UNC takes on another In-State Rival for First Time

by Sharon Thorsland

North Carolina has moved to 2-0 on the season after a win over the Charlotte 49ers. This week the Tar Heels welcome another in-state rival, hosting FCS foe NC Central. The Eagles are 1-1 on the season after a blowout loss to Elon last week. Kick-off is set for 6:00 at Kenan Stadium.

Both of these teams are still working out the kinks that go with trying to replace record-setting quarterbacks. After Drake Maye jumped to the NFL, the Tar Heels went with transfer Max Johnson. But he suffered a season-ending leg injury in week one so Conner Harrell will start his second straight game. The Eagles are led by junior Walker Harris, who has stepped in for the graduated Davius Richard, who was the most productive player in program history. Harris has gotten off to a bit of a rocky start. He’s thrown for 300 yards with two touchdowns but tossed three interceptions last week. Harris’ top target is receiver Joaquin Davis. The 6-4 senior is averaging over 23 yards per catch with seven receptions and one touchdown. UNC’s secondary needs to keep him in check after giving up some explosive plays in the passing game to Charlotte last week.

The Eagles like to run the ball first, and they’ve got a talented back in J’Mari Taylor. The Charlotte native got 182 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the season. He’s also a threat through the air with three catches, one of them a touchdown. Taylor runs behind a huge offensive line that is anchored by 6’7, 325-pound left tackle Taron Williams. Taylor and the Eagles will face a UNC rush defense that has seemingly improved drastically under new defensive coordinator Geoff Collins – the Tar Heels are only giving up 64 rushing yards per game, that ranks 16th in the country.

NC Central boasts an aggressive and opportunistic defense. The Eagles have grabbed three interceptions through two games, that’s tied for 12th in the nation among FCS programs. They’ve picked up six sacks and average nine tackles for loss per game, that’s third most in the nation. Senior DB Kole Jones anchors the secondary, he had a pick six in the season opener. Linebacker Jaki Brevard leads the team in tackles. One area the Tar Heels will be looking to exploit is the Eagles’ run defense, which has struggled early this season allowing 197 rushing yards per game. Even if UNC star running back Omarion Hampton doesn’t play in this one, freshman Davion Gause proved last week that he’s more than capable of carrying the load are rushing for 105 yards last week.

The Eagles are favored to win the MEAC, but it’s going to be tough for them to win this game. UNC hasn’t lost to an FCS opponent since 1999, and NC Central has never beaten an FCS opponent. The Tar Heels are heavy favorites in this one and I’m guessing the Eagles will be outmatched. I say UNC should improved to 3-0 Saturday. Go Tar Heels!