North Carolina Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2017

The Pittsburgh Panthers and North Carolina Tar Heels found themselves in a shootout early in the schedule last season. This year’s late season match up represents a late push up in the Coastal standings.

The Panthers only return four defensive starters but they’re always a scrappy bunch under head coach Phil Narduzzi. Narduzzi is 16-10 so far entering his third season with the Panthers. He’s got weapons on offense in wide receivers Quadree Henderson, Jester Weah and running back Qadree Ollison.

Former USC Trojans quarterback Max Browne is expected to do big things as a graduate transfer to the Pittsburgh program. He’s appeared in 14 career games prior to joining the team with 650 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, two interceptions and a 61.6 completion percentage (69-of-112).

Browne is expected to take on the Panthers pro-style a lot smoother than the Trojans’ offense. Pittsburgh seems to have the offensive line for success although they’ll have new faces at center and right tackle.

Ollison ran for 1,121 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns back in 2015 when he replaced running back James Conner as starter. Conner was dealing with cancer at the time before returning last season. Ollison is expected return to form with

Teams like Pittsburgh give the Tar Heels problems. They needed the heroics of Mitch Trubisky and Bug Howard last season to pull off the victory. This season, the heroics may be held to a minimum in Heinz Field.

Final: Pittsburgh 35, North Carolina 30 (5-5, 3-4 ACC)