2016 Sun Bowl: UNC-Stanford preview with Go Mighty Card
By Zack Pearson
![November 26, 2016; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal quarterback Keller Chryst (10) passes the football against Rice Owls defensive end Brian Womac (44) during the second quarter at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports November 26, 2016; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal quarterback Keller Chryst (10) passes the football against Rice Owls defensive end Brian Womac (44) during the second quarter at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/16c61d49056849d0e97f753dfb50362be1fca4007a67316d89ce2970fa74e06c.jpg)
Stopping Mitch Trubisky
KIH: How will Stanford attempt to slow down UNC’s offense and quarterback Mitch Trubisky?
GMC: Stanford’s defense has been great all season, especially the defensive front and the secondary. Solomon Thomas is an absolute force on the defensive line.
He was named the Pac-12’s Morris Trophy winner, an award which is given annually to the top defensive lineman as voted on by the conference’s offensive linemen.
There are reports circulating that he’d be a first-round pick should he choose to bypass his senior season, but he hasn’t yet made an announcement. All of that is to say that he’s really good. The secondary is Stanford’s deepest position, led by sophomore cornerback Quenton Meeks, another future pro. The weakness, however, has been the pass coverage of the linebackers.
If the Tar Heels can manage to isolate some receivers on the Cardinal linebackers, Trubisky will have success.