Matchups: COVID-19 blows up Syracuse against UNC, as its two top running backs opt out

North Carolina football’s opening opponent took a coronavirus-induced hit this week.

Syracuse running backs Abdul Adams and Jarveon Howard weren’t listed on the Orange’s first depth chart Monday, and The Athletic reported Thursday both players, assumed to split lead back duties this fall, were opting out of the season to prepare for the 2021 NFL Draft.

That leaves quarterback Tommy DeVito (122 yards) as the Orange’s top returning rusher and illustrated how quickly game-week preparation can change during a COVID-19-dictated college football season.

The No. 18 Tar Heels now have an intriguing opportunity in their season opener Saturday. Can they stifle Syracuse’s significantly less experienced running back corps early? And can they force DeVito, a capable but inconsistent quarterback against ACC opponents last season, to the air instead?

All preseason, North Carolina players and coaches have sung the virtues of their defensive backfield, a group with everything from veterans (Patrice Rene, Myles Wolfolk) to versatility (Trey Morrison, Storm Duck) to intriguing newcomers (Kyler McMichael, Tony Grimes).

The Tar Heels are a 23-point favorite, and their offense matches up well against a Syracuse defense in transition. But a splash play or two from its corners and safeties — not a given, as DeVito threw just five interceptions last year — could give North Carolina an early knockout punch at Kenan Stadium.

Last season

Records: UNC 7-6 (4-4 ACC); Syracuse 5-7 (2-6 ACC)

UNC offense: 33.1 ppg | 474 ypg | 285.8 passing ypg | 188.2 rushing ypg

Syracuse defense (allowed): 30.7 ppg | 464.1 ypg | 262.5 passing ypg | 201.6 rushing ypg

Syracuse offense: 28.3 ppg | 394.6 ypg | 240.6 passing ypg | 154 rushing ypg

UNC defense (allowed): 23.7 ppg | 373.2 ypg | 229.6 passing ypg |143.5 rushing ypg

UNC run game vs. Syracuse run defense

Defensive tackle Josh Black is the only returning lineman from Syracuse’s starting four last season. The Orange are transitioning to a new 3-3-5 defense under a new coordinator after allowing 200+ plus rushing yards in six games (and 350+ in three) last season.

This is a matchup North Carolina’s one-two punch of Michael Carter (1,003 yards) and Javonte Williams (933) can exploit, although Brown and offensive coordinator Phil Longo have both expressed concerns with offensive line depth behind the starters.

UNC pass game vs. Syracuse pass defense

Ballhawk Syracuse safety Andre Cisco (12 career interceptions) was named a preseason All-American. Add in rangy corners Trill Williams and Ifeatu Melifonwu, and the Orange have three veteran returners for a group that was gashed at times in 2019 but did nab a helpful 13 interceptions.

Sam Howell, the star UNC sophomore quarterback, has a bevy of talent at wide receiver, and the team’s looking to involve its running backs more, too. A conference opponent is a nice first test for Howell, who ended 2019 on a tear, completing 71 percent of his passes for 695 yards and six touchdowns against one interception in blowout wins against N.C. State and Temple.

Syracuse run game vs. UNC run defense

As mentioned earlier, the Orange lost Howard (337 yards) and Durham Hillside alum Adams (336) to opt-outs. Add in the graduation of stalwart back Moe Neal, and the team will be leaning on its fourth back on last year’s roster, Jawhar Jordan (15 carries, 105 yards). DeVito, at 6-foot-2, is a capable runner.

Defensive end Jason Strowbridge and tackle Aaron Crawford, both seniors, were clear leaders for UNC’s upper-middle-tier run defense last season. The Tar Heels are now planning on a rotation of young and old on the line. Linebackers Chazz Surratt and Jeremiah Gemmel provide plenty of second-level backup.

Syracuse pass game vs. UNC pass defense

North Carolina’s defensive backfield stayed full and talented even after three COVID-19 opt-outs. The Tar Heels didn’t excel in rushing the passer last season but 14 interceptions were a plus to what often amounted to a bend-don’t-break gameplan. Depth this year will help.

DeVito had two signature wins in relief as a freshman — including one against UNC — and was efficient but not earth-shattering as a sophomore. He was one of just seven Power Five quarterbacks to throw 19+ touchdowns with less than five picks. The Orange tend to feature their No. 1 receiver heavily, and Taj Harris (559 yards) fits that role. Nykeim Johnson is an interesting option out of the slot if healthy.

UNC special teams vs. Syracuse special teams

North Carolina may waffle this season between kickers Noah Ruggles (19 of 27) and Grayson Atkins. Punter Ben Kiernan helped the Tar Heels mostly neutralize punt returners last season, and the Tar Heels will use a mix of their starting backs and receivers in the return game.

The 5-foot-8 Johnson is a shifty returner for the Orange, and Andre Szmyt made 17 of 20 kicks last year after bursting onto the scene as a freshman and drilling 30 of 34 en route to a Lou Groza Award. Syracuse graduated Sterling Hofritcher, its second consecutive punter drafted into the NFL.

UNC intangibles vs. Syracuse intangibles

Is the hype real? UNC coach Mack Brown posed that exact question earlier this week.

UNC is ranked in the preseason AP Top 25 for the first time since 2016 and widely expected to best its 7-6 record from last season. Brown has been stellar in season openers — 25-6, 9-2 at UNC — and last year’s win against South Carolina was both an emotional comeback and a huge boost for the program’s national pedigree. A comfortable win against the Orange would be a tone-setter.

Syracuse has won its last six season openers and eight of its last 10. As a heavy underdog in both this game and the preseason poll — the Orange were picked to finish 14th of 15 teams — Dino Babers’ squad has plenty of doubters. Can that fuel the Orange?

This story was originally published September 11, 2020 at 9:16 AM.