ACC Football – UNC vs Richmond Preview – Sat Sept 13th 2025

The North Carolina Tar Heels host the Richmond Spiders on Saturday, at 3:30 PM in Kenan Memorial Stadium.  It’s evident the Heels must continue to improve in each phase of the game. UNC cannot look past Richmond. The hope is that Saturday is an opportunity to focus on fundamentals and execute on both sides of the ball at a high level.

Keys: 

Containing Quarterback Kyle Wickersham

Despite some of the struggles during the game, including the Charlotte drive that concluded with a doink off the upright, the Tar Heels’ defense has been a bright spot. The three points allowed were the fewest against an FBS opponent since 2001.

The defense will have a great challenge this Saturday.

Richmond’s senior quarterback, Kyle Wickersham, is a true dual-threat. Wickersham leads the Spiders in rushing, and last week, scored the game-winning touchdown versus Wofford on the ground.

He is two seasons removed from when he led the entire FCS in completion percentage, showcasing his efficiency and accuracy. In 2023, Wickersham threw for 1,400 yards and 10 touchdowns, while gaining 401 yards and scoring four touchdowns on the ground.

UNC will need to be disciplined in their pass rush and maintain containment to prevent Wickersham from extending plays with his legs.

Finding Consistency on Offense

The first drive of the game has been special for Carolina. In both games this season, the Tar Heels have started the game on time, scoring a touchdown in each. After that, the offense has struggled.

The coaching staff stuck with Gio Lopez last week. He was better, especially in his ability as a dual-threat. However, he is still struggling with reads in the passing game.

The running back committee is still in session. Saturday should be a great day to continue with the committee, but when will offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens shorten his running back bench? 

The development of a consistent and efficient offense will be critical for UNC’s success, 

Avoid Trap

Carolina should have performed better in a 20-3 victory over Charlotte. This Saturday, the Tar Heels must focus on a disciplined game. 

About Richmond 

Richmond is a strong program, winning the national championship in 2008 and making the FCS playoffs in three straight seasons. The Spiders have won three straight against Duke (2006, 2009, 2011) and beat Virginia in 2016.

Head coach Russ Huesman has led the Spiders since 2017. He has Richmond on an upward trajectory, earning berths in the FCS Playoffs in three straight seasons. Last season, the Spiders finished with a perfect 8-0 conference record, winning 10 games overall.  Huesman was the defensive coordinator for Richmond during the 2008 national championship season. Last season, Richmond was the top team in the CAA in sacks, tackles for loss, interceptions, rushing defense, third and fourth down defense, and turnovers gained.

The Spiders lost 10 starters to the transfer portal, including running back Zach Palmer-Smith. Palmer-Smith was second in the CAA and seventh in the country in rushing yards per game, totaling 1,362 yards on the ground in 2024. Richmond must find some playmakers to kickstart the offense 

This is the 15th all-time game between UNC and Richmond. Carolina is 12-2 against Richmond, and 8-0 record in Chapel Hill. The last meeting was in 1978, when the Spiders beat the Heels 27-18 in Richmond.  UNC is on a 24-game winning streak versus FCS teams. 

Prediction 

UNC 35 – Richmond 14