While there’s familiarity in the opponent, 2020 is still shaping up to be a season unlike any other. Though the practice week is similar, Whitehead acknowledged how different gameday might feel.

“You can’t feed off the juice from the crowd when you make a big play and all of that stuff,” Whitehead said. “There’s nobody else out there, and this year more than any other year, that really holds true.”

As one of the Panthers’ leaders, Whitehead will likely be a significant part of energizing the club on Sunday. To that point, Rhule’s been nothing but pleased with Whitehead’s performance and leadership ability.

“He’s a true professional,” Rhule said. “He’s most importantly a great person, great father, great husband, but also a great player and teammate.”

But at Sunday’s kickoff, there will be a familiar scowl on the opposite sideline ready