North Carolina opens ACC play with a home game versus Pittsburgh in a game that could eventually decide which team wins the Coastal Division title.

The Panthers entering 2-1 after defeating Villanova and Penn State at home and losing at Oklahoma State last weekend. The Tar Heels are also 2-1 with an opening loss to Georgia in the Georgia Dome followed by wins at Illinois and at home over James Madison.

Here is what THI’s staff and this week’s guest picker believes will happen:

Guest Picker - lerario

In a classic Strength vs. Weakness matchup for both offenses, Kenan Stadium's new LED scoreboards will be put to the test. Despite reinforcements on the way, UNC's defense will struggle to contain James Connor and Pitt's Jet Sweep package, but the Tar Heels' offense is hitting its stride and could feast on a vulnerable Pitt secondary. Big plays through the air and a few timely defensive stands key a critical win for the Heels. Prediction: UNC 45, Pittsburgh 31.

Deana King

This is looking like an offensive showdown between Pitt's rushing attack and UNC's passing attack. This game may come down to turnovers and special teams play. A huge early Coastal matchup that can dictate the Heels' season. Prediction: UNC 42, Pittsburgh 31

John Gwaltney

By ground or by air? That is how Saturday's game will be decided. Pittsburgh likes to ground and pound while North Carolina looks for big plays in the air to lead its offense. As the home team, I expect the Tar Heels to be able to make a few more plays to pick-up a key Coastal Division win over the Panthers. Prediction: UNC 34 Pittsburgh 28.

Matthew Hatfield

This game offers lot of intrigue obviously because it's the ACC opener for each squad, but there are storylines to follow with it and great potential for it to develop into a track meet. Two of the nation's top three players in all-purpose yards get together with UNC's T.J. Logan and Pitt's Quadree Henderson. Both teams have had some troubles defensively; UNC more in defending the run and Pitt stopping the pass. Look for the Heels to convert a couple more third downs and extend a late drive that culminates in the winning score. Prediction: UNC 35, Pittsburgh 31

Jarrod Hardy

UNC is ready for the test defensively and will play motivated with Naz Jones and Dajaun Drennon back. Gene Chizik will have the team focused, and they will finally get the job done. The offense will be solid and the Heels will come out on top and win the ACC opener. Prediction: UNC 41, Pittsburgh 28.

Bruce Young

This one could get ugly for Pitt, early and often. Carolina should defend much better because they'll get two important starters back on the D Line. Another reason is because they will be more physical after being called "soft" by Coach Chizik this week. James Connor is good, very good, but he can't do it alone. Prediction: UNC 49, Pittsburgh 28

Andrew Jones

Pitt is coming off consecutive emotional games, including last week’s 45-38 loss at Oklahoma State in which the Panthers allowed 640 yards of total offense. Pitt is scoring points, and the Heels need to be aware of the jet sweep, but the Panthers are struggling as much as the Heels on defense. Carolina’s balance and QB play will be the difference. Prediction: UNC 45, Pittsburgh 33.

THI staff’s average prediction: UNC 41, Pittsburgh 29.8.

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