UNC football schedule: 3 toughest for the Tar Heels

Coming off its first losing finish since 2007, North Carolina is looking to bounce back in Larry Fedora’s fourth year in Chapel Hill. With 10 returning starters on offense and four new faces on the defensive staff, the Tar Heels are hoping for a breakthrough season in 2015.

Stringing together wins in Kenan Stadium shouldn’t be too difficult, but UNC has its work cut out for it on the road. In fact, the Heels’ three toughest games will be played away from home.

3. at NC State, Nov. 28

UNC ended up on the wrong side of a 35-7 blowout when it faced the Wolfpack last fall, and Dave Doeren’s team could be even better this year. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett, who rushed for 167 yards in Chapel Hill last November, returns as one of the top quarterbacks in the league, and NC State’s ground game is in excellent shape with preseason All-ACC running back Shadrach Thornton in the backfield. The Pack lost three of four starters from a solid defensive line, but an experienced secondary will be one of the team’s greatest strengths.