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Carolina Kickoff: Week 1 vs. South Carolina

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Brant Wilkerson-New|
USA TODAY Sports

Welcome to the Friday Kickoff, where we’ll take a quick look at Carolina’s matchup and set up the rest of the college football weekend in the ACC and around the nation.

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)

Carolina game notes | South Carolina game notes | Series History

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

What they're saying...

I think they’ve got the really good quarterback, he’s experienced, he’s an older guy, he’s a smart guy as a coach’s kid. They’re big up front on defense and you start looking at what these guys can do, (Jake) Bentley has been around a long time. There’s a huge receiver, (Bryan) Edwards … he’s a guy they’re going to go to. I think they spread them out, they run the ball and try to get us in one-on-one situations and then Bentley is really accurate so he’s going to try to get the ball to his big backs on the edge in the passing game, run it up inside then throw it to Edwards. Football is not complicated; people are. We’ve got to figure all that out. - Mack Brown
They’re very talented; the strength of the defense is up front. Their defensive line, as I well know, I played them four games ago, they’re exceptional, led by (Javon Kinlaw). He’s a scheme changer. You have to adapt everything you do to a player like that and he’s got a good supporting cast with him on the d-line.

They have a lot of experience. (Israel Mukuamu) is 6-4, 6-5, he’s tall, he’s long. If he gets his hands on you, it’s hard to run routes on him. He’s an issue. Overall, they match up well with us.

The most important battle on the field is going to be our offensive line and their defensive line, that’s probably the biggest matchup in the game for us on Saturday. — Phil Longo

Pregame reading

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.

In the Footprint

Friday

Utah State at Wake Forest, 8 p.m. (ACC Network)

A sneaky fun offensive matchup as the Aggies ranked 11th in total offense last season while the Deacons were 28th. The total is set at 60, so take the over.

Saturday

ECU at N.C. State, Noon (ACC Network)

It was 58-3 when these teams met last December. It'll be closer in Mike Houston's debut as the Pirates' coach, but maybe not by much.

Boise State at Florida State, Noon (ESPN News)

With Hurricane Dorian approaching, this game moves from Jacksonville to Tallahassee and should be the most interesting matchup in the noon window.

Duke vs. No. 2 Alabama, 3:30 p.m., Atlanta (ABC)

Thoughts and prayers to the Blue Devils.

Virginia Tech at Boston College, 4 p.m. (ACC Network)

Not a sexy matchup nationally, but this one has implications for two coaches + programs that need wins early.

No. 22 Syracuse at Liberty, 6 p.m. (ESPN+)

We know the Orange is going to be good, but get ready to meet the Flames and quarterback Buckshot Calvert, who can sling it around the yard a little.

Virginia at Pittsburgh, 7:30 p.m. (ACC Network)

The Hoos are the Coastal favorite, but have lost four straight to the Panthers. This one is going to be a rock fight.

Monday

No. 9 Notre Dame at Louisville, 8 p.m. (ESPN)

Scott Satterfield won't be getting a friendly welcome in his first game leading the Cardinals.

Notable Nationally

Find the weekly schedule grid by time + channel here

Saturday

No. 11 Oregon vs. No. 16 Auburn, 7:30 p.m., Arlington, Texas (ABC)

The premier matchup of opening weekend features a potential Heisman contender in Oregon QB Justin Herbert vs. the Tigers, who are perpetually one win from the Playoff or one loss from firing Gus Malzahn. Choose your own adventure!

No. 3 Georgia at Vanderbilt, 7:30 p.m., (ESPN)

It's not the best, but hey, it's SEC football and the Bulldogs have established themselves as one of the five programs ready to contend for a title every season.

New Mexico State at No. 23 Washington State, 10 p.m. (Pac 12 Networks)

When your're back home from Charlotte or enjoying a nightcap, flip on the Cougars and find out which Mike Leach quarterback will be the next to put up absurd numbers. This game won't be close, though.

Sunday

Houston at No. 4 Oklahoma, 7:30 p.m. (ABC)

Grad transfer Jalen Hurts gets the start for the Sooners and he'll try to be the third straight Oklahoma quarterback to win the Heisman Trophy. Meanwhile, the Cougars start over with offensive mastermind Dana Holgorsen at the helm.

Upset Alert

James Madison at West Virginia, 2 p.m. Saturday 

The Dukes have gone 37-6 over the past three seasons with a national title and a runner-up finish. First-year coach Curt Cignetti's team begins with a No. 2 ranking in the FCS poll and gets a shot at the Mountaineers as they begin a reboot under Coach Neal Brown.

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Brant Wilkerson-New
BRANT WILKERSON-NEW

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