North Carolina Football: 3 bold predictions for opener vs. Virginia Tech

CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 24: Sam Howell #7 of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts after scoring a touchdown against the North Carolina State Wolfpack during their game at Kenan Stadium on October 24, 2020 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

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Tony Grimes, North Carolina Football. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Defense will outshine the offense

It is expected that North Carolina will have one of the top offenses in the country, but there are some question marks on their defense. The Tar Heels are losing their top player on defense in linebacker Chazz Surratt and they have some really young players on each level.

One guy that I think is ready to take a step as an All-ACC member is sophomore cornerback Tony Grimes. Grimes stepped on the field as a freshman last season and while there were certainly some struggles, Grimes showed why he was one of the top cornerbacks coming out of high school.

Virginia Tech is going to struggle to find an identity on offense this season. The Hokies are losing star running back Khalil Herbert and quarterback Hendon Hooker.

There is no identity on this team as of now and I think that is a tough thing to have against a top ten team in the first game of the season. I think North Carolina will hold the Hokies to under 25 points and get a couple of turnovers in the process.

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