Kirk Herbstreits tabs North Carolina as College Football Playoff sleeper

If there is a “forgotten” team in the ACC when it comes to the College Football Playoff, ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit believes it’s North Carolina. After Florida State‘s start to the season with wins and Clemson and LSU, they have gotten a lot of hype. But the Tar Heels are 5-0 and have an impressive resume of their own.

Herbstreit points out there is some experience on the North Carolina roster, most notably quarterback Drake Maye. He mentioned them as a sleeper to make the CFP at this point, heading into Week 7.

However, the struggles from last season really came at the line of scrimmage — mainly on the defensive end. After seeing them live in the opener against South Carolina, Herbstreit came away impressed and believes they are legit.

“I think there is a team there that has some experience based on some expectations a year ago,” Herbstreit said on Tuesday. “They came into this year with those same lofty expectations.

“I saw them on Opening Night… I was blown away by them in the trenches and the way they can move around on defense. You get caught up in the skill of North Carolina but how are they up front?”

Maye was sacked an average of 3.1 times per game last season. To this point, the offensive line is holding up a bit better and the number is down to 2.2. Protecting slightly better can make a huge difference when you have a quarterback such as Maye and the weapons Herbstreit mentioned.

On the defensive end, North Carolina has been much better against the run on a per-play basis. Giving up 4.5 yards per carry finished worst in the ACC in 2022. This year sees the stat down nearly a whole yard, coming in at 3.7 YPC.

Small improvements really can be the difference when talking about the line of scrimmage.

Remaining North Carolina schedule sets up for run

When talking College Football Playoff this early in the season, you have to weigh the schedule every team has in front of them. North Carolina has a few tests along the way, beginning with Saturday at home against Miami.

Those are tests the Tar Heels have a chance of passing though. Playing at Clemson will be the one everyone circles on the calendar but two in-state rivalries could be crucial toward earning a spot come Selection Sunday.

“Rivalry game on (Nov.) 11th against Duke,” Herbstreit said. “You got to go to Death Valley, which is never easy. And then end the year against NC State. I’m not saying they’re walking through that. I’m just saying they got a legitimate shot to keep their wits about them and potentially make a run. Maybe meet up with Florida State in the ACC Championship.”