Carolina Gameday: Week 1 vs. South Carolina

We're finally here.

Jim Dedmon - USA TODAY Sports

Carolina (0-0) vs. South Carolina (0-0)

Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte

3:30 p.m., ESPN (PxP: Bob Wischusen; Analyst: Dan Orlovsky; Sideline: Allison Williams) 

WATCH | LISTEN

Carolina game notes | South Carolina game notes | Series History

BetOnline Spread: South Carolina -11 | O/U: 63

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Spotlight Story

Sam Howell's recruitment came to a "crazy" ending, allowing him to stay close to home the man who inspired his work ethic.

Scouting South Carolina

It's pretty clear what the Gamecocks and Javon Kinlaw want to do, but will the Tar Heels be able to stop it?

The Two-Sentence Drill

The second Mack Brown era begins with cautious optimism for the Tar Heels and a stout opponent from the SEC. Today is more about the quality of the on-field product than the result.

Carolina can win if...

• The Tar Heels have turned the page on the Larry Fedora era and the crushing blows to their confidence over the past two seasons.
• Sam Howell completes a few passes early, gets his feet under him and plays within Phil Longo's gameplan while trusting his playmakers.
• Defensive players are communicating at a high level in their first game in Jay Bateman's system, which leans heavily on disguising looks to appear more complex than they are.
• The trio of running backs operates like it's supposed to, with a healthy rotation keeping each player fresh.
• The new strength and conditioning program from Brian Hess can help keep Carolina's starters on the field on a 90-degree day. From 1-11, the Tar Heels have the talent to compete with most teams, but depth is a concern.

Carolina won't win if...

• The stage is too big for the Tar Heels' reshuffled offensive line, featuring three new starters alongside Charlie Heck and Nick Polino, who's moving to center. The strength of the Gamecock defense is up front.
• It is forced to bring an extra safety into the box to slow down Tavien Feaster and Rico Dowdle, giving Jake Bentley one-on-one matchups downfield, particularly for Bryan Edwards.
• The same lack of focus and attention to detail that plagued the program over the past two seasons in penalties and other mistakes shows up.

What would a win mean for Carolina?

Return of the Mack, indeed.

Not only would the Heels be getting that "early big game" monkey off their backs, they'd be making a major statement in the regional recruiting landscape and putting the rest of their schedule on notice.

A victory would set the stage for a wild homecoming in Brown's first home game against Miami next week, and instantly, expectations for this season would change from a building-block season to becoming a bowl team.

What would a loss mean for Carolina?

Several more years of bad "The real Carolina" jokes, for starters.

A loss here wouldn't be black and white for Carolina, because based on the past two years, a narrow loss would certainly be a sign of progress, but a blowout would certainly take a little wind out of the sails after months of optimism for the future.

A steamy afternoon kickoff in August against an SEC program — in front of what will likely be a pro-Gamecocks crowd — is a tough ask for a team with a new coaching staff, a true freshman quarterback and several youngsters in key spots on the depth chart.

If you're making a list of six wins the Tar Heels must have to get bowl eligible this season, this one probably isn't on it. On to next week.

Pregame Beer

Bank of America Stadium is in an ideal location for a 3:30 p.m. kick, with plentiful options for enjoying a beverage before the tailgate.

HeelsMaven is partial to enjoying a drink a few blocks away at Valhalla Pub, for a great local beer selection, or Belfast Mill, an authentic Irish pub.

You certainly can't go wrong with the nearby brewery scene, either, with both The Unknown and Wooden Robot nearby.

Mack Brown's media availability following Wednesday's practice.

Weekly press conferences with Phil Longo and Jay Bateman.

Sam Howell confident in first weekly press conference. in the secondary

Cam'Ron Kelly will provide an immediate boost in the secondary.

Brown, Heels looking for vocal leadership from a quiet team.

Chazz Surratt isn't looking back as he turns the page, begins new chapter at linebacker.

After losing all of 2018 to injury, Aaron Crawford is savoring the opportunity to lead the Heels in his last run.