North Carolina bowl game lookahead: What to know, key matchup, betting line
After a tough end to the regular season, North Carolina defensive coordinator Gene Chizik did get some early Christmas cheer.
Defensive end Kaimon Rucker announced he would not enter the 2024 NFL Draft but would return for another season and would play in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl against West Virginia.
Defensive tackle Myles Murphy said he would enter the draft. But unlike some others — Drake Maye, Cedric Gray, Tez Walker and Corey Gaynor — who already are preparing for the NFL, Murphy said he wanted to be on the field Wednesday for the bowl game at Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium (5:30 p.m., ESPN).
“In this day and age, when you see so many opt out (of bowls), it’s really good and refreshing to see a guy who could have, and he could have, say, ‘No, I’m coming back to play.’ He wanted to play one more game,” Chizik said after a recent bowl practice.
“No judgment on anybody who doesn’t but definitely kudos for guys who do.”
Gray’s absence from the bowl was expected. In fact, Chizik expected the linebacker to turn pro a year ago. After an All-ACC season, Gray is all set for a try at the next level.
But imagine game-planning for West Virginia (8-4) without two of your best defensive linemen available. The Mountaineers finished third in the FBS in rushing with 234.3 yards a game and 31 rushing touchdowns.
They’ll be a handful, anyway. But without Rucker and Murphy?
Rucker said on Dec. 22 that he would return for a fifth season at UNC and had some fun doing it. He posted a video on social media in which he first said he was leaving for the NFL. He then had a “messin’ with y’all” moment, popping back on camera to say, “Actually, you know what, I kind of lied. College football, they ain’t ready for ‘The Butcher” to leave yet.”
Rucker was a second-team All-ACC pick this season after putting up 8.5 sacks and 14 tackles for losses.
UNC player to watch: Amare Campbell
Cedric Gray and Power Echols, Power Echols and Cedric Gray. For the past two years that has been the tandem taking all the meaningful snaps at linebacker for UNC — No. 33 (Gray) and No. 23 (Echols).
But it will be Campbell, No. 17, lining up next to Echols in Charlotte. Lower-level bowls are evolving into previews for the next season for younger playes and this will be one for Campbell, a 6-0, 230-pound freshman.
Chizik calls him a cerebral player and conceded, “He should have played more this year. He’s beyond his years understanding concepts on defense.”
Key matchup: Conner Harrell vs WVU defense
Speaking of potential previews, this is a big one for Harrell. The quarterback watched Drake Maye skillfully run the offense this season and studied how he adjusted to different defensive looks and pressures.
“Drake had a great influence on him,” offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey said.
Now, Maye is gone. It’s his show to run against West Virginia, in a bowl, on ESPN.
“It’s different when you know ‘I am the guy’ and the one they’re counting on.” Lindsey said. “He’s always prepared well. He’s that kind of person.
“It has been a different feel for him, but I think I have seen a more confident Conner, probably because he’s the guy who’s going out with that first group. I really like the way he’s responded.”
“This is a great opportunity for him. He’s waited for this opportunity and hopefully he’ll play well.”
Harrell had 21 snaps in five games this season. The redshirt freshman will get a lot more Wednesday. Then it’s on to spring ball and competing against transfer QB Max Johnson to stay QB1.
The betting odds
ESPN has West Virginia as a 6.5-point favorite. The moneyline: UNC (+210), West Virginia (-250). ESPN noted West Virginia is 0-8 against the spread in its past eight bowl games.
How to watch
The game will be televised by ESPN on cable outlets. It will be streamed by fuboTV. DirecTV Stream and SlingTV.
Duke’s Mayo Bowl
North Carolina (8-4) vs West Virginia (8-4)
When: Wednesday, Dec. 27, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte
TV: ESPN.
This story was originally published December 26, 2023 at 6:00 AM.
