Still Searching for An Identity

by Derrick Clyburn

It’s game two and this football team is still searching for an identity. The defense was supposed to be the most experienced group keeping the team in games while the offense found its groove.

Game Stats

UNC Total Offense – 401 Yards

Rushing 17 yards, Passing 384 yards

UNC Passing: Chazz Surratt 12-14-168yds 2 TD’s,  Brandon Harris 17-23-216yds 1 TD

UNC Receiving: Austin Proehl 8-120yds, Thomas Jackson 4-75yds 1TD, Brandon Fritts 4-25yds 2 TD’s

UNC Rushing: Michael Carter 8-15yds 1 TD

Louisville Total Offense – 705 Yards

UL Passing: Lamar Jackson 25-39-393yds 3 TD’s

UL Rushing: Malik Williams 13-149yds, Lamar Jackson 19-132 3 TD’s

UL Receiving: Jaylen Smith 9-183yds 1TD, Dez Fitzpatrick 4-78yds 2 TD’s

Bright Spots

Anthony Ratliff-Williams ran a kickoff back 94yds for 1 TD.

Chazz Surratt was efficient with 12-14-168yds 2 TD’s before he was injured.

Brandon Harris showed poise coming in after a rough debut game with 17-23-216yds 1 TD.

TE Brandon Fritts was 4-25yds 2 TD’s.

Needs Work

The Defensive Coordinator Papuchis has some serious adjustments to make. The linebackers are small and not very fast or athletic, and the safeties are out of position too many times on crucial downs. Papuchis must figure out how to mask this defense’s deficiencies or they will be exploited all year.

Final Observations

It will be interesting to see how the QB position shakes out. Brandon Harris resurrected himself from the season opener. He was very accurate and moved the offense down the field very well. He played today like we expected a veteran QB to play.

My concern is with the defense not getting off the field on 3rd and longs. Our linebacker and safety play has to improve dramatically, or we will give up 35-40 points every game. 705 yards of offense is too many yards for our defense to allow.

If the defense can cut down on the catastrophic plays we will have a better chance to win against top opponents. Lamar Jackson is a hand full for any defense, but the defense can’t be out of position so often. I believe that the Tar Heels should have blitzed more to get more pressure on Jackson. It seemed like they waited then reacted, rather than being in attack mode.

It’s on to game three against Old Dominion.