College Football Predictions – North Carolina Tar Heels 2020 College Football Preview
August 16, 2020
2019 Recap
Record – 7-6
ATS – 7-5-1
Yes, guy.
After winning just FIVE games over the past two seasons combined, Mack Brown led the troops to a record of 7-6 including a DEMOLITION of Temple in the Military Bowl. It was Brown’s first year in his REBOOT with the Tar Heels after some time off from coaching. Brown posted a record of 69-46-1 in his first tour at Chapel Hill and got off to a good start in 2019. Not only that, there’s been a lot of success on the recruiting trail.
Let’s go!
2020 MEGALOCKS Opening Power Rating
ACC – #3
<Note: In 2020, the top two teams in the ACC advance to the conference title game regardless of division. That includes Notre Dame.>
North Carolina Tar Heels 2020 Outlook
OFFENSE
The Tar Heels were fantastic on offense last season (#2 ACC total offense, #4 rushing, #3 passing) and rode the coattails of their fine young QB Sam Howell who garnered ACC Rookie of the Year honors (3,641, 38-7 TD to INT). They finished strong in their final three games scoring 56,41 and 55 points.
Things look SPICY heading into the 2020 campaign as the Tar Heels bring back 10 (!) starters on this side of the ball including their star QB and a loaded group of skill position players. RBs Michael Carter and Javonte Williams combined for over 1,900 yards rushing and 8 TDs LY and did it very efficiently (5.7, 5.6 YPC). They have one of the best receiving duos in the country with both Dazz Newsome and Dyami Brown EACH coming off 1,000-yard seasons. The offensive line brings back four starters but will need to reduce the sack total (37, #9 ACC). They also need to replace stud left tackle Charlie Heck (NFL – Texans).
This is clearly one of the premier offenses in the ACC and a likely candidate for top-15 FBS honors.
DEFENSE
North Carolina posted decent numbers LY despite dealing with a lot of injuries, particularly in the secondary (#6 ACC total defense, #4 run defense, #7 pass efficiency D). There are concerns up front heading into this campaign as they are young and inexperienced on the defensive line and lose two excellent players (Aaron Crawford, Jason Strowbridge). It’s possible that highly recruited DE Desmond Evans makes an impact in his first season. The LB unit looks rock-solid with the return of first-team ACC selection Chazz Surratt who led the team in tackles (115) whilst tallying 6.5 sacks (tied for 1st on the team). LB Tomon Fox tied for the team lead in sacks LY and LB Jeremiah Gemmel was 2nd on the team in tackles. The secondary should benefit from the experience gained last year and returns almost every starter. This is where we could see a lot of improvement.
The defense has every shot to improve but it’ll come down to the play up front that determines if the stop unit can rise to the next level.
SPECIAL TEAMS
The Tar Heels bring in a new face at PK with the arrival of Grayson Atkins (via Furman; 13/15 FG LY). He should be an upgrade as UNC made just 19/28 FG attempts a season ago. They have continuity at P and in the return units but they didn’t perform that well in 2019.
Schedule Analysis
Overall – The revised schedule is set. Their non-conference opponent is Charlotte, and while the wacky 49ers can give you problems, it’s a game they should most definitely win. They have a shot to get off to a good start (Syracuse, Charlotte, at BC) which is critical in this “unique” season. They miss Clemson (!) but finish with a pair of tough games that could decide their fate (Notre Dame, at Miami).
Potential ATS Trouble Spot – Wake Forest (November 14th)
It’s a game against a fellow competitor from the GREAT STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA and the Deacons can definitely SCORE THE FOOTBALL. Could they be caught napping a bit with the Irish and Hurricanes on deck? <grabs popcorn>
Season Win Total
Over 7.5 -140
Under 7.5 +110
MEGALOCKS says:
Our CHAPEL HILL INSIDERS would open it in the vicinity of Over 8 +100, Under 8 -120.
Update September 3rd. That looks about right. Would play the ‘over’ or nothing at that price.
MEGAmazing Tidbits
UNC’s last conference championship came back in 1980 when they finished 6-0 in ACC play under the tutelage of Dick Crum.
All seven of the ACC Coastal Division teams have won a division title over the past seven years. Yup, that happened.
MEGALOCKS Outlook:
Things are looking up in Chapel Hill. The offense looks absolutely loaded and they just need to improve a bit on defense to be a real force in the ACC. The recruiting has been excellent and there’s no reason to think that this team can’t be a major player and sneak their way into the ACC Championship Game!
Want more North Carolina football ?
WEBSITE
https://goheels.com/sports/football
FORUM
https://247sports.com/college/north-carolina/Board/Tar-Pit-102711/
https://northcarolina.forums.rivals.com/forums/blue-heaven.18/
NEWS
http://keepingitheel.com/football/
http://www.tarheelblog.com/unc-tar-heels-football
http://www.tarheeltimes.com/uncfootball.aspx
https://www.espn.com/college-football/team/_/id/153/north-carolina-tar-heels
TWITTER
Hashtags – #CarolinaFootball #BeTheOne
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