UNC Football Positional Grades vs. San Diego State

Sep 6, 2014; Chapel Hill, NC, USA;North Carolina Tar Heels receiver Mack Hollins (13) catches a touchdown pass during the second half against the San Diego State Aztecs at Kenan Memorial Stadium. North Carolina won 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports

Offense: C+

North Carolina generated 394 yards of total offense and Marquise Williams looked very solid, throwing for 255 yards and two touchdowns.  The offense took much better care of the ball than they did against Liberty, only turning it over one time.  Mack Hollins also looked very impressive, blowing by his man for a key 91 yard touchdown reception, which was the turning point of the game.

However, I was concerned by their offensive struggles early.  They gained just 108 yards in the first half, and did not score an offensive touchdown until their last drive of the third quarter.  Even more concerning was the Heels struggles finishing drives.

For the first two possessions, the Heels looked to be in rhythm before stalling in San Diego State territory.  On both drives they were forced to punt.  This also happened twice in the second half, when the Heels settled for field goal attempts (one of which was missed).

The Heels need to take advantage of these opportunities in opposing territory.  If they had scored a touchdown on just one of those drives, the game would not have come down to the final seconds like it did.