Does the UNC football schedule get any easier? The answer: no. On Saturday at 12 p.m., the Tar Heels will kick off at 25th-ranked Pitt.
North Carolina is fresh off a 37-26 loss to National Championship contender Notre Dame, who entered Chapel Hill a 3-touchdown favorite. UNC (2-2, 0-1 ACC) trailed the Fighting Irish by just a touchdown entering the fourth quarter, but never pulled closer.
The Tar Heels now face an undefeated team for a second consecutive week. Pitt (5-0, 2-0 ACC) survived a last-second field goal miss at Virginia Tech on Friday night, originally overcoming a 14-point deficit without star quarterback Mason Heintschel.
The Panthers sport a perfect blend of electric offense and shutdown defense, particularly against the run. Pitt
has a deep running back room, similar to North Carolina's, while five 100-yard pass-catchers make opponents pick their poison.
If you take away two early turnovers, UNC had a great shot at upsetting Notre Dame (5-0), which scored off both miscues. The Tar Heels scored more points against the Fighting Irish than any other opponent. Billy Edwards looked solid again, throwing all three of his touchdowns to tight ends. North Carolina's special teams delivered an electric kick return touchdown, courtesy of true freshman Jaden Jefferson.
Despite making a few crucial stops, UNC's defense was largely horrendous against the Fighting Irish, allowing nearly 500 yards and five CJ Carr touchdowns. Pitt will try and take advantage of this on Saturday, but will be doing so with Holden Geriner making his first collegiate start at quarterback.
The Tar Heels face a big challenge in the Panthers, one they can overcome by playing clean, consistent football. Keep reading below for our game preview, which includes North Carolina's key to victory, something to watch, odds, statistical leaders and a season schedule.
Key to Victory
Win the turnover battle.
You take away Billy Edwards' two first-half interceptions, that's 14 points off the board for Notre Dame. UNC played well enough offensively to win after those turnovers, while defense held its own for three quarters.
Pitt forced Virginia Tech into four turnovers last weekend in Blacksburg. In front of their home crowd, the Panthers will look to force a few more Tar Heel mistakes.
North Carolina can beat Pitt if it plays turnover-free football, or at least wins the margin.
Something to Watch
If the Tar Heels can re-discover their run game.
UNC generates most of its offense on the ground. Benjamin Hall enjoyed a career day at Clemson, while Demon June scored three touchdowns against ETSU.
Last weekend vs. Notre Dame, North Carolina totaled 77 rushing yards on 23 carries. Pitt allows just 55.6 rushing yards per game.
The Tar Heels will run into a brick wall inside Acrisure Stadium, but can they crack that brick wall? If yes, the home fans will be unhappy.
Statistical Leaders
Passing
UNC: Billy Edwards Jr. 61/106, 819 yards, 6 TD, 3 INT
Pitt: Mason Heintschel 98/148, 1,304 yards, 14 TD, 1 INT
Rushing
UNC: Benjamin Hall 43 carries, 251 yards
Pitt: Damon Ferguson Jr. 51 carries, 270 yards, 3 TD
Receiving
UNC: Jordan Shipp 20 receptions, 273 yards, 1 TD
Pitt: Cataurus Hicks 15 receptions, 315 yards, 3 TD
What you need to know
WHAT? North Carolina Tar Heels (2-2, 0-1 ACC) at Pitt Panthers (5-0, 2-0 ACC)
WHEN? Saturday, October 10 at 12 p.m. ET
WHERE? Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pa.
TV? ESPN
RADIO? SiriusXM (258 for UNC broadcast, 234 for Pitt broadcast)
WEATHER? 67 degrees, partly cloudy
LINE? Pitt -3.5
LAST MEETING? Pitt 34, UNC 24 on October 5, 2024 in Chapel Hill
ALL-TIME SERIES? UNC leads, 12-6
PREDICTION? UNC 20, Pitt 16
UNC Football 2026 schedule
August 29: vs. TCU in Dublin, Ireland (W, 15-10)
September 12: vs. ETSU (W, 35-3)
Sept. 19: at Clemson (L, 28-20
October 3: vs. Notre Dame (L, 37-26
Oct. 10: at Pitt (12 p.m.)
Oct. 17: at Duke (3:30 p.m.)
Oct. 24: vs. Syracuse
Oct. 31: vs. Miami (FL)
November 7: at UConn (12 p.m.)
Nov. 14: vs. Louisville
Nov. 21: at Virginia
Nov. 28: vs. NC State
This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC football at Pitt Panthers game info, streaming, betting
