North Carolina football begins a much-hyped 2020 season by hosting Syracuse on Saturday and here’s all you need for how to watch the Tar Heels vs. Orange.
When Mack Brown returned as the head coach of North Carolina football prior to last season, there was some optimism but also the sentiment that it might take a bit for him to turn it around. Well, the Tar Heels changed some minds after a surprising 7-6 season in which they had a chance in every game. Now, UNC opens their 2020 season at home against the Syracuse Orange with high expectations for this year.
Aside from Brown, sophomore quarterback Sam Howell is at the heart of the big hopes for the Tar Heels in the 2020 campaign. He threw for 3,641 yards, 38 touchdowns and only seven picks as a true freshman starter. With his key group of weapons returning as well, the offense could be good — and it will be complemented by an experienced defense that added a ton of talent via the recruiting trail.
While Dino Babers’ Syracuse run has seen some ups, last year was not one of them as the Orange were a sub-.500 squad. Fans hope that quarterback Tommy DeVito is a more consistent playmaker for the offense and that their secondary can lead the defense to success. Unfortunately, opt outs have taken a toll on this team that had modest-at-best expectations to begin with.
How to watch North Carolina-Syracuse and bet on the Saturday’s game from Kenan Memorial Stadium
Date: Saturday, Sept. 12
Time: Noon ET
Location: Kenan Memorial Stadium – Chapel Hill, NC
TV Info: ACC Network
Odds: North Carolina -23, O/U 65.5 (via Action Network)
Live Stream: WatchESPN
Prediction: Some people may be worried about North Carolina being coronated as one of the best teams in the ACC this year after going just 7-6 last year. And that may be a viable concern as they tackle the entirety of their schedule. But when it comes to playing Syracuse in the season-opener, it shouldn’t be a concern.
Between opt-outs, holes on both sides of the ball and inconsistent quarterback play, the Orange are a tier below the Tar Heels in 2020. In Chapel Hill, Brown’s UNC team will make a statement with an emphatic win (and cover).
Score: North Carolina 38, Syracuse 14
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