The North Carolina Tar Heels sport one of the premier offenses in college football, thanks in recent seasons to elite quarterback play, talented wide receivers and star running backs. UNC is also lucky to have the likes of offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey calling its plays.

For Lindsey, though, he's going to have several new starters to work with this fall. That starts at quarterback, where head coach Mack Brown has revealed – at least for Thursday's opener at Minnesota – that both Max Johnson and Conner Harrell will get starting reps. North Carolina also only brings back one starting offensive lineman, Willie Lampkin, who was Third Team All-ACC in 2023.

The Tar Heels' greatest offensive advantage, one player it can count on to produce at a high level this fall, is running back Omarion Hampton. He led the ACC and finished fifth amongst FBS backs with 1,504 rushing yards last season.

UNC also returns one of the country's top tight end duos in Bryson Nesbit and John Copenhaver, who combined for over 850 yards and eight touchdowns. J.J. Jones led North Carolina with 711 yards and Nate McCollum enjoyed a couple big games, so the new-look wide receiving corps is capable of producing.

The new-look Tar Heel offense will get its first test on Thursday, Aug. 29 at Minnesota in its 2024 season-opener. What should we be watching for?

Omarion Hampton needs a statement game

Last year, it only took two weeks for Omarion Hampton to deliver a breakout game and put the entire college football world on notice.

UNC may need the ACC's best running back to deliver his breakout game during Thursday's opener, especially with Mack Brown not committing to a starting quarterback.

Hampton only gained 46 yards on 13 carries against Minnesota last year, but college rosters endure significant changeover from year-to-year. We can't guarantee Hampton will have a big game Thursday, but it would make life on that side of the ball significantly easier for the Tar Heels.

How will J.J. Jones thrive as UNC's top receiver?

Last year, North Carolina had now-Baltimore Raven Devontez Walker leading its receiving corps. This year, the Tar Heels will have J.J. Jones sliding into that role.

Jones is perfectly capable of stepping up. He only caught three touchdowns in 2023, but led UNC with 711 receiving yards.

Jones is also now a graduate student and knows the program well. He should continue thriving under Chip Lindsey's offense and – with a new quarterback under center – Jones provides a reliable target.

Will Max Johnson and Conner Harrell be able to both produce in the same game?

Max Johnson brings nearly 6,000 yards and 47 touchdowns with him into UNC's quarterback room, while Conner Harrell brings a full year in Chapel Hill and a start in the Duke's Mayo Bowl.

North Carolina couldn't decide on a starting quarterback this offseason, so it'll roll with both Johnson and Harrell in the Minnesota game. There are advantages and disadvantages to this: the Golden Gophers can't prepare for just one quarterback, but the rest of UNC's offense might struggle trying to develop rhythm with two quarterbacks.

Johnson is more of a precision passer, while Harrell has a strong arm. At least that's what we garnered from the Tar Heels' spring game.

Both Johnson and Harrell have the talent to lead North Carolina in a season-opening victory, but will they actually split playing time like head coach Mack Brown says?

Will the offensive line be able to protect Johnson and Harrell?

After losing Diego Pounds to Ole Miss, North Carolina only has one returning starter along its offensive line: Willie Lampkin, who was Third Team All-ACC in 2023.

There's also the likes of Malik McGowan, who will be a senior, but has not started a game in Chapel Hill yet.

A brand-new offensive line can pose major problems for any team. UNC has struggled in the past with pass protection – not necessarily in allowing sacks, but not giving quarterbacks enough time to get comfortable in the pocket.

The Tar Heels can't dictate Thursday with offensive line production, but not allowing Minnesota's defensive line to take over is a step in the right direction. If UNC allows 5+ sacks, like South Carolina allowed to UNC in last year's opener, Thursday could get ugly quick.

Play a complete offensive game

I can't tell you how many times I've watched UNC to start a game, then take its foot off the gas and forget how to play offense.

That happened several times a year ago, such as during the loss to Georgia Tech, when North Carolina entered the fourth quarter with a lead. I get the Tar Heels not wanting to turn the ball over, but playing not to lose can – ironically – lose teams the game.

Minnesota's offense isn't anything special, but if its defense is able to frustrate UNC's production, that could create lots of momentum. The Tar Heels typically don't play well when falling behind – if they can't get going Thursday, you bet the Golden Gophers will be looking to pounce.

This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire : Offensive keys to the game for UNC-Minnesota rematch to open 2024 football season