The North Carolina football team will take on the Pittsburgh Panthers on Thursday at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh won’t be the Tar Heels' toughest opponent, but the team will certainly put up a fight, especially after losing to the Tar Heels by one point last year.
The Tar Heels (1-8, 0-6 ACC) lost many key players in 2016 and injuries have plagued the inexperienced roster. UNC now has 18 players listed as out for the season and two, Ayden Bonilla and Dominique Ross, out against Pittsburgh (4-5), according to an injury report released this week.
UNC’s growing injuries have affected the offensive line limiting the Tar Heels options of who to put on the field. Based on how both teams have played in the past, the playing field will be fairly equal.
Here are three things to keep in mind heading into the Thursday night game.
Off the NCAA record
All-American kick returner Quadree Henderson is someone to look out for. Henderson was recently named ACC Specialist of the Week, and he is two kick return touchdowns away from tying the NCAA record of nine.
After returning a punt 75 yards to the house against Virginia last week, ACC teams know by now that kicking to Henderson is a mistake. The Panthers built a 21-0 lead then relied on their defense to do the rest against Virginia.
Growing pains
Pittsburgh head coach Pat Narduzzi is always finding opportunities to talk about his team’s youth. Narduzzi often stresses the progress the program has made and that a payout awaits if they keep at it.
