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North Carolina Football: Way-too-Early 2022 Game Predictions

By Jackson Caudell

Nov 23, 2019; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Mack Brown looks on during the game against the Mercer Bears at Kenan Memorial Stadium. The North Carolina Tar Heels defeated the Mercer Bears 56-7. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 23, 2019; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Mack Brown looks on during the game against the Mercer Bears at Kenan Memorial Stadium. The North Carolina Tar Heels defeated the Mercer Bears 56-7. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /
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North Carolina Football had high expectations in 2022 but fell short of its goals. How many games will the Tarheels win this season?

There was a lot of hype for North Carolina football coming into last season. Quarterback Sam Howell was supposed to be a Heisman contender and the Tarheels were going to be a dark horse team for the college football playoff. From their opening game loss to Virginia Tech, you could tell that this team was going to be in for a tough season.

While the offense was not as good as it was in 2020, it was still competent enough and it kept them in a lot of games. The defense really struggled at times and the offensive line was a disaster all season. North Carolina failed to win the ACC Coastal division and looked completely disinterested in showing up against South Carolina in their bowl game.

This could be a key season for head coach Mack Brown. He returned to Chapel Hill with a lot of intrigues and has raised the recruiting of the program to amongst the best in the ACC. However, that has resulted in zero ACC Championship game appearances. If the Tar Heels have another down season, it is not out of the question that Brown could be on the hot seat. North Carolina did bring in one of the top classes on signing day in the ACC and some of those guys should make an impact.

The biggest preseason question for the Tar Heels is going to be who replaces Howell under center. Josh Downs is one of the best receivers in the country and will lead a talented group of skill players. A lot is going to depend on the quarterback transition, offensive line, and defensive improvement. They have the talent to win a wide-open Coastal division, but they will have to earn it.

Here are the way-too-early game predictions for North Carolina Football in 2022.

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