UNC football vs. Georiga State: Game preview, info, prediction and more
The North Carolina Tar Heels will hit the road to take on Georgia State this weekend as the Tar Heels hope to move to 3-0 on the early season. It’s the second-straight road game for the Tar Heels early on and another chance to hopefully fix their defense and get things straight.
After their 63-61 nail-biting win against Appalachian State, UNC is favored by 7.5 on the road as this won’t be an easy task as some may think.
North Carolina’s passing attack is their most vital weapon heading into this game, with quarterback Drake Maye already having nine passing touchdowns through two games.
This game is UNC’s second time playing the Panthers, beating them last season 59-17 at home. The player to stop on Georgia State is sixth-year running back James Williams.
Williams uses his experience and speed to burst through holes, finishing with 76-yards on 13 carries last weekend. Georgia State barely moved the ball in the air with only 29 passing attempts compared to their 40 rushings tries. An aggressive attack against the run should limit the Panther’s offense in a significant way, giving UNC a decent margin of victory.
Key to victory for UNC
Sep 3, 2022; Boone, North Carolina, USA; Appalachian State Mountaineers defensive back Ronald Clarke (27) misses the tackle as North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver J.J. Jones (5) runs in for the touchdown after the catch during the first quarter at Kidd Brewer Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
So far this season, UNC’s offensive attack has been the reason they have won games, and this one will be no different.
Despite being without top wideouts Josh Downs and Antoine Green, UNC’s offense has been able to stay at float, which should continue this game. North Carolina will likely continue their passing attack, relying on wide receiversJ.J jones and red-shirt freshman Kobe Paysour.
The running game has also been consistent, with Caleb Hood, George Pettaway, and Omarion Hampton carrying the workload. This game is ideal for an offensive attack that has been on fire.
Something to watch
Sep 3, 2022; Boone, North Carolina, USA; Appalachian State Mountaineers running back Nate Noel (5) is tackled by North Carolina Tar Heels linebacker Cedric Gray (33) during the second half at Kidd Brewer Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
UNC’s offense has been dominant, while their defense has been dominated. There is no question of the struggles surrounding the defense, but if there were any game this season for them to turn around, it would be this one.
North Carolina’s defense gave up 61 points last weekend, with Appalachian State crawling back in the fourth quarter after being down 41-21. The embarrassing six touchdowns allowed in the fourth came about from broken coverages and penalties.
This game is vital for UNC’s defense to get together and find suitable packages before taking on no. 8th ranked Notre Dame in their next game.
What you need to know
WHAT? North Carolina (2-0) at Georgia State (0-1)
WHEN? Saturday, Sept. 10th, 12:00 p.m. ET
WHERE? Center Parc Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia
TV? ESPNU (Watch and stream the game live on ESPN+)
RADIO? Tar Heels Sports Network
WEATHER? Precipitation: 60%, 78 degrees, Wind: 8mph
LINE? UNC -7.5
LAST MEETING? 2021, UNC 59-17
ALL-TIME SERIES? 1-0
PREDICTION? UNC 42, Georgia State 28
