Greg McElroy is taking a long, hard look at the college football schedule, examining which teams may have it easier than their competitors. When his research led him to the ACC, he couldn’t help but think about Bill Belichick in Chapel Hill. While they have a tough game in Week 1 against TCU, McElroy believes […]
Greg McElroy is taking a long, hard look at the college football schedule, examining which teams may have it easier than their competitors. When his research led him to the ACC, he couldn’t help but think about Bill Belichick in Chapel Hill.
While they have a tough game in Week 1 against TCU, McElroy believes it could be smooth sailing afterwards if they’re able to defeat the Horned Frogs. The Tar Heels still have to face Clemson, but the rest of their opponents aren’t exactly striking fear into McElroy for UNC.
“We’ll finish up in the ACC. Looking at the most manageable schedule in that league, it’s North Carolina,” McElroy stated, via his Always College Football show. “That’s amazing, because if they get through the TCU game on Sept. 1, they’re going to be in a really good spot. The only game on their entire schedule they’re likely going to be a considerable underdog is when Clemson comes to them on Oct. 4. They’re also coming off a bye heading into that Clemson game, and that game is at home.
“Now, they have to go to UCF. They have to go to Cal. Virginia comes to them. They’re at Syracuse. That game’s on Halloween on a Friday. Before Stanford comes to them, they’re at Wake Forest. Duke comes to them, and they’re at NC State, where they’ll probably be a slight dog there, as well. Guys, I’m telling you, if North Carolina beats TCU, there is a strong possibility they’ll be 4-0 coming off a bye with Clemson coming to town.
“Just saying. If they lose to Clemson, they’re going to be favored potentially the rest of the way. So, this team could have one loss going into that road trip against NC State, in what should be a very hectic rivalry game there in Raleigh, North Carolina.”
Evidently, the schedule is setting up very nicely for Belichick in Year 1, at least in McElroy’s eyes. While there won’t be any particularly easy games for North Carolina, especially within their conference, it could’ve been much worse for the Tar Heels.
They avoid a bevy of contenders, and face Clemson after some much needed rest. Dabo Swinney’s bunch may be looking to make a statement, but who knows what Belichick has in store for the reigning conference champions.
As Greg McElroy predicted, a ton will hinge on how UNC fares against TCU in Week 1. That game against the Horned Frogs will be more telling than anything. It’ll be fascinating to see how it all shakes out in 2025.
Category: General Sports
