We've been waiting for this one since November 20, and the win over Duke at Wallace Waste stadium (that's not a commentary on Wallace Wade the man, but the stadium is a horrible, horrible facility).

But I digress.  Kick-off for the Continental Tire Bowl is less than 27 hours away as I write this, and I'm about to hit the road to Charlotte.  If you're not going to be in BofA Stadium Thursday, it'll be on at 1 pm on ESPN2.

So the Tar Heels face the future conference rival Boston College Eagles.  Besides the annoyance that we will face the Eagles pretty regularly, it looks to be a good matchup.  So, what can we look for?  I'm excited about writing this as it's my first football preview since HeelsBlog began.

1) Lots and lots and lots of blue.  I've heard estimates of 60-65,000 tickets sold to Tar Heel fans for the game, and I expect them all to be wearing blue.  It is going to be a true home game with probably more Carolina fans in BofA than have been in Kenan for any one game all season (given the capacity).

2) Choo Choo Chad Scott.  The O-Line is as pumped as ever to line up against BC's size.  I've read some previews saying that the Tar Heels won't be able to run against BC, but I just don't buy it.  Chad dropped 175 yards on the Miami Hurricanes, and he's a smart runner.  He knows when to stay with his cuts and not try to be too fancy.  Big game from #6.

3) Big plays on both sides of the ball.  Gerald Sensabaugh may be the best one-year wonder since Bob McAdoo.  He's going to hit somebody, and I wouldn't be surprised to see an INT by his name before it's over.  BC's QB has been sidelined with a fractured throwing hand, so he may be a little sloppy.  Offensively, #9 Jesse Holley will have something to say.  Now's not the time for it, but I am sooo excited about our returning receiving corps.  Also, Darian Durant will want to have a great finale.

4) BC is going to want to run on the Tar Heels, so we have to find a way to stop it.  Someone needs to step up from the front seven, and Tommy Richardson must make himself a factor.

5) Most places I read say Carolina by 3 or 4, and one says BC by 4.  Don't forget about the home-field advantage.  This one is going to be a lot of fun.