I don’t want to write a rager, but there’s just not a lot of positives you can say about this one. Heading into conference play the Heels are now 2-2 and have not looked competitive against P4 opponents.
If you dare to open this child’s report card… just don’t kill the messenger.
Quarterbacks: C-
Gio Lopez was trusted to make short passes but not to go deep. Before leaving with an injury, he had 87 yards on 11 completions for a 6.2/yard average. He was also intercepted twice on tipped passes.
After Gio’s
injury, the offense looked to flow a little bit better under Max Johnson but still only for 67 yards and a 3.5 average completion. But there was a touchdown.
Still only 154 total passing yards for the game.
Running Backs: C-
The UNC rushing offense wasn’t much better with just 63 yards on the day. Demon June registered 50 yards on 10 carries and Benjamin Hall had a few decent runs for a total of 19, but everything else was negative. Davion Gause continues to be a puzzling disappointment both with opportunities and lack thereof.
Wide Receivers and Tight Ends: C-
Jordan Shipp led the way with a paltry 44 yards, It was a good first showing for Shanard Clower who had four catches for 34 yards and Jake Johnson had three receptions for 23 yards. Kobe Paysour scored the lone touchdown of the game with his only reception of eight yards.
Offensive Line: D
Even with Austin Blaske back the UCF Knights seemed to have permanent residence in the UNC backfield, especially linebacker Lewis Carter, who had 10 tackles including a sack. It was just a long day in the trenches for the Heels on the run-blocking and pass-blocking fronts.
Defensive Line: D-
It should come as no surprise that the ESPN box score shows only an empty silhouette in the sack leader category. That’s because there were none. With an impressive TFL, Smith Vilbert was probably the lone bright spot in a group that was underwhelming at best.
Linebackers: D+
Senior Andrew Simpson and sophomore Khmori House continue to look good but that’s about the only positive things I can think of.
Defensive Backs: C
Multiple wide open receivers and missed assignments. Will Hardy, Kaleb Cost, Thad Dixon and Gavin Gibson made plays but Marcus Allen continues to struggle.
Special Teams: B
This was for sure the best-performing unit on the squad. Solid kicking, returning, and coverage. Clower had a 19-yarder on his introductory kick off return and Tom Maginness averaged 39.3 net yards on his punts.
Coaching: C-
There were several head-scratchers in this contest.
Down as much as they were I’m not sure why the coaching staff still didn’t want to get a look at Bryce Baker late.
I’m also miffed by Jordan Shipp not being on the field on a 3rd and 10 play. One would think it would be a good idea on 3rd and long to have your best receiver in play.
Finally, for whatever reason, Freddie Kitchens still has not been utilizing Gio’s strength which seems to be his legs.
Time of possession in general was an issue in this matchup. And when you get down early it makes it very hard to rely on running the ball.
