The college football season gets underway this weekend with Week 0 as the new slate is officially here. While North Carolina doesn’t play until Week 1, there is still excitement in the air for the Tar Heels’ opener against South Carolina.
Before the two teams meet in Charlotte, ESPN has listed the best and worst-case scenarios for each team in the top 25. That includes North Carolina who checked in at No. 19 in their rankings.
Here is what ESPN listed as the best-case scenario for Mack Brown’s team in the 2023 season:
The schedule suits Carolina well, with its likely toughest opponents — Duke, Clemson and NC State — coming in November, and quarterback Drake Maye should give the Heels a chance in every game this season. The key will be how much improvement there is around Maye. This offseason, UNC brought in new OC Chip Lindsey in hopes of implementing a scheme with more emphasis on the run and a little less pressure put on an overwhelmed defense. If that works out, the Heels can certainly repeat last year’s 9-3 regular season, and perhaps aim a bit higher — like an ACC title.
The website makes a great point with Maye’s skillset being a reason why they should be in almost every game they play in. A good start to the year and a good finish against Duke, Clemson, and NC State could be the difference.
Follow us @TarHeelsWire on Twitter and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.