Score Predictions for West Virginia vs. North Carolina
The West Virginia Mountaineers (8-4) face the North Carolina Tar Heels (8-4) in the Duke's Mayo Bowl Wednesday evening, kickoff is slated for 5:30 and the action is broadcasting on ESPN.
Schuyler Callihan: West Virginia 33, North Carolina 30.
Garrett Greene and the West Virginia offense got rolling toward the end of the season with the exception of the Oklahoma game. As much as WVU would love to have CJ Donaldson available for this one, I don't believe his absence will truly impact the offense's efficiency. North Carolina's defense has many issues defensively both in the run and the pass game, so I expect the Mountaineers to move with ease and take several shots downfield.
On the flip side, Carolina running back Omarion Hampton may be the best running back West Virginia has seen this season aside from Ollie Gordon of Oklahoma State. The combination of him and QB Conner Harrell will cause problems.
West Virginia wins a tight one.
Christopher Hall: West Virginia 37, North Carolina 34
North Carlina starting quarterback Drake Maye declared for the NFL Draft and opted out of the bowl game and head coach Mack Brown will start freshman quarterback Conner Harrell, who has only thrown six passes on the season.
The Tar Heels are expected to lean on the running game with Omarion Hampton. The sophomore leads the ACC in rushing with 1,442 yards on the year.
West Virginia found its stride offensively and will have most of its playmakers available for the bowl game. However, the offense goes where quarterback Garrett Greene will lead them. The junior threw for 479 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 257 yards and five touchdowns in the final two games of the season.
This game may come down to the defense that makes the final stop, and I'll take the Mountaineer defense led by linebacker Lee Kogba and All-American cornerback Beanie Bishop. Mountaineers find a way to win late, 37-34.
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