UNC 40, Pitt 35: Instant Reaction

All season long, UNC really hasn’t played a perfect game. The defense hasn’t clicked yet, the offense still stalls out for long stretches and special teams are still a thorn in UNC’s side. But when the game is on the line, somehow, these Tar Heels find a way to win.

Whether it was Tim Scott’s interception against SDSU, the last drive against Georgia Tech, the late TD pass by Mitch Trubisky and ensuing surprise onside kick against UVA or today’s game winning drive, this UNC team finds ways to win football games.

The offense is led by Marquise Williams, the toughest quarterback in the ACC. I believe it was in the second half when Marquise took a huge shot to the mouth on his own goal line and laid on the ground for a while, unable to get up after the shock and impact of the hit. Marquise took one play off and came right back in and kept fighting for the rest of the game. His last two drives was some of his best work this season — he made the right calls on the read option in key spots, gave the ball to his best players and led his Tar Heels down the field when they needed points.

I think at this point, we can all agree that this Carolina defense is pretty bad. UNC allowed Pitt to rack up 523 yards of total offense, right in line with season averages. But this defense also makes big plays and does just enough to win football games. The forced fumble by Malik Simmons and recovery by a teammate seconds later was just the latest example. Earlier this season, somewhere I wrote or tweeted that the defense can give up 100 points in a game as long as UNC scores 101, and that proved to be prophetic, looking back on how the season has gone. But they play well in big spots and never give up on a game.

The special teams still stink. After being so strong last year, UNC hasn’t gotten much of anything from the punt or kick return game. Ryan Switzer seems to be one step away from breaking off a long run in the punt return game, but Carolina fans won’t complain as long as he keeps making plays as a wide receiver. The kicking game nearly did the Tar Heels in again. Nothing can be done now about that, other than more kicking competitions between Thomas Moore and Nick Weiler. Fans just have to hope that the State or Duke games don’t come down to a field goal.

An explosive offense, a suspect defense and a headache-inducing special teams unit gel together nicely to form a very fun football team to watch. To everyone that left at halftime after the homecoming court was over, you all missed a good football game. Your loss, and those who stayed were certainly pleased.

Two games remain, each presenting different challenges. Duke is a good but beatable football team. Playing against them on Thursday night in Wallace-Wade isn’t going to be easy, but nothing UNC has accomplished this season has been easy. Emotions will be running high on Thanksgiving weekend for the State game, but State is not as talented as UNC. The Heels only need one win to become bowl eligible. Two wins would be really nice and no wins would be heartbreaking, but one win over the next two games is my prediction.

In a season of so many ups and so many downs, 6-6 feels about right.