Fun fact: The Tar Heels are one win away from starting the season 4-0 in back-to-back seasons. Context is important, of course, because the schedule Mack Brown has crafted for 2024 is much simpler than what we’ve seen in the past, but it’s a remarkable feat nonetheless. Can you name a Carolina football team that almost certainly would have lost to Minnesota on the road? I know I can. In fact, I’d go as far as to say there are a few teams I’d be nervous about facing James Madison tomorrow. The Heels still have to actually play the game and get the win, but my point is they’re in a pretty good position right now, especially considering they lost Max Johnson for the season.

Focusing specifically on James Madison, it’s hard to say if this game might be more difficult than we all think, or if it will serve as a nice warm-up game before UNC faces Duke next week. The two teams have Charlotte as their opponent, and the Dukes – not to be confused with Duke University – held the 49ers to just seven points while the Heels allowed 20. We say this often, but overlooking James Madison would be a dangerous move for the Heels, and they need to approach this game with the seriousness it deserves. If they don’t, we could end up witnessing their first upset loss of the season.

For those of you who didn’t make it to Kenan, feel free to sit back, hang out in the game thread and have a good time. We’ll be back with analysis and opinions after the game. Until then, Go Heels!