3 Biggest X-Factors for UNC to Defeat Syracuse

After taking down the rival Duke Blue Devils last week, the North Carolina Tar Heels are returning home feeling very confident.

The Tar Heels have won two straight games, holding a record of 4-2 for the season so far. Over the last two weeks, North Carolina has looked much better, with the team showing signs of life on both sides of the ball.

Head coach Bill Belichick has his players ready to go each week, and he's showing improvement as a coach, too. But as the team gets ready for a game against the Syracuse Orange, they will need to be careful.

Syracuse is 2-4 on the year, but teams like this can be dangerous on any given week.

Here are three of the biggest X-Factors for the Tar Heels to avoid the upset this week:

1. Don't Overlook Syracuse

With a game against the No. 1 team in the country, the Miami Hurricanes, next week, this could be a trap for Belichick and company. Even with the game being played at home, the Tar Heels are going to have to take Syracuse seriously throughout, taking care of business.

North Carolina doesn't want to have a letdown at home against the Orange, giving themselves more confidence against Miami if they can grab the win. The Tar Heels have all the tools to get the victory this week, but now they just have to earn it out on the field.

2. Billy Edwards Jr. Limits the Turnovers

So far this season, Edwards has thrown for 1260 yards with nine touchdowns and five interceptions. Edwards took care of the ball against the Blue Devils a week ago, and it helped lead this team to a win.

Against the Orange, the signal-caller will need to do more of the same. If he can do this, North Carolina could come away with another win on the season.

3. Xavier Lewis Takeover

North Carolina has one of the better defensive players in the entire country in Xavier Lewis, and he has been special for this team this season. Lewis has recorded 30 total tackles (10 for loss) and seven sacks over six games for the Tar Heels.

If Lewis can get himself going again in this contest, it could allow North Carolina to pick up another strong win. Lewis is the big catalyst for the Tar Heels on defense, and how he plays tends to help others on the unit as well.