GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: Defensive leaders DEs Malik Carney and Tyler Powell and LB Cole Holecomb will be looking to contain Western Carolina QB Tyrie Adams. In 10 games, Adams has averaged over 300 yards in total offense in passing for over 212 yards and rushing for over 90 a game. He has completed 63.9 percent of his passes with 16 for touchdowns against only six interceptions.
DRAFT SLANT
–DE Malik Carney continues to enhance his draft prospects with solid play. His fumble recovery (forced by him) stopped a Duke drive at North Carolina’s 24-yard line in the third quarter. He was credited with eight tackles and two pass breakups against the Blue Devils, giving him 47 tackles for the season, including 5.5 sacks.
ROSTER REPORT:
–QB Cade Fortin, a true freshman who was been out with an injury, came in for one play against Duke, and coach Larry Fedora may be second-guessing the decision. It left Fortin with only one more game to play without it costing him a year’s eligibility. “If you look back on it, we didn’t win the game and we didn’t complete the pass,” Fedora said, “so you could say no, there’s no reason to put him in the game and move on.” Fortin was available only for “emergency” situations, but Fedora wouldn’t say if he would have the same role this week. “Don’t know that yet,” the coach said.
–WR Anthony Ratliff-Williams recorded his first rushing touchdown of the season with a 13-yard run in the first quarter. He has two receiving touchdowns for the year.
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