As the dog days of summer—and the sweltering heat that comes with them—begin to wind down, we look to the horizon for a new season approaching. It isn’t just the cool, crisp air that gives you goosebumps and raises the hair on your arms, but the arrival of a brand-new college football season.
A new season brings optimism, renewed energy, and hope. Every coach, player, and fan enters the year with fresh minds and hopeful hearts, praying this will finally be the year their program reaches college football’s ultimate prize: the National Championship.
Expectations are set sky-high for many programs, while others are hitting the reset button under new coaching regimes. Some are simply hoping to secure six wins and earn a bowl trip. Thankfully, we don’t have to wait much longer, as Week 0 is officially here!
Week 0 serves as the appetizer—something to keep your appetite satisfied until the main course is served (and Week 1’s menu looks delicious, if I do say so myself). Here are the matchups on tap this weekend to whet your appetite:
Week 0 Slate
- 12:00 PM: North Carolina vs. TCU (ESPN)
- 3:00 PM: San Jose State @ USC (NBC)
- 3:30 PM: NC State @ Virginia (ESPN)
- 5:30 PM: Jacksonville State @ North Dakota State (CBSSN)
- 7:00 PM: Hawaii @ Stanford (ACC Network)
- 7:00 PM: New Mexico State @ Florida State (The CW)
- 10:00 PM: Memphis @ UNLV (FOX)
The Main Event: Tar Heels vs. Horned Frogs Across the Pond
Potentially the most intriguing matchup of the weekend takes place across the Atlantic in Dublin, Ireland: North Carolina vs. TCU.
In last year’s meeting, UNC came out with plenty of fire, scoring on their opening possession. After that initial spark, however, TCU took complete control and never looked back. The Horned Frogs racked up 542 total yards of offense and five touchdowns, thumping the Tar Heels 48–14. Plenty of North Carolina legends and celebrities were in attendance that night—including Michael Jordan, Lawrence Taylor, and Randy Moss—and most of them likely exited stage left before halftime. Yes, it was that ugly.
Thankfully, this year’s edition of UNC vs. TCU promises to be much more competitive. The Tar Heels feature a proven playmaker under center: graduate transfer Billy Edwards Jr. The fifth-year quarterback brings experience from Wake Forest, Maryland, and Wisconsin. While much of his early career was spent backing up Taulia Tagovailoa at Maryland, Edwards repeatedly stepped up to lead his teams to victory. Following a competitive spring and fall camp, Coach Belichick stated, “He won the job because he was the most consistent.” Joining Edwards on offense are wide receivers Jordan Shipp and Mason Humphrey—two dynamic weapons in the Tar Heel arsenal for new offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino to utilize.
Defense Must Step Up
On the other side of the ball, the Tar Heels desperately need defensive playmakers to rise to the occasion. Last season, UNC was among the nation’s worst at surrendering explosive plays and giving up ground on early downs. Specifically, UNC ranked 106th in first downs allowed via penalty and 83rd in opponent first downs per game (rushing, passing, or penalty).
With seven starters departing—six via graduation and one via the transfer portal—the question becomes: who steps up?
Penn State transfer Jaylen Harvey brings a big-bodied presence to the defensive line and could serve as a bell cow upfront this season. Another key portal addition, Donovan Hilette out of Richmond, provides an edge-rushing threat for a Tar Heel defense that desperately needs to get after the quarterback following last season’s struggles.
All in all, Coach Belichick and his Tar Heels must show noticeable improvement on both sides of the ball this year. Will these new additions be enough to move the needle?
We are about to find out. College football returns this Saturday at noon on ESPN!
JDubb's Sideline Report 