UNC Football: Games to watch on September 10th

There’s no way around it, team; we took one on the chin last week. The Heels lost in Atlanta and Las Vegas, Mitch Trubisky may not be elite just yet, and both Duke and State won. Woof.

The good news is we got that out of our system early, and this Saturday presents yet another opportunity for a perfect day of college football. So, as you’re planning out your Saturday, here’s what Carolina fans should be watching throughout the day:

12:00 Slot:

NC State at ECU (ESPNU)

The Tar Heels have consistently stated that one of their goals for this season is to win the “state championship.” Well, although ECU isn’t on Carolina’s schedule, I think we basically have to consider this a tournament game. Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium is going to be rocking for this one, and you better believe I’ll be watching.

Other options for the early slate include Penn State at Pittsburgh, or Nicholls at Georgia (unfortunately, we’re all Dawgs fans now…). It’s not the best set of games, but there’s enough to keep me interested.

3:30 Slot:

Wake Forest at Duke (ESPNU)

This is another big matchup of two teams jockeying for early position in the mythical state championship race. Technically, because Wake isn’t on the Heels’ schedule, we should be rooting for Duke; however, I’ll leave that one up to you and your conscience.

Honestly, nothing else really jumps out at me on the late afternoon slate. Sure, you could watch Mercer at Georgia Tech to get another look at the Yellow Jackets, but I may very well use this time to interact with something other than a television before I hunker down for the evening.

7:30 Slot:

UNC at Illinois (Big Ten Network)

Duh. This is a huge bounce back game for the good guys. Let’s give the #MitchTruWhiskey mojo boost one more try before we switch tactics. Or, if you’re driving this weekend, I’d also recommend some M.J. Stewart’s Root Beer, or a nice Nazair Jones Soda. (Once again, I’ll see myself out).

If you’re lucky enough to have a second screen handy, I’d strongly recommend checking out Virginia Tech vs. Tennessee in the Battle at Bristol. The largest crowd ever for a college football game, the first game ever held inside a NASCAR track, and another look at a Coastal Division Rival; yep, this is more than worthy of some screen time.

10:30 Slot:

UVA at Oregon (ESPN)

Oh baby, this one could get ugly. After losing handily to Richmond a week ago (Roll Spide), the Wahoos are a 24.5-point underdog against the 24^th ranked Ducks. This is another situation where my head says we should be rooting for a big #GoACC upset, but my heart kind of enjoys watching UVA get boat raced on national TV. Whichever side of the fence you fall on, this should be a fun game to watch.

That wraps up a decidedly boring day of college football. Hopefully when you head to bed Saturday night, the Tar Heels are 1-1, Georgia looks like a title contender, and NC State will have done something that we can all laugh about. Football gods, if you’re listening, please make it so.