2017 Schedule Breakdown
It been a few weeks since the 2017 North Carolina Tar Heels football schedule was officially released and now that the 2017 recruiting class is in, it's time to look ahead.
9/2 vs. California (Chapel Hill, NC)
First ever meeting
The season will open at home for the Heels for the first time since 2014 when the Heels opened at home against Liberty. The Golden Bears are coming off 5-7 season and will be welcoming in a new coach in Justin Wilcox, as well as their third quarterback in three years. While this game won't be an easy one to begin the season, the Heels should be able to open 2017 with a win.
9/9 vs. Louisville (Chapel Hill, NC)
Louisville leads series 4-3
The Heels will open the conference season by facing the reigning Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson and his Cardinals in Kenan. The Cardinals are coming off of a 9-4 season and are losing a lot defensively. This game could easily become an offensive shootout. If the Heels were to lose the first game, this game could make or break the season.
9/16 @ Old Dominion (Norfolk, VA)
Carolina leads series 1-0
The Monarchs are coming off a fantastic 10-3 season, in which they almost made the C-USA title game. While the Monarchs have lost a lot, the game will not be anything like the last time these two played when Carolina won 80-20. If the Heels aren't careful this game could be a head scratching blemish.
9/23 vs. Duke (Chapel Hill, NC)
Carolina leads series 59-39-4
This might the most confusing game placement on the schedule as the Heels will welcome in the Blue Devils to open division play. The Blue Devils should be an improved team this coming season, after an injury filled 4-8 season. As the Heels learned last year, the can’t take the Blue Devils lightly. Still, the Heels should take this one if they play up to their ability.
9/30 @ Georgia Tech (Atlanta, GA)
Georgia Tech leads series 28-20-3
The Heels will go for their fourth straight win against the Yellow Jackets. The Jackets are coming off a 9-4 season, including a four game winning streak to close out the season. The Jackets will return most of their depth from last year and could have an outside shot at the ACC Coastal. Gene Chizik has had their number so far; will he be able to slow them down once again? If so, the Heels could possibly be 2-0 in the ACC Coastal.
10/7 vs. Notre Dame (Chapel Hill, NC)
Notre Dame leads series 17-1
The last time the Heels played the Irish, the Heels left heartbroken. This time, the Heels are hoping to turn the tables. Last year, the Irish went 4-8, but this year the Irish should be much improved. The Heels are hoping to add another signature win to Larry’s résumé, but it won't be easy. If Malik Zaire is a Heel, this may also be his shot at redemption.
10/14 vs. Virginia (Chapel Hill, NC)
Carolina leads series 64-54-4
The Heels have owned the Cavaliers, winning the last seven meetings between the two teams. The Cavs are coming off a 2-10 season and it's going to take time for Bronco Mendenhall to build this team into a contender. Still, as the streak grows, so does the pressure. The Heels know this one won't be a walk in the park, but they should come out with a win.
10/21 @ Virginia Tech (Blacksburg, VA)
Virginia Tech leads series 21-11-6
The Heels got demolished by the Hokies last year, but the last time they played in Blacksburg the Heels came away with a Coastal Division title. The Hokies are the preseason favorites in the ACC Coastal following a 10-4 season which included an ACC title game appearance. This Hokie squad could be even better than last years meaning the Heels could be in for another rough one if they're not careful.
10/28 vs. Miami (Chapel Hill, NC)
Series tied 9-9
The Heels have won the last two meetings against the Hurricanes, but this year may be one of the tougher Miami teams the Heels have faced in a while. The Hurricanes are coming off a 9-4 season and year two under Mark Richt could be even better. While Richt will have a new starter at quarterback, by this point of the season that really won't matter. The Heels will have to come ready if they want to pull this one out.
11/9 @ Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, PA)
Carolina leads series 8-3
The Heels have had the Panthers number since their move to the ACC, but it hasn't been easy. Pat Narduzzi’s squad is coming off an 8-5 campaign and will be replacing a good amount of production from last season, but this is still a team that could win the ACC Coastal. The last installment was an epic classic. What about this one?
11/18 vs. Western Carolina (Chapel Hill, NC)
First ever meeting
Look on the bright side; at least the Heels are down to just one FCS opponent a year. This year's opponent, the Catamounts, will enter off a 2-9 season, something that hasn't been that uncommon in Cullowhee for a while now. This should be a good stepping stone as the Heels prepare for a rivalry game the next week.
11/25 @ NC State (Raleigh, NC)
Carolina leads series 66-34-6
The Heels once again close with their fiercest football rival, as they head to Raleigh, a place that Larry has owned in his time in Chapel Hill. The last few meetings of this series have been a bit strange, with the road team winning each of the last four meetings. The Wolfpack won't have high expectations, but they didn't coming into this past years game either. The Heels will have to be ready for a fierce battle if they want to keep Larry’s perfect record in Carter-Finley alive.
Current Prediction: 7-5
