UNC Football: One Last Time in Kenan

The North Carolina Tar Heels face a must-win on Saturday against Mercer. The Heels must win out to qualify for a bowl and they cannot look ahead quite yet.

With that being said, Carolina is a 39-point favorite and should take care of business Saturday afternoon.

Therefore, the x-factor this week is not something schematic or particular player or position group matchups on the field, but rather the players who will be stepping on to the field in Kenan for the final time.

Myles Dorn will have his 31st career start against Mercer and will have appeared in every single game in his career in which he was healthy. It is an understatement to say that he has been a critical piece of the Carolina defensive backfield for four years.

Charlie Heck will also start for the 31st time at UNC. The anchor of the offensive line, he will be showcased a few more times before working towards his shot at the NFL.

For Jason Strowbridge, another multi-year starter, the matchup advantage on the line may allow him to tack on to a productive season on the d-line.

For Antonio Williams, a frustrating season with nagging injuries can end on a high note. He has a chance to carry some momentum into the game against the Bears after a 107-yard rushing performance last week.

Nick Polino, after a potentially season-ending injury, will be able to finish out the season on his terms, taking the field with his teammates.

The final home game will provide the students, alumni, and fans an opportunity to thank the team for a season in which expectations grew and there was a shot to win each time.

Let’s congratulate the seniors and get one step closer to bowl eligibility.