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

The Western Carolina Catamounts represent probably the last victory on the Tar Heels schedule. The game will be the season finale for the Catamounts and the first ever meeting between the two schools.

The Tar Heels should make easy work of Western Carolina, an FCS squad, although strangers things have happened. The Catamounts lost to the South Carolina Gamecocks 41-33 in a late season matchup in 2016. It wasn’t a victory but they played an SEC school close.

Western Carolina went 2-9 last season though they have some talent on their roster. Running back Detrez Newsome ran for 1,031 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns and also was a kick return specialist. He ran for 970 kick return yards and ran one return back for a touchdown.

Quarterback Tyrie Adams was the Southern Conference Rookie of the Year last season after passing for 2,568 passing yards, 15 passing touchdowns and nine interceptions. Adams will have top target Terryon Robinson to throw to in the passing game.

Robinson is a senior redshirt wide receiver who caught 73 passes for 738 receiving yards and six touchdowns last season.

Defense is the Catamounts biggest liability. They allowed 309.1 rushing yards and 213.2 passing yards per game in 2016. The Tar Heels should have their way here.

Final: Western Carolina 7, North Carolina 35 (6-5, 3-4 ACC)