I'm gonna keep this real and put down my orange and green colored glasses for a second...
Don't let our performance against Duke cloud your judgment. UNC is the best offense we will face all season (better than Clemson IMO) They have a pro caliber QB and multiple weapons at RB, WR and TE with excellent depth. The only thing holding UNC back from being elite is their O-line. I've watched them play multiple times and I expect our LBs and secondary to be challenged and gashed from time to time. We will have our hands full.
A critical key to slowing UNC down is the play of our defensive line, especially the tackles who will be called upon to stop the run and make UNC one dimensional. We need both Ford and JHH back for this game. We can't rely on just Nesta playing the entire time. Also, Dunson or whomever is covering the third WR will get picked on constantly. Unlike the Duke game, you can't hide our inexperienced backs this week. Our horrendous CB recruiting over the last few years might comeback to bite us in the ***. We will need to make in-game adjustments to limit damage. Manny, and to a much lesser extent Blake, have a decent history of adjusting after getting gashed in the first half. Keep your fingers crossed that they do the same this weekend.
Much has been made about the intangibles for this game (Manny vs Mack, revenge for last year, etc.). But, this game is huge for UNC. If they beat us, they will ruin our season and possibly leapfrog us for bowl consideration. Don't underestimate their motivation to beat our ***...
As for UNC's defense...well I like that matchup....