5 Predictions for the UNC football vs. Pittsburgh football clash

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CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 16: Athan Kaliakmanis #8 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers bobbles the ball under pressure by Kaimon Rucker #25 of the North Carolina Tar Heels during the second half of their game at Kenan Memorial Stadium on September 16, 2023 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The Tar Heels won 31-13. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

2. The defense will get to the quarterback

After recording 9 sacks on opening night, the Tar Heels defense hasn’t been able to take down opposing quarterbacks much.

Of course, credit their opponents for getting the ball out quicker than South Carolina did, which plays a major factor in the lack of sacks. However, the Tar Heels could benefit from taking down the quarterback more, given they have just one sack over the last eight quarters of play.

This week that will change.

Put North Carolina down for two or more sacks, and here’s why.

Just two weeks ago, Cincinnati’s defense took down Pittsburgh’s quarterback five times. Although they were much better against West Virginia’s defensive front, will they have enough to slow down the pressure Gene Chizik’s defense hopes to put together?

The early answer to this question is no.

Especially with quarterback Phil Jurkovec struggling, this could be the perfect opportunity for the UNC football program’s defense to have another sack party.

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