Tar Heels Wire staff predictions for Week 1
The North Carolina Tar Heels face a tough early season test on Saturday when they head to Boone, North Carolina to face Appalachian State in Week 1. It will be a hostile environment as it’s the home opener for the Mountaineers.
UNC is coming off a win over Florida A&M in Week 0 but could be without two key pieces. Both wide receiver Josh Downs and defensive back Tony Grimes are questionable to play with injuries. UNC will know more about their status before the game but fans should brace for not so good news potentially.
This is a game where UNC can learn a lot about themselves in this one and a win could go a long way.
With that, we wanted to take a look at our staff predictions for the upcoming week.
Zack Pearson
Prediction: UNC 24, App State 23
Season record: 1-0
This is a very tough early season game for Mack Brown’s Tar Heels as they face a tough environment and a good team in the Mountaineers. All the hype is on App. State for their home opener. But I think UNC gets the job done in a close one.
Alec Lasley
Prediction: UNC 38, App State 27
Season record: 1-0
The Tar Heels got out of the gates hot and looked much like the same offense from the past few seasons — this time with Drake Maye under center. What was so impressive was his willingness to target anyone and spread the ball around, something that should continue. Appalachian State is a different opponent, however, and the fact that this one is on the road in what will be a hostile environment. I think the Tar Heels’ offense continues its success from week zero and puts up some big numbers once again against a defense that did lose some key pieces from last year. As long as the UNC o-line keeps Maye protected and with time to throw, I don’t think there will be many possessions that the Heels don’t move the ball. Defensively, North Carolina needs to do a better job getting in the backfield and disrupting the rhythm of QB Chase Brice who has played for both Duke and Clemson in his career. In the end, this one should put up a lot of points, but I think the UNC defense comes alive late with some key stops and helps avenge the loss the last time these two teams met.
Richard Adkins
Prediction: UNC 31, App State 28
Season record: 1-0
North Carolina has a real shot at going into Kidd Brewer stadium and walking out with a victory. The biggest roadblock to that happening is Appalachian States’ experience and the hostile environment they are set to host. If UNC wants to improve its record to 2-0, it will have to block out the noise by staying aggressive early. Keeping the crowd out of it is vital. North Carolina has to trust quarterback Drake Maye to throw it down the field, not just safe screens. I predict UNC will come out with a statement, making up for the disastrous season open from the previous year. I like for Maye to toss three touchdowns and either Omarion Hampton or George Pettaway to cross the end zone. Appalachian experience will keep it close, but I like UNC walking out with the win.
