Bold Predictions: UNC

Think you have the gift of prophecy? Test your skills in our bold predictions game this year!

The rules are simple: Accumulate points over the course of season and at the end of the year we’ll be giving away 2 tickets to a 2015 road football game of your choice, along with a t-shirt to the runner-up.

So how does one acquire said points? In the comments section, just post the corresponding numbers of what you think will happen this week. Each one you get correct is worth 8 points, and if you choose one that doesn’t happen, you lose 3 points. Also, if you miss a week, don’t stop playing as we will drop your lowest weekly score at the end of the year.

Good Luck!

1. Chima Uzowihe records 1.5 sacks or more against UNC

Why this is bold- Uzowihe recorded seven total sacks last year, which comes out to .58 per game. That means he’d have to have more than double his pace from last year in order to record 1.5 sacks. Not to mention he will be up against ACC linemen.

Why it will happen- Uzowihe blossomed in 2013 and has added more to his physique in the offseason. The Tar Heel offensive line is pretty inexperienced, and they won’t be prepared for the speed Chima has getting around the edge.

2. Rashad Jennings records more fantasy points than UNC’s Giovanni Bernard in week one of the NFL season. (ESPN standard scoring)

Why this is bold- All 13 experts on fantasypros.com have Gio ranked ahead of Rashad, as do both ESPN and Yahoo. ESPN has Bernard at 26^th and Jennings at 55^th. Yahoo has Bernard at 16^th, and Rashad ranked 36^th.

Why it will happen- The man deserves some respect. Rashad out rushed Bernard 733 yards to 695 yards last year, with a YPC of 4.5 to Bernard’s 4.1. Bernard, was the better receiver last season, but Jennings finds himself in a much better situation this year with the Giants than he was in last year with the Raiders. Also, while both guys will be the primary runners for their respective teams, the committee of runners behind Gio will be more likely to steal goal line carries.

3. Norkeithus Otis 10+ tackles-

Why this is bold- Ten or more tackles is quite a few for a single game. Otis only averaged 3.8 tackles a game last year.

Why it will happen-Otis plays the bandit linebacker in UNC’s 4-2-5 defense, which gives him options to line up all over the field. Last year Otis was new to the position and still managed an impressive year that included 13 TFLs. He is the unquestioned leader on the defensive side of the ball for the Tar Heels this year and will step up to that calling.

4. Both Liberty and UNC go with matte helmets

Why this is bold- North Carolina fans sure were excited for their Oregon style, shiny, footprint helmets these past two years, they may want to make a big splash with the shiny style for the season opener. Meanwhile, Liberty has never worn a matte helmet before.

bleacherreport.com

Why it will happen- Both teams’ matte designs are pretty sick.

5. 5+ TEs record a reception

Why this is bold- To put this in perspective, this would mean that half of the tight ends on Liberty and UNC’s rosters will catch a pass.
Why it will happen- Both teams will use a committee of guys to begin the season until things flesh themselves out a bit more at the position. Both teams had pretty solid guys last year, Brandon Apon for Liberty and Eric Ebron for UNC. The Flames and Tar heels will be looking for someone to step up to be the heir to the position this year.

 6. More Than 50,000 will be on hand at Kenan Memorial Stadium

Why this is bold- North Carolina only eclipsed 50,000 at home three times last year, and all three were either rivalry games or a ranked opponent.

Why it will happen- It’s the season opener and people have the football fever. UNC’s preseason ranking has the Tar Heels buzzing, and Flames nation will travel well.

7. Gabe Henderson records 95+ all-purpose yards

Why this is bold-  Henderson only recorded 95 yards or more twice all last season.

Why it will happen- The Flames may have to throw the ball more than usual against UNC, especially if they are playing behind early. Henderson will be Josh Woodrum’s safety blanket as an underneath route runner, and could see a lot of targets. Add that on top of Henderson’s added role as a return man, and he could be poised to lead the team in AP yardage this year.

All picks must be submitted by 11:59 Friday night.