ESPN’s FPI has predicted the outcome of the North Carolina vs. South Carolina matchup in Week 1. The game will take place at a neutral site in Charlotte.

For the Gamecocks, the goal is to build upon an impressive 2022 season. Shane Beamer’s squad finished with an 8-5 record and a better-than-expected third-place finish in the SEC East. It will be tough to finish any higher than that in 2023 with Tennessee and Georgia expected to remain atop the rankings.

The Tar Heels, meanwhile, finished atop the ACC Coastal division with a 9-5 record. To repeat in 2023, the Tar Heels will have to make more strides on the defensive side of the ball.

The model predicts a close game, giving the Tar Heels a 57.6% chance to win the season opener.

The last time these teams played was in the 2021 Duke’s Mayo Bowl, which was also played in Charlotte. The Gamecocks handily won this match by a score of 38-21.

All-time, the Tar Heels lead the rivalry series with 35 wins to South Carolina’s 20.