Very few people gave UNC a chance during Saturday's home football game vs. third-ranked Notre Dame, which entered with National Championship aspirations.
When the final buzzer sounded, North Carolina lost a closer-than-expected, 37-26 clash. The Fighting Irish (5-0) kept their National Championship aspirations alive, while the Tar Heels (2-2, 0-1 ACC) struggled defensively
but cracked Notre Dame's formidable defense.UNC travels up to face Pitt on October, playing its first conference games in three weeks. When North Carolina faces the undefeated ACC-leading Panthers (5-0, 2-0), it'll be doing so against a new quarterback.
During Friday's 35-33 win at Virginia Tech, Pitt learned star quarterback Mason Heintschel tore his ACL and will be out for
the rest of 2026.
Before his season-ending, third-quarter injury, Heintschel tied himself with Miami quarterback Darian Mensah for the ACC lead in touchdown passes.
As a result of this unfortunate injury, the Tar Heels will likely face veteran journeyman Holden Geriner, who relieved Heintschel on Friday in Blacksburg. Geriner anchored the Panthers' comeback, throwing for 78 yards and a touchdown.
Sources: Pitt QB Mason Heintschel has torn his ACL and will miss the remainder of the season. He got injured in the win over Virginia Tech on Friday. pic.twitter.com/jNcckTUXKY
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) October 3, 2026
Playing against a backup quarterback should be easier...right? Not if you're UNC. North Carolina fans might get flashbacks to the 2022 regular season finale, when Ben Finley threw for nearly 300 yards and a pair of touchdowns in NC State's 30-27 win.
The Tar Heels struggled against Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr, who totaled five touchdowns. Before Saturday, UNC's pass defense largely kept Clemson, ETSU and TCU in check.
Will North Carolina be prepared to face a Pitt offense with another new quarterback? If the Tar Heels can reach Geriner, their defense will positively impact the outcome.
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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC to face new quarterback in October 10 road battle with Pitt
