North Carolina football looking for first statement win of 2020 season

North Carolina football has an opportunity to justify their preseason hype with big conference win over Virginia Tech in Week 6.

Though the calendar has already turned to October, it still feels like we do not know very much about either Virginia Tech or North Carolina football. North Carolina beat Syracuse in Week 1 and then had a game versus Charlotte canceled which resulted in the Tar Heels having to wait three weeks before playing their next game against Boston College.

It might be safe to say that no team in college football has been affected by COVID-19 more then the Virginia Tech Hokies. In their games against NC State and Duke, Virginia Tech has had more than 20 players out and their defensive coordinator Justin Hamilton has yet to coach due to COVID-19.

This Saturday will mark the first major test for either team and the Hokies should be at full strength for the first time. The question for the Hokies will be at quarterback, where last year’s starter, Hendon Hooker might be ready to make his season debut. Virginia Tech has a fantastic running game led by Khalil Herbert and he will be the guy to watch when the Hokies have the ball.

Thought to be one of the most dynamic offenses in the country, North Carolina has gotten off to a slow start thus far in 2020. They are committing way too many penalties, which are costing them field position and quarterback Sam Howell just has not been able to find a rhythm and they have had to rely on running back Brandon Carter, who has stepped up nicely for this offense.

The defense, led by linebacker Chazz Surratt, has been one of the best in the country so far, holding opponents to just 14 point per game. How the Tar Heels’ defense plays could determine the result of this game.

Here is how you can watch North Carolina and Virginia Tech on Saturday:

Date: Saturday, Oct. 10
Time: 12 p.m. ET
Location: Chapel Hill, N.C.
Venue: Kenan Stadium
TV: ABC
Live Stream: WatchESPN

Keys to Victory

For the North Carolina offense, getting the passing game going is going to be key in this one. Heading into the season, this was thought to be one of the most dynamic passing attacks in the country and it has not been that so far. Howell has turned it over and they have not made many big plays down the field, which was something that they excelled at last season.

On defense, the main focus for the Tar Heels will be stopping that powerful Virginia Tech running game. Hokies running back Khalil Herbert had a big game against Duke last week and will look to carry that over into the matchup with the Tar Heels. The Tar Heels front seven will need to create havoc plays and force third and long for the Hokies passing attack.

For Virginia Tech on offense it will be igniting the passing attack. Quarterback Hendon Hooker might be back this weekend and he was solid for the Hokies last year, but if they want to be considered a contender to make the ACC Championship Game, the passing game must make improvements.

On defense, the Hokies have to get pressure on Howell and force turnovers. The Tar Heels have a lot of weapons on offense with running back Brandon Carter and receivers Dazz Newsome and Dyami Brown are big play threats and the Hokies must stop them to have a chance in this one.

Betting Odds

Odds courtesy of The Action Network

Spread: North Carolina -5.5
Over/Under: 59

Prediction

I think that this has the potential of a shootout due to the playmakers that both offense possess. Virginia Tech has been impressive and they have yet to play at full strength this season, North Carolina has yet to look like the team that any thought they would be early in the season, but I think this is the week that they step up and play a complete game and earn a key victory at home.

Final Score: North Carolina 38, Virginia Tech 34