North Carolina Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2020 season

In a rivalry that is more known for the games on the basketball court than the football field, the Tar Heels and Blue Devils will square off in Durham and Duke will try to slip up their arch rival.

The Blue Devils have become a consistent program under David Cutcliffe, but suffered a bit of a setback last season, going 5-7. They’re going to be counting on Clemson transfer Chase Brice to help lead the transition into 2020 and a defense that should once again be solid.

Duke almost pulled the upset last year in Chapel Hill until Tar Heel linebacker Chazz Surratt sealed the game with an interception and stopped the Blue Devils.

Don’t expect such a close game this time around.

Final Score: North Carolina 45, Duke 21 (6-1, 3-1)

I think this will be the game that decides the Coastal division. Miami is looking to bounce back from a 6-7 season and they should be able to match up with the Tar Heels’ offense with one of the best defensive lines in the country, manned by Gregory Rousseau and Quincy Roche.

Houston transfer quarterback D’Eriq King will be looking to turn around what has been a stagnant offense and he will work well with new offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee who is arriving after serving the same position at SMU last year.

This will be a high-scoring affair and will likely come down to who has the ball last. Sam Howell had his coming-out party against the Hurricanes last season and should be even better this year. The Tar Heels win the game in a shootout and takes control of the Coastal division. The Tar Heels win because of the coaching advantage that they hold over the Hurricanes.

Final Score: North Carolina 42, Miami 38 (7-1, 4-1)