, getting on top early might also take the wind out of a battered and bruised Wolfpack team already disappointed it’s not advancing to the postseason play for the first time since 2013
Establish the run: Freshman quarterback Sam Howell has grabbed the headlines this season, and rightly so. Howell has had a record-breaking rookie campaign. But UNC’s offense, and Howell, are at their best when the threeheaded running back corps of
Michael Carter, Javonte Williams and Antonio Williams are producing. Get those guys going early and it opens up throws downfield for Howell.
Keys for N.C. State
Play with Pack Pride:
After consecutive nine-win seasons, the Wolfpack has taken a step backward this season, due in large part to the rash of injuries that have decimated the roster. But with 12 seniors playing their final home game, and an arch rival on the other sideline, N.C. State should have plenty of motivation even though it season ends Saturday, win or lose.
Win the turnover battle:
This hasn’t exactly been N.C. State’s forte this season. The Wolfpack went seven straight games without forcing a
turnover before forcing two fumbles in last Saturday’s narrow loss against Georgia Tech. During its current five-game losing streak, State’s offense has committed 12 turnovers, resulting in 10 scoring drives and 66 points for opponents.
Prediction
North Carolina 33, N.C.
State 21. The Tar Heels are clearly playing better football at this stage of the season. But this is a rivalry game where anything can happen. UNC, however, should be highly motivated since it needs the victory to become bowl eligible in Mack Brown’s first year back in Chapel Hill as head coach. That and the Tar Heels’ high-powered offense should be enough to end a three-game losing streak against N.C. State.