North Carolina Football: 3 bold predictions for season-opener vs. Syracuse

2. Michael Carter goes for 150 plus all purpose yards

Running back Michael Carter is one of the many weapons on this Tar Heels offense, and he could be in for a huge day on Saturday. If Sam Howell and the Carolina passing attack do struggle, they should still be able to run all over this ‘Cuse front.

The front six has a ton of question marks with very little starting experience. Blocking for Carter is an experienced Carolina offensive lineman, with plenty of starts amongst them. That unit should have the advantage over the ‘Cuse defensive front.

Carter has failed to go for 150 scrimmage yards against a Power Five program in his career, but Saturday could be his time to shine. If Howell does struggle, getting a playmaker the ball in space could be the move early on. Carter wasn’t much of a receiving threat last year, but he could get more opportunities against Syracuse.

There’s a  lot of speculation around teams having issues tackling early on, with the lack of contact drills this spring, defenses might struggle wrapping guys up early in the season, Carter could be primed for a few huge runs, something he was great at last year when he had a 25-plus yard run in six games.

If the ‘Cuse defense is having trouble wrapping guys up, but the secondary is locking up the Carolina receivers, feeding Carter the ball could turn into the offensive game plan.