Overview

• UNC landed eighth in the ACC preseason poll while CBS Sports ranked Bill Belichick 12th of 17 conference coaches amid questions about his transition to the college game.
• Pro Football Focus listed North Carolina’s schedule as the eighth-easiest nationally, noting favorable nonconference matchups and the absence of Florida State and Pitt.
• ESPN’s Chris Low predicts that a victory over TCU on September 1 could propel the Tar Heels to a 5–0 record before facing Clemson at Kenan Stadium.
• Greg McElroy said UNC could enter its season finale at NC State with only one or two losses and be playing for a spot in the College Football Playoff.
• Only two games—against preseason favorite Clemson and a loaded TCU program—are viewed as true ‘landmines,’ offering a clear path for a CFP bid in Belichick’s debut season.