The North Carolina Tar Heels will face the UConn Huskies at the Wasabi Fenway Bowl, marking the final game of the 2024 college football season for both teams. Scheduled for Saturday, December 28, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. ET, the game will take place at Fenway Park, Boston's iconic baseball stadium.
The Tar Heels, with a record of 6-6, are tied for 10th place in the Atlantic Coast Conference after finishing the regular season with mixed results. They are set to end the year under the interim leadership of Freddie Kitchens, who aims to secure his first win as head coach. This matchup is particularly meaningful for North Carolina, as the team is seeking its first bowl game victory since 2019, and it would mark the end of the season on a high note.
UConn, under head coach Jim Mora, has enjoyed a solid season with an 8-4 record, following their 2022 Bowl appearance where they fell to Marshall. The Huskies are also trying to break their own bowl game losing streak, which dates back to their last win in 2010. This will be their first bowl game since losing to Marshall 28-14 two years prior.
The all-time series record favors North Carolina, who leads 3-0, though two of those victories were later vacated. The last time the two teams met was in 2009, when the Tar Heels narrowly won 12-10.
One of the highlights for North Carolina this season has been the performance of senior quarterback Jacolby Criswell. He has made significant contributions, completing 185 of 319 passes for 2,452 yards and 15 touchdowns, albeit with six interceptions. Criswell has also been notable as a rusher, scoring three touchdowns on the ground. His ability to find star targets like wide receiver J.J. Jones, who has recorded 34 catches for 570 yards and six touchdowns, will be key for the Tar Heels' offensive strategy.
On the other side, UConn's offensive charge is spearheaded by senior quarterback Joe Fagnano. This season, he completed 104 of 183 passes for 1,480 yards and 18 touchdowns, bringing considerable strength to the Huskies' passing game. Another key player for UConn is redshirt junior wide receiver Skyler Bell, who has caught 47 passes for 783 yards and four touchdowns, proving to be a reliable target throughout the season.
Despite the excitement surrounding the bowl game, both teams face significant adversity. North Carolina will compete without standout running back Omarion Hampton, who finished the season as one of the top rushers in the country before being sidelined by injuries and transfers. UConn will also be missing seven players, including key contributors who have entered the transfer portal.
With all these dynamics at play, the game is expected to be competitive. Sports analysts forecast North Carolina as slight favorites, with the spread set at -2.5 points, but predictions vary. Some experts firmly believe the Tar Heels will leverage their experience and depth.
College football expert Mike Tierney, known for his impressive track record picking games, indicates confidence backing North Carolina to cover the spread. "Take North Carolina, they have solid ground control capabilities which is necessary for this matchup, and they will use their depth advantage against UConn," he suggested.
Conversely, other analysts argue for UConn, highlighting their remarkable turnaround this season and improvements on both offense and defense. Jim Mora's leadership has garnered attention, with commentators noting, "People aren't talking enough about the job Jim Mora is doing at UConn, which improved its wins total from three to eight this fall." This sentiment is echoed across several predictions citing UConn as the potential surprise team.
With the kickoff approaching, fans are primed for what promises to be an exciting bowl game. Coverage will be live on ESPN, and viewers can expect to hear from notable commentators Chris Cotter and Mark Herzlich from the booth. Both teams are not only playing for the win but also the opportunity to close the season positively and set the stage for the future as they move beyond this bowl matchup.
Overall, the Wasabi Fenway Bowl serves as the culmination of the 2024 college football season for these two programs. This battle not only impacts their momentum going forward but also embodies the excitement and unpredictability of college football postseason play.
