The article argues that North Carolina are attractive underdogs against TCU in their Week 0 college football match in Dublin, despite the Tar Heels’ 4–8 record and 48–14 loss to TCU last season. Its central case is that Bill Belichick’s coaching, a stronger recruiting class and the unusual demands of an overseas fixture could give North Carolina an edge over Sonny Dykes’s Horned Frogs.

North Carolina return less production than TCU, ranking 103rd nationally compared with TCU’s 69th, but are rated higher for overall talent, 31st against 40th. TCU must replace quarterback Josh Hoover and leading receiver Eric McAlister, while North Carolina have added former Maryland and Wisconsin quarterback Billy Edwards; TCU’s new starter, Harvard transfer Jaden Craig, faces a major step up in competition. The writer predicts a 27–20 North Carolina win and recommends backing the Tar Heels at +9 and on the moneyline at +275.