North Carolina football: Updated game-by-game predictions for 2020
Charlottesville (Va.). 7. Scouting Report. Oct. 31. Virginia Cavaliers. player. 888. Pick Analysis
In a matchup against last year’s Coastal division champion, North Carolina will travel to Virginia and hope to keep the momentum going into November.
Virginia is going to look like different than they did last season with the departures of dual-threat quarterback Bryce Perkins and star cornerback Bryce Hall. The Cavaliers will be looking to Mississippi State transfer Keytaon Thompson to steady the offense and he will be dual-threat a lot like Perkins was last season.
This is where the Tar Heels could slip up. After a tough couple of games against big time opponents, the Tar Heels may be overlooking Virginia. This is the kind of trap game that they have not experienced yet. Cavaliers get the upset at home.
Final Score: North Carolina 24, Virginia 27 (6-1, 5-1)
Pick Analysis. Nov. 7. Duke Blue Devils. player. Scouting Report. 8. 825. Durham (N.C.)
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 (7-1, 6-1)