Sep 7, 2024; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Mack Brown along with his gamers within the second quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Bob Donnan-Imagn Photos North Carolina will wrap up nonconference play with Saturday afternoon’s conflict with visiting James Madison at Chapel Hill, N.C.
It is the ultimate probability for the Tar Heels (3-0) to proceed to work out kinks.
This project towards James Madison (2-0) may mark probably the most troublesome job among the many three consecutive residence video games.
North Carolina’s changes have come at quarterback. Jacolby Criswell performed the vast majority of the latest recreation in reduction of Conner Harrell. If Criswell begins versus James Madison, he’ll be the third beginning quarterback of the season for the Tar Heels.
“We’re simply attempting to play extra folks as a result of once you see an opportunity to play, you observe higher,” North Carolina coach Mack Brown stated.
North Carolina defeated Soccer Championship Subdivision opponent North Carolina Central 45-10 on Saturday evening, however held solely a seven-point edge going to the fourth quarter. Brown described the plan for that recreation was to make use of two quarterbacks for a number of collection.
The plan might be altered this week, however both means components will evolve.
“The sport dictates what you are going to do,” Brown stated.
Criswell, with 161 passing yards and a landing throw, produced considerably higher numbers than Harrell (22 yards within the air).
“When (Criswell) is available in, the ball appears to go down the sphere fairly a bit,” James Madison coach Bob Chesney stated.
The important thing for North Carolina is certain to come back on the bottom, with Omarion Hampton coming off a 210-yard dashing efficiency. The preseason All-American has racked up greater than 200 dashing yards twice in his profession.
“When you’ll be able to run the ball, you’ll be able to enhance your passing recreation and that is what we have got to do,” Brown stated. “We have got to be extra constant in our passing recreation. We’ve got to step up at huge receiver and tight finish.”
The Dukes did not play final weekend, so the additional time might be put to good use engaged on their offense. James Madison defeated FCS crew Gardner-Webb 13-6 in its most up-to-date outing.
Chesney, in his first season, stated James Madison has made important positive factors in consideration to element for the reason that first two video games of the season.
“We all know the duty at hand and we’re excited to get to go down there and compete,” Chesney stated. “We’re not going there to attempt to play an in depth recreation. We’re happening there to win a recreation.”
Chesney stated operating again Ayo Adeyi and receiver Taji Hudson might be on monitor to return to motion following accidents.
This might be James Madison’s third consecutive matchup towards a crew from North Carolina. The Dukes gained 30-7 to open the season at Charlotte; per week later, the Tar Heels topped Charlotte 38-20.
It is a sellout, with James Madison filling all of its ticket allotment.
–Subject Stage Media
