CHAPEL HILL, N.C. ––North Carolina (3-2) needs to pick itself back up and get back in the win column as they host an undefeated Pittsburgh (5-0) team tomorrow at Kenan Stadium.
The season has been a rollercoaster for North Carolina, marked by inconsistent performances and a series of injuries that forced the team to adapt on the fly. While the Panthers are coming off a bye week, the Tar Heels are trying to lift themselves out of a two-game losing skid.
Jacolby Criswell has shown flashes of potential in his first two starts, but he also acknowledges the learning curve he faces.
“I think I’ve grown quite a bit,” he said earlier this week. “I think I can grow a little bit more as a leader now that my role has changed. Now it’s time to show what you know.”
Criswell also needs to grow more comfortability within the offense as they too try to build around him and his playing style.
The Panthers have a new quarterback with Alabama transfer Eli Holstein. His offense is ranked second in the ACC, averaging 8.87 yards per pass. These numbers can be compared to North Carolina’s defense which ranks third from last in the conference.
On the defensive side of the ball, UNC needs to recapture the form they showed in the first three games of the season. Missed assignments and tackles have been a constant in recent weeks, leading to costly big plays and points allowed at inopportune moments. 21 unanswered points at Duke last weekend indicated a
lingering problem.
Defensive coordinator Geoff Collins pointed to overexertion as a key factor in these struggles. He says the issue starts there and compounds to other issues throughout the game, but has been a crucial focus of this week’s game prep.
“For every single call that we make, every single schematic thing that we have there’s an O-lineman, an assignment and a technique,” Collins said. “Playing free, playing fast and playing physical, playing with great effort still stems from those non-negotiables.”
The Tar Heel’s defense will have its hands full with Pittsburgh’s offense led by Alabama transfer quarterback Eli Holstein. The Panthers’ passing attack ranks second in the ACC, averaging an impressive 8.87 yards per attempt. This presents a significant challenge for a North Carolina defense currently ranked third from last in the conference.
As game day approaches, the focus for North Carolina is clear: establish a more consistent running game, improve pass protection, and minimize defensive mistakes. The Tar Heels will need to leverage their home-field advantage and show resilience in the face of adversity.
This matchup against Pittsburgh represents more than just another conference game for North Carolina. It’s an opportunity to redefine their season, prove themselves against a strong opponent, and potentially turn their campaign around. With the changes and challenges they’ve faced, it’s evident that the Tar Heels need to not only improve their on-field performance, but also solidify their team identity. Tomorrow’s game against the undefeated Panthers will be a crucial test of their determination and ability to perform under pressure.
As the teams prepare to take the field at Kenan Stadium, all eyes will be on the Tar Heels to see if they can rise to the occasion and get their season back on track against a formidable Pittsburgh squad.