First look at the NC State-UNC football Black Friday game: Story lines, betting odds
The big game is finally here.
N.C. State will close out the regular season at home Friday night. Waiting for the Wolfpack as they head out of the home tunnel for the final time, will be the North Carolina Tar Heels.
UNC has a two-game win streak in the rivalry and could have some extra incentive to play well against the Pack. Not like they need it, but Carolina can ruin N.C. State’s quest for a 10-win season and their Senior Day.
The Wolfpack will go into this rivalry with a healthy starting quarterback, something they haven’t been able to do in two years. If North Carolina’s quarterback is healthy, this will be a bigtime showdown between Devin Leary, of N.C. State, and UNC junior Sam Howell.
Leary is fourth in the ACC in passing yards (3,186) and Howell is sixth (2,704). It’s a big quarterback year in the league and it’s fitting that this regular season finale comes down to a battle between two of the best.
“You have two fantastic quarterbacks playing in a college football game,” N.C. State head coach Dave Doeren said. “They’ve done a lot for their schools.”
A million reasons to win
You would have to be living under a rock to not know what’s at stake for N.C. State on Friday. The Pack can continue their quest for a historic 10-win season, possibly get into the ACC title game and remain perfect at home.
But the biggest thing on the line for Doeren is sending his seniors off the right way.
“It means a lot to me to be a part of Senior Day,” Doeren said. “As a former player, I remember my Senior Day, I remember everything about it and so will these guys. So as a coach it’s very important to me to send them out with a win.”
Two years ago, on Senior Day, UNC marched into Carter-Finley Stadium and dominated the Pack, 41-10. Doeren has talked about how bad he felt for the senior that season, the look they had in their eyes afterwards. He wants to make sure that’s not the case again.
“I’ve had a lot of meetings with players,” Doeren said. “About the week, Senior Day, leadership, things that we can do. It’s pretty resounding where these guys are with this game and how they want to play. There’s a good demeanor right now with this football team for this game.”
Can Mack’s dominance continue?
UNC head coach Mack Brown has been on a tear versus in-state conference opponents as the coach of the Tar Heels. In his last 24 games, Brown is 23-1 against in-state ACC opponents. He’s led UNC to two straight wins over N.C. State since his return to Chapel Hill. He has a 7-5 record against the Wolfpack as the head coach of UNC. The Tar Heels became bowl eligible last week, but better believe part of Mack’s pregame speech will be about playing spoiler to N.C. State’s divisional title hopes.
3 UNC Tar Heels to watch
Sam Howell, QB: Will he play or won’t he? That’s the question surrounding the UNC quarterback this week. Howell missed last week’s game versus Wofford with an injury, but is expected to return for the big rivalry game. That would obviously be a big deal for the Heels. In two games versus N.C. Howell has completed 41-of-62 passes for 653 yards and four touchdowns. Even with the injury lingering over Howell, Doeren fully expects to see No. 7 out there.
“I anticipate him playing,” Doeren said. “That guy has had a heck of a career. But, as always, we’ll wait until game day to figure out who is really playing and adjust from there.”
Josh Downs, WR: Downs has been Howell’s top target this season, catching 90 passes for 1,198 yards (ninth in the nation) and eight touchdowns. Downs has 64 more receptions than the second leading receiver on the UNC roster. Safe to say the N.C. State defense will have their eyes set on the sophomore.
Cam’Ron Kelly, DB: Kelly is tied in the conference for most interceptions with four this season. He’s also the third leading tackler for the Tar Heels with 53 stops. Had four tackles and one pass breakup last season versus the Wolfpack.
3 NC State Wolfpack to watch
Vi Jones, LB: Howell is just as dangerous with his legs as he is with his arms. Jones and his closing speed will be crucial in containing Howell. Since being inserted into the starting lineup, Jones has averaged 6.5 tackles per game. His ability to chase down mobile quarterbacks has been key in wins over Louisville and Syracuse. If Howell tries to take off, Jones has the speed to keep up. Jones is second on the team with 4.5 sacks.
Daniel Joseph, DL: Howell has been sacked 39 times this season and he’ll face a defense that doesn’t get a whole lot of sacks, but causes pressure and disrupts the pocket. No player is better at causing disruption more than Joseph. He has 7.5 tackles for loss, good enough for second on the team. Against an offensive line that’s struggled to protect this season, Joseph will look to have a big day in his final home game.
Devin Carter, WR: Carter has become Devin Leary’s favorite target for explosive plays. He had a catch for 58 yards versus Syracuse, coming off the Wake Forest game when he had a catch for 54 yards. Bottom line, when Leary is looking to throw it deep, he’s top option has been the 6’3 Carter.
NC State vs UNC game, TV info
Who: NC State (8-3, 5-2) vs. UNC (6-5, 3-4)
Where: Carter-Finley Stadium
When: 7 p.m. Friday
TV: ESPN
Vegas odds: NC State vs UNC point spread
N.C. State is an early five-point favorite over UNC.
This story was originally published November 22, 2021 at 2:42 PM with the headline "First look at the NC State-UNC football Black Friday game: Story lines, betting odds."
