As the regular college football season approaches its end, North Carolina finds itself in a position where it must secure two victories to earn a bowl bid under first-year coach Bill Belichick. The Tar Heels, currently holding a record of 4-6, will face in-state rivals Duke and NC State to conclude the season. While anticipated to be underdogs in these matchups, North Carolina has an alternate route to bowl eligibility even with just one additional win.
If enough teams do not reach the six-win threshold, the bowl selection process can extend to teams that transition from the Football Championship Subdivision and those with a record of 5-7, provided they boast strong Academic Progress Rates (APR). North Carolina stands in a favorable position as only two teams in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) have a better APR – Ohio State and Alabama – who have already secured their postseason spots. Therefore, if North Carolina finishes the season at 5-7 and another bowl opening arises, they could still make an appearance on the postseason stage.
Missouri State, with a record of 7-3, leads the pack for these additional bowl slots in its inaugural FBS season, followed closely by fellow Conference USA member Delaware, which sits at 5-5. Other teams, like Auburn, also retain a shot at bowl eligibility, but Missouri State’s head start makes it likely for them to claim a bid first.
In the broader picture of college football this season, the 12-team College Football Playoff format continues to evolve. The five highest-ranked conference champions and the top seven at-large teams qualify, securing first-round byes for the four top-seeded teams. These teams will engage in prestigious bowl games such as the Cotton, Orange, Rose, and Sugar bowls on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
As the postseason approaches, teams not only aim for championship glory but also define their legacies, perhaps capturing unexpected opportunities along the way. North Carolina, despite its current record, remains hopeful for a strong finish that could lead to a bowl game, showcasing the unpredictability and excitement of college football.