North Carolina vs. Pitt: Preview, Prediction, TV Info and more
By Matt Shetler
Keys for North Carolina
Nov 9, 2013; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback
Marquise Williams(2) catches a touchdown pass from wide receiver
Quinshad Davis(14) (not pictured) in the first quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
1. Take Away the Pass: North Carolina’s pass defense has all of a sudden become one of the Tar Heels’ major strengths. In the past four games, UNC has allowed just one passing touchdown and has intercepted eight passes. A lot of their success in the secondary starts up front though, where defensive end Kareem Martin and UNC’s rotation of defensive linemen have been hounding opposing quarterbacks.
2. More Marquise Williams: He is the North Carolina offense, and he did not disappoint last week in throwing, rushing and catching touchdowns for a win over Virginia and is a big reason why the Tar Heels are riding a three-game win streak. Williams is athletic and has a live arm and has good weapons around him. He is dangerous and if he gets going early, it could be a big day for the Tar Heels.
3. Get off to a quick start: The Panthers are 4-1 at Heinz Field this season, with their only loss coming at the hands of Florida State. I don’t anticipate a loud or even big crowd, but the Tar Heels can’t dig them themselves an early hole on the road or they will be in trouble. It’s a matter of Williams making big plays early and riding their defense the rest of the way.
Prediction: The playmaking ability of Williams should scare Pitt, as should the way the Tar Heels have been playing defensively. However this one is at Heinz Field and I like Pitt to do just enough at home to come out with a win. Pitt 27, North Carolina 24