UNC Football: Three key stats from loss to Cal

Some key stats from the Tar Heels loss to Cal on Saturday afternoon

It’s getting all too familiar to see the North Carolina Tar Heels struggle to find consistency in their season opener.

The Tar Heels haven’t beaten a power five opponent since the 1997 opener against Indiana. That includes three-straight losses to South Carolina, Georgia and now Cal to open the season.

UNC actually had a 17-7 lead late in the first half and it was looking like they would be up at least double digits into halftime. But then a bad targeting penalty by Jalen Dalton gave Cal new life and they took advantage.

The Golden Bears outscored UNC 28-13 with the Tar Heels scoring a late TD as time expired.

Overall it was an unimpressive performance for UNC but there were some bright spots in the game.

The emergence of both Michael Carter and Chazz Surratt give some hope to an offense trying to find its way this season. If UNC can find a way to get consistent, they could pull off some shockers this year.

Here are three important stats of note from the game

Two interceptions

Last season it took the Tar Heels 11 games to record their first interception of the season on defense. They finished with just one all season in 2016.

Through one game in 2017, UNC has already passed that mark.

The Tar Heels recorded their first interception of the year in the first half when defensive back Donnie Miles picked off Ross Bowers. Miles INT led to a Michael Carter touchdown, giving UNC a 17-7 lead and putting them in control.

Later in the game with UNC trailing 21-17 in the fourth, star linebacker Andre Smith made a big play.

Smith picked off Bowers and returned it all the way to the Cal 5 yard line to set up another UNC touchdown. That score gave the Tar Heels a 24-21 lead.

It’s refreshing to see the Tar Heels actually make plays on the ball as the defense is expected to be their strength this season. Both INT’s led to points from the offense, something that is a bonus.

Let’s see if UNC can continue to force some takeaways.

8.54 yards per carry

That’s the number for freshman running back Michael Carter who was playing in his first career game.

The freshman was a bright spot in UNC’s offensive woes on Saturday afternoon, spelling starter Jordon Brown who got the start. Carter entered the game when quarterback Chazz Surratt did in the second offensive series.

Carter showed off his speed on a few plays, hitting the hole and then finding the open field.

He added two rushing touchdowns on the day, finishing with 94 yards on 11 carries. The freshman is expected to play a big role in UNC’s offense this season and could take over as the starter if he keeps playing like this.

2-for-2

The Golden Bears finished the game 2-for-2 on fourth downs and they all came on one drive.

Trailing 21-24 to the Tar Heels, the Golden Bears marched down the field on an 11-play, 75-yard touchdown drive to take the lead early in the fourth quarter.

The drive saw the Golden Bears convert on both fourth down attempts. Both were fourth-and-ones that the Tar Heels defense couldn’t get the push up front.

It resulted in a Bowers 20-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Duncan. If UNC can just get one stop on a fourth down there, they possibly hold on to win the game.

Next: UNC falls to Cal in season opener

They took the lead and didn’t look back as the Golden Bears improve to 1-0 and the Tar Heels fell to 0-1.

UNC will prepare for defending Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson and the Louisville Cardinals next Saturday.