Note: Art Chansky is gone for a few days, so digital content manager Dakota Moyer will be contributing for the Sports Notebook in his absence.
Can UNC football return to a bowl game in 2018?
This is Dakota with Thursday’s Sports Notebook.
After a disappointing 3-9 2017 season, the Tar Heels have a schedule that favors them getting back to a bowl game. Right now, the over/under for UNC wins is 6, meaning you’re essentially betting on the team reaching a bowl game or not.
UNC opens for the second year in a row against California, this time on the road. The Golden Bears beat Carolina last season and open as around a 4-point favorite in Berkeley. Even with a healthy roster, this will be a tough opening game.
From there, the Tar Heels travel to play East Carolina before hosting defending “national champions” Central Florida. The Golden Knights have to replace head coach Scott Frost and several other players from last year’s undefeated team, but return star quarterback Mackenzie Milton.
After that, UNC will host Pittsburgh and travel to Miami before hitting a bye week. This is a tough opening stretch for Carolina. Let’s say the Tar Heels go 2-3 before the bye.
Coming out of the bye, Carolina plays Virginia Tech, travels to Syracuse and Virginia and hosts Georgia Tech. This is another rough stretch. Virginia Tech is one of the most talented teams in the conference and Syracuse has an offense that can score a lot of points.
Meanwhile, Georgia Tech is a team that will beat you up physically. No one likes playing option teams. Coming out of that four-game stretch at 2-2 would be a win.
Finally, Carolina ends the season with a three-game stretch that includes rivals Duke and NC State with Western Carolina sandwiched in the middle. Let’s say the Tar Heels beat one of Duke and State, but not both to finish 6-6 overall.
Looking at Carolina’s schedule, there’s a path to bowl eligibility. However, a slip up here and there could cost them. While there likely won’t be as many injuries this year, the Tar Heels will still have to fight to return to the postseason.
Featured image via UNC Athletics
Comments on Chapelboro are moderated according to our Community Guidelines