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Louisville Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2017

By Jerran Anderson

LOUISVILLE, KY - NOVEMBER 26: Bobby Petrino the head coach of the Louisville Cardinals watches the action during the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium on November 26, 2016 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LOUISVILLE, KY - NOVEMBER 26: Bobby Petrino the head coach of the Louisville Cardinals watches the action during the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium on November 26, 2016 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images
Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images /

The North Carolina Tar Heels saw success with Mitch Trubisky as their starting quarterback. While they did finish 8-5, the team lost three of their final four games in 2016. Consider 2017 a time for rebuilding for them and head coach Larry Fedora.

Now that Trubisky is off to the Chicago Bears, the Tar Heels will have to find a new quarterback. It helps former LSU Tigers quarterback Brandon Harris is a member of the team. Adding to that, the Tar Heels lose both leading rushers from a season ago in Elijah Hood and T.J. Logan. Wide receivers Mack Hollins, Bug Howard and Ryan Switzer are gone as well.

Even if Harris wins the starting job, he may find it difficult to get an offensive rhythm going. He’s got senior receivers Austin Proehl and Thomas Jackson but they’re limited in the experience department.

Proehl has 70 catches for 928 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns in three seasons. Jackson caught 17 receptions for 186 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns in his first season with the Tar Heels.

The Louisville Cardinals haven’t met the Tar Heels since 2012. The Cardinals won that meeting 39-34 and have won three of the last four meetings. Lamar Jackson may have some difficulty at first but Louisville should win this game convincingly.

Final: North Carolina 14, Louisville 31 (2-0, 1-0 ACC)

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