North Carolina vs. Pitt: Preview, Prediction, TV Info and more

Keys for Pitt:

Oct 19, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers defensive lineman

(97) rushes at the line of scrimmage against the Old Dominion Monarchs during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh won 35-24. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

1. Big Game from Defensive Line: In Aaron Donald and Tyrone Ezell, Pitt has a potentially destructive interior line. The All-America candidate Donald leads the nation in tackles for loss (2.2 per game), ranks seventh in sacks (1.0 per game) and is 14th in forced fumbles (0.3 per game).Donald is one of the nation’s best defensive tackles and is posting gaudy numbers.

Donald and Ezell could spell trouble for a Tar Heel offensive line that has struggled for most of the season. Center Russell Bodine has been struggling, Left Guard Caleb Peterson is also questionable for the game, meaning true freshman Lucas Crowley could see extended time at center, with Bodine shifted to guard.

With the talent the Panthers have up front, it will be big for them to take advantage of a North Carolina offensive line that isn’t the greatest.

2. Run the football: With the way UNC’s secondary is playing, the Panthers need to take advantage of the Tar Heels’ poor rushing defense to put points on the board. Unfortunately for Pitt, they’re about as bad at running the ball as UNC.

Pitt ranks No. 12 in the ACC at 121.3 rushing yards per game and hasn’t found a consistent running back, rotating Isaac Bennett and James Conner. The Tar Heels have allowed a 100-yard rusher in eight of nine games this season. For the Panthers to become bowl eligible, they need to get it done on the ground.

3. Big Plays from the Defense: The Panthers defense finally broke through in the win last week over the Irish. They forced three turnovers and now find themselves also a win away from a second-straight bowl berth under Paul Chryst if they can fend off UNC at Heinz Field.

To do so they could use some more big plays from Ray Vinopal and company. Vinopal forced a fumble and picked off Tommy Rees twice to secure the Panther victory. He has three interceptions and five pass breakups on the year and could use another big effort on Saturday.