Through four games, while it's not clear what exactly UNC's football team is, it is clear what its weaknesses are. The Tar Heels are currently 26.5 point underdogs to Clemson, who they face on Saturday, the largest underdog point spread for UNC since 2004. If the team wants any chance of saving face and preventing a blowout against the reigning champions, here's what needs to be fixed.
Starting Off Strong
All points are created equal, even the ones not scored in the final quarter. North Carolina is 12th in the nation in fourth quarter points, averaging 11.2 a game. Unfortunately for them, there's still a whole other 45 minutes to play in a game — 45 minutes where UNC only averages 14.1 points a game.
Even those numbers are deceiving. On Saturday, UNC scored on its very first play of the game — its next two trips down the field were a three-and-out and an interception. Against Wake Forest and South Carolina, the team couldn't find the end zone at all.
North Carolina needs to find a way to get consistent offense going earlier in the game. That may be easier said than done with starting center Nick Polina out indefinitely with a lower body injury, and now starting left tackle Charlie Heck questionable against Clemson.
Losing those blockers puts more pressure on Sam Howell, and it makes life harder for Javonte Williams and Michael Carter in the run game. But injuries are a part of football, and it's do-or-die time for the current starts Brian Anderson and Joshua Ezeudu.
Converting Third Downs
Through four weeks, the Tar Heels have been one of the worst teams in the nation at converting on third downs. Currently, they're 123 out of 130, having converted only 16 times on 58 chances. That needs to change.
On the plus side, the team is seven of eight when it decides to go for it on fourth downs. But UNC has had far too many three-and-out far too many times this season, including seven times against Appalachian State.
