In the 2024 version of the Wasabi Fenway Bowl, the North Carolina Tar Heels will face off against the UConn Huskies. UNC comes into the game at 6-6, but their football program has entered a new era. Legendary and future Hall of Fame coach Bill Belichick has taken over the reins for the Tar Heels. While he will not be on the field coaching this weekend, he will be overseeing the program for the bowl game.
On the other hand, UConn had one of its better seasons in recent memory, going 8-4 while also losing close games to Duke and Wake Forest. They showed a balanced offense and a defense capable of getting stops when necessary.
What is the Fenway Bowl? Who are some players to watch? And who will come out on top in this matchup? Follow along as we preview the 2024 Wasabi Fenway Bowl!
Fenway Bowl History
The home ballpark of the Boston Red Sox has played host to football games since its construction back in 1912. From Boston College defeating Georgetown in 1940 to the Patriots calling the stadium home in the 1960s, various pro, college, and even high school teams have graced the grounds of Fenway Park.
However, the college-based Fenway Bowl began back in 2022. The first iteration saw the Lousiville Cardinals defeat the Cincinnati Bearcats by a score of 24-7. The following year, the hometown Boston College Eagles upset the 17th-ranked SMU Mustangs by a score of 23-17.
Now, North Carolina and UConn will grace Fenway Park’s hollowed grounds. It will be interesting to see if they can live up to the history of the teams that have played there before them.
UNC vs. UConn Matchup History
While these two schools have an extensive matchup history on the hardwood, the football history between UNC and UConn is very minimal.
The Tar Heels are undefeated against the Huskies in three all-time matchups. The first matchup was in 1990, when UNC won by a score of 48-21. The most recent matchup was a slugfest; the Tar Hells outlasted the Huskies and won 12-10.
UNC Player to Watch: RB Davion Gause
In a different world, Omarion Hampton would be the player to watch in this section.
The star running back did it all for the Tar Heels this season, racking up over 2,000 yards from scrimmage and 17 touchdowns across 12 games played. However, Hampton opted out of the bowl game and will enter the draft, where he will likely be drafted as a key contributor for a team at the NFL level.
As a result, the Tar Heels will have to turn to their backup running back, Davion Gause. The freshman has not been featured in a full-time role this season, but still racked up 311 yards and four touchdowns. Through 62 attempts, he averaged five yards per carry, had 11 missed tackles forced, and 11 runs of ten yards or more.
Additionally, Gause had 45 yards on five receptions, showing the potential to be a multi-faceted player for UNC.
A player like Hampton cannot be easily replaced. However, with a player like Gause waiting in the wings, the Tar Heels could still have a productive rushing attack against the Huskies.
UConn Player to Watch: RB Camryn Edwards
Like UNC, UConn will be without a key offensive contributor. The Huskies must rely on a young playmaker to step up.
Standout wideout Skyler Bell and running back Durell Robinson both entered the transfer portal after the 2024 season. Robinson has since committed to Auburn, while Bell has not settled on a school yet and will play in the Fenway Bowl.
Bell’s participation in the game is an important development. He is the team’s primary option in the passing game and provides great field-stretching ability. However, the Huskies rely heavily on their run game to give Bell the best possible looks.
This is where Camryn Edwards enters the fray. While he was highly productive during the season, the running back split carries with Robinson and Mel Brown. Edwards had 731 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground during the regular season while also adding 148 yards and two touchdowns as a pass catcher.
Edwards provides a strong running style, as he has 535 yards after contact and 14 missed tackles forced. He also has room for some explosive plays, amounting for 19 runs of 10 yards or more. As a result, he averaged 0.13 EPA per rush this season.
UConn will likely deploy a committee against the Tar Heels, and if Edwards can carry even more of the load, the Huskies will have a great chance to win the game.
Fenway Bowl Game Prediction: UConn defeats UNC 28-24
Who comes out on top? The game could be a borderline coin toss for a variety of reasons.
Both teams have effective rushing attacks but will have to overcome draft or transfer portal-related absences. They can hit big plays in the passing game as well. On defense, both teams are decent against the run and can be susceptible to damage against the pass.
At the end of the day, though, I see the Huskies narrowly edging out the Tar Heels. They have a better defense and less uncertainty on their offense for the Fenway Bowl. As a result, give me the Huskies over the Tar Heels by a score of 28-24.
Brandyn Pokrass
Graduated Summa Cum Laude from Fairleigh Dickinson University in May 2023 with a Communications Degree, a concentration in Multimedia Journalism, and a minor in Broadcasting. Received an M.A. in Communication from Fairleigh Dickinson University in May 2024. Wrote for Jets Insider for two years, previously hosted a Knicks podcast for Let's Talk Knicks, and contributed to Inside the Iggles. Currently a writer for Jets X-Factor. Avid movie watcher, gym goer, music listener, and MMA fan.