Tar Heels Football: Takeaways from UNC vs. Virginia Tech

Mitch Trubisky – Under the weather

Mitch Trubisky came into Saturday’s game with 133 completions for 1,711 yards with 13 touchdown passes and no interceptions. After Saturday’s game, Trubisky added 58 yards and two interceptions to his season totals.

Trubisky finished the game with a quarterback rating of 5.7. Virginia Tech’s Jerod Evans had a quarterback rating of 36.5, but he completed seven of 17 passes for 75 yards and two touchdowns. Trubisky completed 13 of 33 passes for 58 yards with two interceptions.

Virginia Tech used Evans differently than North Carolina used Trubisky. Evans carried the ball 21 times for 49 yards and one touchdown in addition to what he accomplished as a passer. Trubisky ran eight times for -2 yards. Evans’ longest run was 15 yards whereas Trubisky’s was eight yards.

Virginia Tech established the run against UNC with their running backs AND quarterback. North Carolina wanted to rely on their passing game rather than their running game.

Trubisky ran track in high school. He is a gifted runner; however, he is used primarily as a ‘pocket quarterback.’ It would behoove UNC head coach Larry Fedora to loosen up the reigns on Trubisky just a little. Despite Trubisky’s great start this season, he does not utilize all of his skill set.

Saturday’s game against Virginia Tech was a great opportunity for Trubisky to show everyone his running ability as a quarterback. Trubisky has an all-around skill set as a quarterback. He can hurt defenses as a runner or passer. The coaching staff should give him more opportunity to showcase what he can do as a passer and runner.

North Carolina’s offense has many weapons. They should not finish any games with a total of three points.