North Carolina Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2020 season
UCF Knights. 1. 886. Scouting Report. Orlando (Fla.). Pick Analysis. Sept. 4. player
These two teams will meet on a Friday night and it will be the first time that they have ever met. UCF has been the class of the Group of Five ever since their undefeated 2017 season and they hope to keep that momentum rolling in 2020.
Most thought that the Knights would struggle in 2019 after losing star quarterback Mackenzie Milton to a horrible leg injury, but they still managed to go 10-3 and win their bowl game. They have gathered a lot of haters since their self-proclaimed national championship, but they have been a really excellent program and look to continue that in 2020.
This should be a high-scoring affair in Orlando between two excellent quarterbacks in Sam Howell and Dillon Gabriel, who were both true freshmen last season. Both teams are very experienced and the game is in Orlando and both teams will be looking to make a statement.
Flip a coin on this game, but I think the Tar Heels are in for a special season and will start off on the right foot.
Final Score: North Carolina 42, UCF 38 (1-0)
Scouting Report. player. 2. 842. Pick Analysis. Sept. 12. Atlanta (Ga.). Auburn Tigers
After opening against UCF, the Tar Heels don’t get a moment’s rest as they have a neutral site tilt against the Auburn Tigers on deck.
Auburn has dreams of contending for an SEC title in 2020 and they will continue what seems to be a tradition of playing tough non-conference opponents. It has Bo Nix back at quarterback and he will be looking to take the next step after having a solid, but inconsistent, freshman year.
Auburn is going to have to reload on defense after losing the entire secondary and stud defensive linemen such as Derrick Brown and Marlon Davidson, not to mention four starting offensive line.
I have no doubt that Auburn has the talent to replace so many high-level starters, seeing as how they have recruited very well over the years. However, getting such a competent offense with a quarterback like Sam Howell leading it is bad news in Week 2.
With so many key players missing and how experienced the Tar Heels are, North Carolina makes a major statement for itself and the ACC and announces itself as a contender.
Final Score: North Carolina 38, Auburn 35 (2-0)