North Carolina hosts James Madison in quest for 4-0 start

North Carolina is set to host James Madison on Saturday at noon ET, aiming for a second consecutive 4-0 start to the season. The Tar Heels are currently 3-0, having recently secured a victory against North Carolina Central. In contrast, James Madison enters the game with a 2-0 record, having won their opening games against Charlotte and Gardner-Webb, followed by a bye week. This matchup is crucial for both teams as they seek to establish momentum early in the season. A key aspect of the game will be the performance of James Madison's run defense against North Carolina's standout running back, Omarion Hampton. The Dukes have allowed an average of 120 rushing yards per game, ranking fourth among Sun Belt teams. Hampton, who is currently sixth nationally in rushing average, has been a significant contributor to UNC's offense, highlighted by his impressive 210-yard performance last week. Players to watch include George Pettaway from James Madison, who previously played for UNC and has shown promise with a touchdown and solid yardage in his first two games. For North Carolina, quarterback Jacolby Criswell is expected to play a pivotal role, having returned to the team after a stint at Arkansas. Both teams have their strengths, with James Madison noted for their strong turnover margin and discipline on penalties. Historically, North Carolina has dominated this series, leading 3-0. The outcome of this game could have implications for both teams' standings in their respective conferences, as they look to build on their early-season successes and position themselves for future challenges.