Plenty has been made about North Carolina QB Sam Howell, who is a Heisman candidate, and a relatively strong returning cast for the Tar Heels following their breakout 8-win season under coach Mack Brown. But its worth noting the roster losses UNC does have are significant, including all four of their top playmakers. Running backs Javonte Williams and Michael Carter were taken in the NFL draft and the down-hill offense is predicated on a power run game. Moreover, a defense that yielded 40 or more points 4 times is a concern. If Hokies coach Justin Fuente wants to see his proverbial hot seat cool down a little, this opener with the Lane Stadium home-field edge is practically a must-win.

The only hesitancy in taking North Carolina at less than a touchdown is the fact that this game is on the road at Lane Stadium, which should be wild for this showdown. On a neutral site, I have the Tar Heels as an 8-point favorite. Good thing that Sam Howell is a composed quarterback entering a season in which he's aiming to become one of the top players selected in the 2022 NFL Draft. North Carolina can take the wind out of Virginia Tech's sails early with a couple quick strikes, and I don't necessarily trust the Hokies defense to keep the visitors contained for four quarters. I do like a sprinkle on the under in addition to the spread bet here.

The Tar Heels have a ton to replace offensively around Sam Howell, but they're going up a defense that -- while talented -- was a hot mess last year. What's more, it feels like Justin Fuente's crew is on the brink of disaster after program turmoil and lack of on-field results over the last few seasons. I don't trust Hokies quarterback Braxton Burmeister to keep pace in what should be a shootout. This will be a double-digit win for the visiting Heels.

Virginia Tech ran the ball over 61% of the time last season, ranking 11th nationally in rushing rate on offense. That will be a key part of the game plan tonight as the Hokies try and keep North Carolina's explosive offense off the field. And it should work, as UNC's defense had difficulty stopping the run last season.

This line is soft at -5.5 for a North Carolina offense that returns the entire offensive line, Heisman candidate Sam Howell, and WR Khafre Brown. The Tarheels also welcome Ty Chandler who transfers from Tennessee. Virginia Tech takes a hit offensively with the loss of Khalil Herbert, but QB Braxton Burmeister will look to make up some of those rushing yards. Ultimately the Tar Heels should outscore the Hokies if the can force Burmeister to beat them with his arm. My simulations make the UNC -7.9 points better away from home. Lay it.

I hate to use 2020 as any kind of barometer, but because Virginia Tech has so many returning starters on both sides of the ball, I’m going to. The Hokies failed to cover both games in which they were underdogs and also lost as favorites on four occasions. North Carolina returns its entire offensive line, as well as a Heisman Trophy favorite in QB Sam Howell. Without Clemson being on the schedule, this is the toughest game for the Tar Heels until they visit Notre Dame on Oct. 30 and NC State in the season finale. Take North Carolina and lay the points.