3 Bold Predictions for Appalachian State vs UNC

Former Appalachian State head man Mack Brown (oh, right, and he coached at a few other schools, too) was on the verge of going 3-0 in his first year back in college football, but his North Carolina Tar Heels lost in heartbreaking fashion to ACC foe Wake Forest. Brown has yet another difficult task ahead of him, facing off with one of the best Group of 5 teams in the country, as he faces Eliah Drinkwitz and the Sun Belt champion Mountaineers.

3. Darrynton Evans Runs for 200 Yards and Two Touchdowns

Appalachian State v Georgia Southern / Chris Thelen/Getty Images

Under Drinkwitz, Evans has exploded, running for 333 yards in his first two games on an astonishing 10.1 yards per carry. North Carolina has their strengths, but stopping the run is not one of them. Look for App State to go to Evans early and often.

2. Sam Howell Throws Three Touchdown Passes

South Carolina v North Carolina / Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

You wouldn't know it by watching him play, but Tar Heels quarterback Sam Howell is a true freshman. He has thrown six touchdowns without an interception in his first three starts, two of which he won. The loss of their best cornerback in Clifton Duck does not bode well for their troubled secondary, and Howell could be in for a big day throwing the ball.

1. App State Pulls Off the Upset

R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl / Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Howell is a terrific young quarterback, but Drinkwitz has his own star to lean in in Zac Thomas. Be it with his arm or legs, Thomas has proven that he can win games late, under both Drinkwitz or Scott Satterfield. The Mountaineers will have to contend with Howell and running back Javonte Williams, but Thomas has enough juice in his arm to make some big throws and lead the Mountaineers to an upset win in Chapel Hill.