UNC Football Lowdown, Sept. 1

Elon vs. North Carolina

Head-To-Head

UNC rush vs. Elon rush defense:

The Tar Heels’ running back Giovani Bernard is coming off the first 1,000 yard season by a UNC player since 1997 and looks to shine in Fedora’s faster offensive scheme. Edge: UNC

UNC passing game vs. Elon secondary:

North Carolina likely has an advantage in height and athleticism, but the Tar Heels do not have the deepest or most experienced wide receiving corps. Edge: Push

Elon rush vs. UNC rush defense:

The Phoenix is replacing its leading rusher from last year, A.J. Harris, with Matt Eastman. Though the Tar Heel defense is also new, it should still shut down Elon. Edge: UNC

Elon passing game vs. UNC secondary:

While the Phoenix rushing game is inexperienced, the passing game is anything but. Elon returns Aaron Mellette, a 2011 All-American. Look out for the deep ball. Edge: Elon

Special Teams:

Tar Heel head coach Larry Fedora is known for having a few tricks rolled up his sleeve, not to mention he’ll be using Bernard as a punt returner. Edge: UNC

The Bottom Line — UNC 41, Elon 14