Fansided

Sun Bowl, Stanford vs North Carolina: Preview and predictions

By Connor Muldowney

Nov 19, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) with the ball as Citadel Bulldogs linebacker Myles Pierce (50) defends in the second quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) with the ball as Citadel Bulldogs linebacker Myles Pierce (50) defends in the second quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Take a look at the preview and final score prediction for Friday afternoon’s Sun Bowl between Stanford and North Carolina.

Christian McCaffrey decided to sit out the Sun Bowl to prepare for his NFL career and there have been mixed reactions to the choice. He’s been a monster for the Cardinal all season long and was even a contender for the Heisman — he would have finished higher in the voting had Stanford had a better record.

However, the Cardinal will need to move forward without him and the Sun Bowl is the first step. This can be good for Stanford because it’ll prepare David Shaw for what life after the talented running back will be like.

As for North Carolina, the Tar Heels have had an interesting roller-coaster season. They opened the season with a loss against Georgia and then followed that up with four straight wins, including a road victory with time expiring over Florida State. Since then, they went just 4-3.

Mitch Trubisky has been one of the best quarterbacks in the country and he is widely considered a first-round NFL draft talent. He has passed for 3,468 yards and 28 touchdowns with just four picks and could be the difference in this one.

Here’s how you can watch the Sun Bowl online Friday:

NEXT: 10 breakout candidates during bowl season

Date: Friday, Dec. 30
Start Time: 2:00 p.m. ET
Location: El Paso, TX
Venue: Sun Bowl
TV: CBS
Live Stream: CBS Sports Live

Keys to Victory

For Stanford, shutting down Trubisky’s passing attack will be key. There’s a reason many people consider him the top quarterback in this year’s draft class and the Cardinal need to hope to contain his aerial prowess.

North Carolina, on the other hand, will need to put some added pressure on junior starter Keller Chryst under center. He has been a major component to help with the turnaround efforts and he will need to be made uncomfortable in order for the Tar Heels to win.

Betting Odds

Live Stream: Stanford -2.5
Over/Under: 54

Prediction

North Carolina will take advantage of the opportunity to beat a tough Stanford team without its best player. Christian McCaffrey sitting out for this one will open the door for Trubisky and Co. to put together a solid showing and improve his draft stock. The Tar Heels have been hit or miss this season and this one will be a hit.

Final Score: Stanford 26, North Carolina 31

Home/College Football