Strength
You want quarterbacks? We got quarterbacks. Through four games, UNC’s Mitch Trubisky and Duke’s Daniel Jones have combined for over 2500 yards coming in at 4th and 5th in the ACC in that category, respectively. Even more impressive, both quarterbacks led huge comebacks a week ago, combining for four scoring drives in the final 8 minutes. Trubisky is starting to show why many were right in saying that there wouldn’t be a drop off at the quarterback position for the Tar Heels, and Daniel Jones is certainly proving those wrong who discounted Duke after the pre-season injury to Thomas Sirk. You’re going to continue to get ups and downs with these two, but both should shred opposing defenses this weekend and keep the momentum going.
Weaknesses
For years, the mere sight of gold helmets over garnet and white jerseys was enough to beat teams before the games even kicked off. That fear is all but gone right now, and while Florida State may very well line up and beat UNC on Saturday, it’s not going to be because of reputation and intimidation. The entire world saw what Louisville did to the Noles, and the defense didn’t look any better last weekend either. You want to be feared? Don’t be ranked 12th in the ACC against the run, and don’t be ranked 10th in total defense. When a program that’s made a living by dominating opponents starts to show cracks in the armor, that fear switches sides quickly. Don’t be surprised to see North Carolina as the more confident team on Saturday, and there’s been little to show that Florida State will even be the better team between the two.
Opportunities
Wake Forest can go 5-0 with a win at NC State. The last time that happened, they won the ACC championship in 2006. Another title run doesn’t seem likely for the Deacs, and they’re hefty underdogs at Raleigh this weekend but that’s why it’s called an opportunity. There’s no reason why Dave Clawson’s squad can’t win this game, and so far this year, that’s been good enough for the Deacs to make it happen.
Threats
Dave Doeren … do not lose at home to Wake Forest. Just don’t do it. Not when you’ve conditioned your fans to see only a handful of winnable divisional games on the schedule, with this being one of them. Not after the ECU loss. And not with the coaching carousel already in motion with a coach like Les Miles out there needing a job next year. Just. Don’t. Lose. This. Game.
Today’s #SC8 poll … #WPN, which would you rather happen? #Less4Les
— SportsChannel8 (@SportsChannel8) September 29, 2016
