North Carolina Central @ North Carolina preview
Kenan Stadium
North Carolina is intent on making big upgrades while adding to its victory total when the Tar Heels take on FCS opponent North Carolina Central on Saturday evening at Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina (2-0) has won its first two games for the fifth time in the last six seasons. The Tar Heels are overwhelming favorites against a foe from just a few miles away.
Coach Mack Brown has a list of areas that he insists his North Carolina team must address. Those are on both sides of the ball after last Saturday's 38-20 home-opening victory against Charlotte.
The Tar Heels have been solid on defense, but Brown wants more.
"We've got to force more turnovers," he said. "We're not getting turnovers."
The offense is evolving under quarterback Conner Harrell.
"There are some things he can improve," Brown said.
Harrell made his first start of the season and second of his career last week. He was 16-for-25 passing for 219 yards and two touchdowns, with an interception. He also ran for 39 yards and a touchdown.
Max Johnson, the Tar Heels' starting quarterback at the beginning of the season, suffered a season-ending leg injury in the opener at Minnesota. Harrell is accepting the heightened responsibility.
"I know I've got to come through," Harrell said. "I've got to do what I need to do to get first downs and touchdowns."
Preseason All-American running back Omarion Hampton didn't play in the second half of the Charlotte game as he dealt with a leg ailment. Brown said Hampton was available to return and should be full-go this week. Meanwhile, freshman Davion Gause posted 105 rushing yards against Charlotte.
N.C. Central (1-1) is coming off a 41-19 setback to Elon in its home opener last week. Now the Eagles will take on another nearby school, but this one is at the FBS level.
"We must improve tackling," Eagles coach Trei Oliver said. "One thing we have to do is get more hats to the football."
Eagles quarterback Walker Harris threw three interceptions against Elon, with one of those returned for a touchdown.
N.C. Central will try to get its rushing attack going. J'Mari Taylor gained 128 yards in the opener against Alabama State but was held to 54 yards on 14 attempts in the Elon game. Much of that reduction came from the lack of openings created along the line of scrimmage.
"J'Mari has always been a consistent player," Oliver said. "We have so much confidence in him. He's so electrifying."
North Carolina edge rusher Kaimon Rucker, one of the team's most experienced players, will miss a second straight game because of a lower-body injury.
Saturday will mark the second time in as many weeks that North Carolina will meet an in-state opponent for the first time in program history.
--Field Level Media