ACC Game of the Year

This is a big revenge game for UNC and their defense. They were eaten alive by GA Tech last year. However defensive coordinator Vic Koenning has a long reputation for his defenses improving in their second year as it takes time to learn his complicated 4-2-5.

Only UNC has played a quality opponent. Yes the Yellow Jackets unveiled a diamond formation last week against lowly Duke, but while the new wrinkle may pay dividends long-term, this is the best team Tech has faced by far and they will struggle with their new schemes against a defense more comfortable in theirs.

Also UNC has a year under their belt on with Larry Fedora and his up-tempo offense. The Jackets have Virginia Tech, Miami, and BYU on the horizon, the latter two road games. So the chalks are beginning their first tough stretch in which they play three conference games in 12 days.

North Carolina began spending extra practice time on Georgia Tech's spread option offense over the summer. This game is truly a circled one.