Much of the blame (that’s not already attributed to the coaches) for UNC’s poor start to the season has been laid to rest at feet of the offense. And rightfully so; UNC’s offense ranked 132nd out of 136
FBS Division 1 schools in yards per game coming into the matchup against Virginia. They only fare slightly better in points per game, scoring an average of 18.7 points per contest. Despite some flashes in the first half, Saturday’s game will do little to improve those numbers.
The defense has been better, but frankly only in comparison to the offense. UNC ranks in the middle of the road for most defensive statistics, but hasn’t really done a lot to distinguish itself. Some of the positive performances the unit has had have come against second- and third-string units as opposing teams let up after running out to large leads on the Heels this season. It’s hard to point to one game this season that you can comfortably say either the offense or the defense really dominated for a full game, which isn’t exactly shocking for a 2-5 team.
The defense took a step forward in UNC’s 17-16 overtime loss to Virginia on Saturday. The Wahoos came into the contest as one of the top scoring teams in the country, averaging 40 points a game. UNC’s defense made life miserable for UVA quarterback Chandler Morris, holding him to 200 yards passing with one touchdown and a pick. He also fumbled twice, although Virginia was fortunate enough to recover both of them.
Multiple defenders had a hand in holding Virginia in check. The defensive line in particular was dominant against UVA’s o-line, recording five of UNC’s six sacks. Melkart Abou-Jaoude recorded three sacks. Even on plays on which he didn’t record a tackle or sack, he was often pressuring Morris into an errant throw; he was primarily responsible for hurrying the QB into the incomplete pass on a 4th and goal play in the third quarter. Isiah Johnson, CJ Mims and linebacker Tyler Thompson also each recorded a sack. Andrew Simpson grabbed a pick and returned it 16 yards in the third quarter to set up the offense with great field position. All in all, the defense gave the Heels the opportunity to pick up their first ACC win; the offense committed three turnovers and couldn’t rise to the occasion.
An honorable mention goes out to Gio Lopez for putting together a good first half of football. Lopez went 17/25 for 173 yards in the first half, while scoring a touchdown on the ground. He probably would have led a second touchdown drive if not for the Heels somehow losing a fumble at the opponents one yard line resulting in a touchback (again). Unfortunately, he reverted back to the Gio Lopez we’re more familiar with in the second half, gaining only 35 yards through the air while chucking two more picks. Hopefully he can take something from the first half and carry it forward for the rest of the season.
