UNC Football Opens 2024 Season: Can Tar Heels End 39-Year Road Opener Drought at Minnesota?
UNC football kicks off the 2024 season with a chance to break a nearly 39-year streak without a road win in a season opener. The Tar Heels, who haven’t won a true road season opener since 1985, are set to face Minnesota on Thursday at 8 p.m. on FOX.
The Tar Heels have struggled in season-opening road games, losing five times between 1988 and 2021. While UNC did beat Southern Cal in 1993 during the Disneyland Pigskin Classic, that game was played at Anaheim Stadium—not at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, the Trojans' historic home. If head coach Mack Brown's Tar Heels can secure a win against the Golden Gophers in Minneapolis, it would mark UNC's first non-conference road win in a season opener since their 21-19 victory at Navy in 1985.
Last season, UNC and Minnesota clashed for the first time, with the Tar Heels winning 31-13 at Kenan Stadium. Under eighth-year coach PJ Fleck, the Golden Gophers have been dominant in non-conference play, boasting a 21-2 record.
Key Players and Matchups to Watch
Nate McCollum vs. Minnesota Defense: Will UNC's star wide receiver Nate McCollum shine again against the Golden Gophers? Last season, McCollum delivered an outstanding performance, catching 15 passes for 165 yards and a touchdown—ranking as the fourth-most receptions in a single game in UNC history. Despite not having Drake Maye at quarterback, McCollum’s speed and confidence will be crucial for the Tar Heels.
Quarterback Battle: The quarterback spotlight will be on UNC’s Max Johnson and Conner Harrell, while Minnesota counters with Max Brosmer. Brosmer, a sixth-year transfer from New Hampshire, led the FCS in passing yards per game (313.55) and total offense per game (325). Mack Brown has hinted that both Johnson and Harrell may see action. Last season's matchup saw four combined interceptions from the quarterbacks, but this year’s game could look different with Minnesota returning four starters on the offensive line, while UNC has to replace four.
New Defensive Coordinators: Both teams have new defensive coordinators—Corey Hetherman for Minnesota and Geoff Collins for UNC. Hetherman, formerly of Rutgers, and Collins, previously the head coach at Georgia Tech, both have reputations for leading aggressive defenses. Minnesota ranked 54th in total defense last season, significantly better than UNC’s 94th ranking. The team that establishes defensive dominance early could very well emerge victorious.
UNC vs. Minnesota Score Prediction
UNC 24, Minnesota 20: While UNC’s track record in non-conference road openers is concerning, the Golden Gophers aren’t invincible. This game will likely be decided in the final minutes, and the deciding factor could be UNC’s running back Omarion Hampton. Hampton, who rushed for 46 yards against Minnesota last season, could be the key to a Tar Heels road win.
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