North Carolina vs. Appalachian State prediction, preview: Who wins, and why?

What to expect as North Carolina and Appalachian State meet in this Week 2 college football game along with our updated score predictions

A rematch of a crazy 124-point game from early last season is ready to kick off this weekend, this time on campus at Kenan Stadium as Appalachian State goes on the road to tangle with No. 17 ranked North Carolina in college football's Week 2 game action on Saturday.

A year ago, App State piled on 40, yes 40, fourth quarter points in a shootout that ultimately went Carolina's way in a frantic 63-61 result. But with the departure of Mountaineers quarterback Chase Brice and what looks like some tighter defense from the Tar Heels, this rematch projects to be a little more tame.

What can you expect from the matchup? Here's what you need to know for when North Carolina and App State meet, along with our Week 2 game predictions.

North Carolina vs. Appalachian State prediction, preview

North Carolina vs. App State predictions / USA Today Images

How to watch

When: Sat., Sept. 9
Time: 5:15 p.m. Eastern
TV: ACC Network
Stream live: fuboTV (Try for free)

North Carolina vs. Appalachian State game odds

Courtesy of SI Sportsbook

Line: North Carolina -19.5
Total: 58.5 points
ML: UNC -1613 | APP +650
FPI pick: North Carolina 91.5%

Related: North Carolina vs. App State picks, predictions, Week 2 college football betting lines

What to watch for

1. Tar Heels defensive resurgence. A year ago, Carolina's defense was a punch line, but in last week's opener, the unit played an inspired game, racking up 9 sacks against the Gamecocks, more than half of last season's entire total for the team (17), and a team single-game record since sacks were first recorded at the start of the century. Giving the Mountaineers a variety of looks before the snap and continuing to build that aggressive first step is crucial to maintaining that progress.

2. Apps will run the ball. Carolina will get a good test against a Mountaineer attack that, after losing quarterback Chase Brice, is looking to gain the advantage by putting the ball in the hands of their backs. The first test showed positive results, as App State piled up 150 yards in the opener. Junior back Nate Noel is the No. 1 option here after he ran for 117 yards in Week 1.

3. Looking beyond Tez. NCAA brass declined to grant wide receiver Tez Walker's eligibility request, a move met with widespread criticism, including from UNC coach Mack Brown, who went nuclear in his reaction, saying the NCAA has no right to govern college football at all. That will cut into Carolina's aerial attack as Walker was projected to be Drake Maye's top target. Maye threw two uncharacteristic second-half INTs in the opener, but still spread the ball around, to 9 different receivers. He needs more from the WR room while also relying on backs British Brooks, who went over 100 yards last week, and Omarion Hampton, who ran for 2 TDs.

North Carolina vs. Appalachian State prediction

Maybe not 9 sacks this time, but the Tar Heels should own the physicality edge at the line of scrimmage defensively and have the bodies on the outside to compress the pocket and force App State's new quarterback into a few hurried throws, and largely contain its ground attack after holding the Gamecocks to -2 yards in the opener.

From there, Maye should have plenty of throwing lanes to work with in the deeper third of the field and a complement of rushers who can churn out moderate gains all day and keep the chains moving on money downs.

College Football HQ picks...

• North Carolina wins 39-23
• Doesn't cover the spread
• And hits the over

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