North Carolina football has lofty expectations for the upcoming season.
With Mack Brown in his third year of his second run with the Tar Heels and returning quarterback and Heisman candidate Sam Howell entering his junior year, UNC has high hopes for winning the ACC's Coastal Division.
As the ACC football season gears up this week, here is a look at a few of UNC’s key games of the season.
Sept. 3 @ Virginia Tech
Not only is the Sept. 3 matchup UNC’s season opener, but it's also the ACC opener and a key game on its schedule. The game will not be easy for the Tar Heels, as it’s a Friday night matchup on the road.
The Hokies are coming off of a losing season (5-6), including four losses in their last five games. While the team struggled last season, it gives UNC the opportunity to gauge its standing for the coming season.
The Tar Heels beat the Hokies last season, 56-45, but the UNC vs. Virginia Tech matchup could go either way. North Carolina is 3-7 in its last 10 matchups against Virginia Tech. With Virginia Tech predicted to finish third in the Coastal Division, all the pressure is on North Carolina to pull out a win on the road to begin its hyped season.
Oct. 16 vs. Miami
The Coastal Division is wide open this season, and this game could decide the winner.