North Carolina aims to end its two-game losing streak with a home victory against Pittsburgh on Saturday. The Tar Heels are currently a 3-point underdog as they seek a third consecutive win in the series. Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi has a record of 2-6 against UNC, and the Panthers are 0-7 in Chapel Hill.
Inside Carolina experts Jason Staples and Taylor Vipolis discussed their pregame analysis on The Game Plan show, highlighting areas UNC can exploit and giving final score predictions. They covered topics such as UNC’s damaged confidence and comparisons between Pitt’s offense and James Madison.
Analysis Highlights:
UNC’S MORALE AT ALL-TIME LOW UNDER MACK BROWN 2.0 Vipolis pointed out that the Tar Heels have suffered losses in two must-win games, leading to an all-time low morale. He noted that lack of confidence against weaker teams is concerning.
TAR HEELS ARE A ‘FRAGILE’ TEAM ENTERING WEEK 6 Staples described UNC as a fragile team struggling with self-belief. With a new defensive coordinator, recent performances have instilled doubt among players. Building an early lead against Pitt will be crucial.
UNC’S DEFENSE LACKS CONFIDENCE AFTER DUKE GAME Staples expressed concern over the defense’s confidence after facing Duke, where they struggled against the run. The defensive unit needs to regain confidence and focus on the positives.
PITT HAS AN IDENTITY, UNC DOESN’T Vipolis highlighted that Pitt has a clear identity focused on physical football, whereas UNC lacks consistency. The Tar Heels need to utilize play action effectively for quarterback Jacolby Criswell.
UNC OFFENSE CAN FIND SUCCESS ON PLAY-ACTION Staples noted that Criswell excels at intermediate throws, but the offense must improve pass protection against Pitt’s strong defense to change the game’s dynamics.
UNC’S WRs WON’T SCARE PITT Vipolis raised concerns about UNC’s receivers, suggesting they don’t pose a significant threat, allowing teams to stack the box against the run.
A WR NEEDS TO STEP UP AS A DEEP THREAT ON SATURDAY Staples stressed the need for a receiver, aside from Nesbit, to emerge as a deep threat to open up the field for effective offensive plays.
PITT’S OFFENSE IN SIMILAR TO JMU’S Vipolis expressed concern for UNC’s defense against Pitt’s offense, which features a mobile quarterback, Eli Holstein, who can effectively run and challenge their defense.
ELI HOLSTEIN’S LEGS HAVE NEUTRALIZED PITT’S WOES IN PASS-PRO Staples noted that UNC’s defense could fatigue, making it essential for their defensive tackles to perform well against Pitt’s running game.
Final Score Predictions
Vipolis predicted a Pitt win, 34-24, citing concerns about Carolina’s ability to compete in a potential shootout. Staples forecasted a Carolina victory, 34-31, suggesting that Criswell can make significant plays if given the opportunity.
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