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

The first game of the ACC schedule could be one of the more electrifiying games of the season, just not for the Norther Carolina Tar Heels. Lamar Jackson and the Louisville Cardinals come to town. Their high-powered offense should challenge the Tar Heels all game long.

The Cardinals are familiar with fast starts early in the season. They scored 50 points or more in the first four weeks last season. With four offensive starters returning, however, things will probably look a bit different on offense for Louisville in 2017.

Jackson is without his top receiving targets from a season ago and also need to replace running back Brandon Radcliff (903 rush yards). The changes in the pass game give Jackson an opportunity to improve upon his pass completion percentage (56.2).

Louisville will look to take the rushing load off of Jackson (1,571 rush yards) by moving Reggie Bonnafon to running back. Bonnafon gives the team another potential passer out of the backfield should they need him as well.

The Cardinals will boast one of the better secondaries in the ACC  on defense but they’ll need to improve their passing defense. They gave up 29 passing touchdowns last season, last place in the ACC.

The Tar Heels should put up a good fight but in the end, Jackson and company should get the victory. North Carolina will be adjusting to a new quarterback and a new running back. Defense should keep them in it, but the offense will face some hurdles.

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