Tar Heels Football: Takeaways from UNC vs. Duke

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Nov 10, 2016; Durham, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Ryan Switzer (3) carries the ball past Duke Blue Devils safety Corbin McCarthy (26) in the first half of their game at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports /

North Carolina’s high-powered offense lost it’s swagger

All season long, the North Carolina Tar Heels have dominated the majority of their opponents with the exception of Georgia and Virginia Tech. Mitch Trubisky came into this game with 19 touchdowns and two interceptions. Ryan Switzer was ranked second in the ACC in receiving yards. A couple of Tar Heels on defense were ranked in the ACC’s top five in total tackles.

North Carolina excelled in all facets of the game this season until recently. The offense looks like they are burned out. Although Trubisky threw for three touchdowns and nearly 300 yards against Duke, this was not enough to win the game. Trubisky started off the game going 12 of 15 for 200 yards and three touchdowns. He ended the game going 12 of 18 for 97 yards and no touchdowns.

The Tar Heels’ offense has too much talent to struggle to score touchdowns. UNC gained only two first downs in the second half against the Blue Devils.

North Carolina’s problem on Thursday was the offense not scoring enough. In the fourth quarter, both defenses held the other school scoreless.

North Carolina must lean more on Elijah Hood, for starters. He should have at least 20 carries per game. Last season, North Carolina peaked mainly because Hood’s running opened up the offense for everyone else.

This season, UNC has depended more on their passing game rather than their running game. As a result, the Tar Heels have lost games they should have won whereas they have the same team as last year on offense with the addition of a better quarterback.

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