The Daily Tar Heel
Printing news. Raising hell. Since 1893.
Thursday, March 28, 2024 Newsletters Latest print issue

We keep you informed.

Help us keep going. Donate Today.
The Daily Tar Heel

Taking a look at UNC football's matchup with Pitt on Thursday

UNC wide receiver Bug Howard catches the game winning touchdown with two seconds remaining in regulation against Pitt.

UNC wide receiver Bug Howard catches the game winning touchdown with two seconds remaining in regulation against Pitt.

Even in the deepest throes of mediocrity in recent years, the North Carolina football team has been able to find annual respite when Pittsburgh shows up on the schedule.

Since 2013, the Tar Heels have defeated the Panthers in six consecutive games. Even in 2017 and 2018 — when UNC lost to every other conference opponent — the Tar Heels got their sole ACC wins of the season when they faced off against head coach Pat Narduzzi and Pitt. 

However, this season has seen sizable changes from both programs. While UNC may have already claimed three conference wins, this Pitt team has been competitive in its own right.

Here’s a look at what head coach Mack Brown and his team can expect when they make the trek up to frigid Pittsburgh on Thursday night.

Keeping it close

UNC has had plenty of nail-biting affairs. 

Despite winning seven out of the last eight matchups against Pitt, the Tar Heels' margin of victory in that span has only been a combined 31 points. And this season, with close losses to Clemson, Virginia Tech and Appalachian State still fresh in the minds of the Tar Heel football program, yet another close game could finally bode well for Pittsburgh.

The beauty of the bye week

Both UNC and Pittsburgh will enter Thursday night’s primetime matchup with fresh legs as both teams took time off for a bye last weekend. While this gives both teams an advantage in terms of rest and strategy, Pitt entered the break on a high note after defeating Georgia Tech on Nov. 2. Conversely, the Tar Heels lost a crucial ACC game to Virginia on the same day, sending them into the bye with the anguish of defeat still fresh on their minds. 

Pittsburgh’s momentum as a program is undeniable — its 6-3 start to the season is a program-best dating back to 2015. Big wins over Syracuse, Duke, and No. 15 UCF headline a year in which the Panthers still have a chance to claim the Coastal Division title. 

The optimism surrounding the Panthers' locker room is palpable, and the timely bye week after a strong defensive showing against Georgia Tech directly contrasts a Tar Heel program that is still seeking answers defensively after a porous 38-31 loss.

Weapons out wide

Pitt’s offense has been relatively conservative thus far, only eclipsing 25 points on three occasions this year. However, the Panthers have seen success when they air the ball out to the formidable wide receiver duo of Maurice Ffrench and Taysir Mack. 

Ffrench currently leads the conference in receptions with 75, and Mack is tied for fourth with 53. Their production can be stifled by underwhelming quarterback play from Kenny Pickett (9 TDs, 8 INTs), but this duo is the centerpiece of an offense that can capitalize on timely deep balls.

A battle in the trenches

Pittsburgh’s defense has made a habit of tormenting opposing offensive lines with their stout defensive unit up front. The Panthers D-line is ranked second in the nation in sacks at 4.44 sacks per game. Patrick Jones II, Jaylen Twyman, and Kylan Johnson lead this menacing front line, but they are well-rounded in the trenches with eight players tallying more than one sack.

Their ability to get to the quarterback is augmented by a stout run defense that allows a mere 85.9 rushing yards per game, seventh-lowest in the nation. If Pittsburgh’s big men can impose their will on a fledgling UNC offensive line, quarterback Sam Howell and running back Javonte Williams will undoubtedly struggle to put points on the board.

@fleetwilson

@DTHSports | sports@dailytarheel.com

To get the day's news and headlines in your inbox each morning, sign up for our email newsletters.