only 124 yards per game on the ground. This season, the Badgers have bettered that, allowing 62 rushing yards -in two games combined
- against Bowling Green and Temple.
And aside from the questionable competition,
there is reason to suggest the Badger front seven could be vulnerable.
Wisconsin lost seven defensive starters from its team a year ago and had four defensive linemen
selected in the NFL draft, most notably 18th-overall selection Erasmus James.
It remains to be seen, however, whether UNC can capitalize on its opponent's possible run-defense deficiency. Freshman Cooter Arnold earned the start at tailback for the Tar Heels against Georgia Tech last weekend, alternating series with sophomore Barrington Edwards.
Neither back could generate a spark after the first quarter, combining for a total 50 yards on 16 carries. But UNC Coach John Bunting expects the ground game to improve as the season wears on.
If it doesn't change by Saturday, it could lead to disaster for an offense that needs to put up points to keep up with the Badger attack that Bunting joked scored 1,000 points in its first two games (actually a mere 121).
Final analysis/prediction: It would appear that many of the intangibles favor the Tar Heels in their home opener.
UW played their first two games in the familiar confounds of Camp Randall Stadium, where they finished a perfect 6-0 last season.
The Tar Heels, meanwhile, must treat this game as a must-win, with their schedule growing
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increasingly ominous as the season wears on. Factor in the team's success under the Kenan Stadium lights - a perfect 3-0 last season
- and a victory becomes a possibility.
Those lights will be focused squarely on quarterback Matt Baker. On this night, expect the senior to shine.
The Bottom Line: North Carolina 31, Wisconsin 27.
- Compiled by Jacob Karabell.
