Morgantown, WV – After being the surprise of the Big 12 Conference, the West Virginia Mountaineers will wrap up their 2023 season in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl against the North Carolina Tar Heels. It’s the first time since 2008 that the two sides have met, and only the 3rd time overall.
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Where: Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, NC)
Channel: ESPN
Line: WVU (-6.5)
Key Storylines
- UNC Quarterback Drake Maye will not play in the game due to preparations for the NFL Draft.
- UNC will also be without multiple key players on both sides of the ball.
- WVU will be without Running Back CJ Donaldson and Center Zach Frazier due to injuries.
- WVU will be searching for first bowl win since 2020 Autozone Liberty Bowl over Army (24-21).
What to Watch For
- WVU’s ground game against UNC’s struggling rush defense. Can the Mountaineers control the tempo?
- WVU’s secondary against UNC’s passing attack. Even without Maye, can the Mountaineers slow down the Tar Heels?
- Can UNC keep up despite losses at several key positions?
Prediction
This game will be a lot closer than many are expecting. The Tar Heels may be down several players, but they have talent remaining. The Mountaineers will have to fight this one out, but Jordan Lesley’s defense will make the stops when it matters in the end.
WVU 34, UNC 30
(Photo by WVU Athletics)
