First Look UNC-Wofford football: Top story lines, betting odds
North Carolina is still chasing bowl eligibility with two games left. The Tar Heels (5-5) step out of ACC play against Southern Conference foe Wofford (1-9) on Saturday at Kenan Stadium before the regular-season finale Nov. 26 at N.C. State.
The Terriers have struggled this season, but UNC coach Mack Brown is encouraging the Heels not to take a win for granted. Brown is getting his team prepared in part by pointing to the Samford-Florida game from Saturday. Samford, which beat Wofford 27-24, led the Gators by 14 points before eventually falling 70-52.
In a season where Carolina’s other goals have gone by the wayside, Brown stressed the importance of reaching a third straight bowl game.
“That’s really really important to us,” Brown said. “As young as we are, that we get the 13 extra practices and it prepares you better for next (year.)“
Going out with the seniors
The Heels will celebrate Senior Day with 21 players participating for their last home game. Among those honored will be junior quarterback Sam Howell, who will forgo his final year of eligibility to enter the NFL draft after the season.
Howell was injured in the Heels’ overtime loss at Pitt on Thursday and his status for Wofford might not be determined until Saturday. But his participation in the event makes it clear that no NIL deal or the allure of a run at the Heisman Trophy with a more veteran team next season was enticing enough to bring Howell back to Chapel Hill.
Running is what they do
The Terriers have been defined by their rushing offense. They’ve been ranked in the top 10 among Football Championship Subdivision schools for 22 straight seasons. Currently, they’re just outside of it at No. 13. Wofford averages 208.6 yards rushing per game.
Three Wofford players to watch
Irvin Mulligan, RB: The 5-foot-10, 205-pound back leads the team with 859 yards rushing and eight touchdowns.
Michael Mason, DL: Leads the Terriers with 2.5 sacks and is tied for the lead with 4 tackles for loss. Mason, who is 6-foot-3 and 270 pounds, was named all-Southern Conference first team last season and was on their preseason first team.
Peyton Derrick, QB: One of four different quarterbacks to start this season for Wofford, Derrick has made six starts. He had a career-high four touchdown passes in their overtime loss to The Citadel last week.
Three UNC players to watch
Jacolby Criswell, Drake Maye, QB: Should Howell not play, one of these backups will be making their first career start. Criswell has attempted just two passes this season, both in a win over Georgia State, for 54 yards and a touchdown. Maye has yet to attempt a pass in a game this season.
Josh Downs, WR: Needs just 114 receiving yards to record the most ever in a season at UNC. Hakeem Nicks currently holds the season-single record with 1,222 yards in 2008. Downs is also close to breaking the school record for catches in a season. He has 82, trailing Ryan Switzer’s mark of 96 set in 2016.
Ty Chandler, RB: Needs just 74 yards to reach 1,000 yards rushing for the first time in his career. Chandler would become the 31st player in UNC history to accomplish the feat.
North Carolina vs Wofford game and TV info
Who: UNC (5-5) vs. Wofford (1-9)
Where: Kenan Stadium, Chapel Hill
When: Noon, Saturday
TV: Bally Sports South
Stream: ESPN3
Vegas betting odds: UNC vs Wofford point spread
As of Monday night, there was no line on the game.