UNC headed to Miami without an array of standout players who opted out. Minus RBs Michael Carter and Javonte Williams, the top leftover rusher gained just 65 yards. WR Dyami Brown, the No. 6 receiver in the FBS, and LB Chazz Surratt, the Tar Heels’ leader in tackles, also took a pass. UNC is capable of quick scoring strikes, but A&M’s ball-hogging will limit them. The Aggies rank third nationally in time of possession. They have the motivational edge, too, eager to show the selection committee why they should have been chosen over Notre Dame.

North Carolina’s No. 4 offense took a huge blow with their top three offensive weapons sitting this one out. RB Jevonte Williams' 1,140 yards and team-leading 19 touchdowns are gone. So are RB Michael Carter and his team-leading 1,245 yards and leading receiver Dylan Brown and his 1,099 yards. That’s a lot of pressure on QB Sam Howell, and we saw how Florida QB Kyle Trask struggled in a similar spot three days ago. The UNC rhythm is compromised. Texas A&M is the play.

ORANGE BOWL -- This is a lot of points to give Heels QB Sam Howell, the likely first overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, but UNC has been gutted by opt outs. That includes the spectacular running back tandem of Javonte Williams and Michael Carter, leading receiver Dyami Brown and leading tackler in linebacker Chazz Surratt. The Aggies want to show the CFP committee it was wrong for not putting them at No. 4 over Notre Dame.

This is the biggest North Carolina game in generations and it's going to show on Saturday night. The Tar Heels will dictate the style and pace of this game, which will make it a battle of quarterbacks. I trust Sam Howell much more than Kellen Mond in a shootout. Take the Tar Heels, grab the points and consider a money line sprinkle.

ORANGE BOWL -- Texas A&M has played as well as anyone in the country over the back stretch of the regular season. In this game, it faces an offense that will be without some of its studs at running back, making it difficult for North Carolina to find the balance necessary to knock off the Aggies. Also, the Tar Heels' defense will have a hard time stopping Texas A&M's ground attack.