The North Carolina Tar Heels are back in primetime…but on ESPN+.
UNC takes on Charlotte tonight at 7:00 PM in Charlotte. The game marks the first-ever meeting between the two programs at Jerry Richardson Stadium.
Carolina looks to rebound from a 48-14 season-opening loss to TCU and secure the first collegiate victory for new head coach Bill Belichick. In last season’s matchup in Chapel Hill, the Tar Heels defeated the 49ers 38-20.
The 49ers, under the direction of first-year head coach Tim Albin, have
seven former Tar Heels on the roster. The offense is led by former UNC quarterback Conner Harrell, who went 13-for-24 for 142 yards with one touchdown and one interception last week against Appalachian State. The Carolina defense will need to limit Harrell’s effectiveness, both as a passer and a potential runner, to prevent the Charlotte offense from finding a rhythm.
The focus will be on the quarterback situation for the Tar Heels. After an injury to starting quarterback Gio Lopez, backup Max Johnson entered the game against TCU. He performed efficiently, completing 9 of 11 passes for 103 yards and a touchdown to his brother, tight end Jake Johnson. Johnson came on the field when the game was already decided, so if he earns the start tonight, he must show what he can do with an even score.
After six punts and three turnovers on Monday night, the Tar Heel offense must find ways to sustain drives and capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Defensively, UNC must focus on improving its fundamentals after surrendering 542 total yards to TCU. The unit will be tasked with generating more pressure on the quarterback and improving its open-field tackling.
Here’s how you can catch the action:
- Time: 7:00 PM ET
- Location: Jerry Richardson Stadium – Charlotte, NC
- TV: ESPN+ with Chuckie Kempf, Tom Luginbill, and Marilyn Payne.
- Radio: Tar Heel Sports Network with Jones Angell, Joe Jauch, and Lee Pace. Here’s a list of affiliates airing the THSN broadcast. You can also listen to them on GoHeels.com, The Varsity Network, Tune In, and Sirius XM on channel 194.
- Streaming: ESPN+
- Line: UNC -13.5
