North Carolina sustained its first loss of the season just three days ago, but the Tar Heels are already looking ahead to ensure they don’t get too far behind.
In a press conference Monday, interim coach Everett Withers said many of UNC’s offensive struggles against Georgia Tech were caused by not getting enough yardage on first and second downs.
“We’ve got to sustain drives,” Withers said. “You can’t be in third-and-seven-plus as much as we were last week and expect your quarterback and your protection to hold up.”
In Saturday’s game against Ga. Tech, UNC converted just three of eight third downs. The Yellow Jackets — who lead the NCAA in third-down conversions — converted 10 of 16.
Sophomore quarterback Bryn Renner — who was sacked seven times by the Yellow Jackets on Saturday — said the team plans to work on being more efficient earlier in drives to avoid third and long situations.
“Always gaining positive yards on first and second downs is always a big thing,” Renner said. “Obviously we want to gain as many yards as possible, but first and second down, just really taking pride in at least getting half of 10 yards is a big key that we’re going to work on this week.”
The Tar Heels played without Erik Highsmith against the Yellow Jackets after the junior wide receiver sustained an ankle injury.
Withers said Monday that Highsmith, as well as injured cornerback Jabari Price, are questionable for UNC’s matchup with East Carolina on Saturday and will be assessed on a day-to-day basis leading up to the game.
Withers added that kicker Casey Barth, who also missed Saturday’s game in Atlanta because of a thigh injury, probably won’t play against the Pirates.
