Only one CBS Sports expert picks UNC to finish Top 5 in the ACC

On Thursday, Aug. 29, the North Carolina Tar Heels make their long-awaited return to the football field.

UNC heads up north for a rematch with the Minnesota Golden Gophers, whom came to Chapel Hill last season and fell victim to a 400-yard Drake Maye passing game. The Tar Heels and Golden Gophers hadn’t ever battled before 2023, so it’s exciting to see what could be the start of a new rivalry.

Looking at North Carolina’s larger roster, there’s no two players more important than running back Omarion Hampton and Kaimon Rucker. There’s a ton of talent across UNC’s roster, but no Maye or Devontez Walker.

Even with an easier schedule, there isn’t a ton of hope for the Tar Heels in 2024. This is highlighted in the CBS Sports’ college football experts’ ACC rankings .

Richard Johnson has North Carolina finishing fifth, the highest amongst expert picks. Jerry Palm, Tom Fornelli and Chip Patterson picked UNC to finish seventh, Will Backus, Shehan Jeyarajah and David Cobb have the Tar Heels ending the year eighth, while Dennis Dodd ranks North Carolina 10th.

The expert picks are valid, but think about how many times we’ve seen teams exceed – or underperform – preseason expectations. I don’t know how much UNC has listened to what the experts are saying, but with a passionate bunch like this year’s team (just visit social media), the Tar Heels will be eager to prove people wrong and finish the season strong.

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