The North Carolina Tar Heels have been given a strong prediction entering Week 2 against East Tennessee State.
The North Carolina Ter Heels are preparing to take on the East Tennessee State Buccaneers in Week 2 of the new college football season.
North Carolina was able to pick up a huge win against TCU to open the year in Week 0, giving them some revenge for a poor loss last year. But the Tar Heels have seen an eventful period of time since they last played.
The football program has come under investigation, with Michael Lombardi, the team's general manger resigning from his position. This has put the entire program under the microscape, with some believing that head coach Bill Belichick could be out next.
However, the Tar Heels have been trying to focus on the upcoming game against East Tennessee, rather than the investigation.
"We're so focused on everything internal and getting better on the field and getting better in the meeting room that we could care less about what we see in the headlines or what's on the news," running back Benjamin Hall said. "It's not going to affect this team."
It may be easier said than done, but North Carolina is looking to start the year 2-0. There will be a lot of pressure on the Tar Heels to come out strong in this game, following the off-the-field drama.
Entering the game, ESPN has given the Tar Heels a 98.5 percent chance to win this game. While North Carolina should win, they will have to treat the Buccaneers like any other team, giving them the same respect that they would if a top-ranked team were on the other sideline.
One area that the Tar Heels will need to work on this week is within the passing game. Against TCU, quarterback Billy Edwards only threw for 232 yards, with no touchdowns.
If Edwards can get into a rhythm early against the Buccaneers, it could set the tone for the game. The Tar Heels have had two weeks to prepare for this contest, offering them a good chance to get the win.
Like any game, nothing will come easy for North Carolina and they will have to earn their keep on the football field. But if they can start the year 2-0, it could go a long way in Belichick's second season, even with the ongoing investigation.
North Carolina and East Tennessee State will kick off at 9:00 a.m./12:00 p.m. ET from Kenan Memorial Stadium in Chapel Hill.
