North Carolina Football: Mack Brown aims to continue magic vs. Wake Forest

North Carolina football travels down Tobacco Road to take on the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. Here’s a preview, prediction and how to watch.

As a fan of three-way college trophies (i.e. the Commander-in-Chief trophy, The Beehive boot), there needs to be a “Tobacco Road” trophy between North Carolina, Duke, and Wake Forest — I digress. Friday night’s game will be an interesting tilt between one team that “stole” two wins, an another team that won a couple of track meets.

There’s something to be said about returning head coach Mack Brown and his ability to connect to his players. He’s expected a lot from his players, and he’s given back to his players in kind. The player-centered approach has worked, and it’s not as if former coach Larry Fedora didn’t recruit well. Dave Clawson does what he does: build programs. He took Bowling Green State from 2-10 to 10-4 in three seasons. At Wake, he’s been to and won three consecutive bowl games.

This should be an interesting test for the rebuilding North Carolina to measure their progress. The ceiling of FBS’ smallest program is yet to be seen, but this is the best team the Deacons have played all season.

Here’s how to watch:

Date: Friday, Sept. 13
Time: 6 p.m. ET
Location: Winston-Salem, N.C.
Venue: BB&T Stadium
TV: ESPN
Live Stream: WatchESPN

Keys to Victory

If North Carolina is going to win, they have to figure out how to stop a team averaging almost 40 points per game. Wake Forest plays tempo and run a lot of plays. North Carolina doesn’t have a lot of depth on their defense. If North Carolina doesn’t want to get swallowed by the Demon Deacons’ tempo, the Tar Heels have to shorten the game and limit Wake Forest’s possessions. In order to do that, North Carolina has to give the ball to their two running backs Javonte Williams and Michael Carter a lot.

The positive to that game plan is Wake Forest’s defense isn’t very good. They’ve given up 458 yards of offense in two games this year. The draw back could be that North Carolina hits big plays and gets into a shootout against Wake Forest. If that happens the Tar Heels have to hope to get some stops or turnovers in this game; both tall tasks for the North Carolina defense.

Prediction

Wake Forest’s offense has been impressive so far this season. Jamie Newman has been the perfect fit for Clawson’s up-tempo spread offense. He’s a more than capable runner, and he’s able to push the ball down the field to star receiver Sage Surrat.

North Carolina freshman quarterback Sam Howell is playing like anything but a true freshman. He’s completing over 60 percent of his passes and has yet to throw an interception.

We know that the Wake Forest defense isn’t very good. They gave up 35 points to Utah State, and 21 to Rice. Think about that 21 for a moment. Rice can’t throw the football, but found a way to score three touchdowns against Wake Forest.

I’m not sure if North Carolina’s defense is good, or South Carolina and Miami aren’t very good on offense although Miami quarterback Jarren Williams threw for over 300 yards, and running back DeeJay Dallas went for over 100. The Hurricanes just couldn’t finish drives. Wake Forest can finish drives.

This should be a close game, and the question is, do you trust the Wake Forest defense in a close game? I sure don’t, but can North Carolina steal another one?

Prediction: Wake Forest 42, North Carolina 28