UNC Football: Players of the Game versus Pittsburgh

The UNC Football program won its first ACC game of the 2023 season against Pittsburgh over the weekend. Who were the Players of the Game for the Tar Heels?

The UNC football program moved to 4-0 for the first time since 1997 and has begun ACC play 1-0 to start the 2023 season following its 41-24 victory over the Pittsburgh Panthers on Saturday evening. Heading into the bye week, the Tar Heel coaching staff named their Players of the Game against the Panthers, who were impactful in the first road win of the season.

UNC football junior wide receiver JJ Jones arguably had the best game of his Tar Heel career on Saturday night, leading the Tar Heels in total receiving yards and catches. Jones had six catches for 117 yards, averaging 19.5 yards per catch, including a deep ball of 52 yards.

For the defensive side of the ball, it may be the most obvious Player of the Game choice we’ve ever seen. Alijah Huzzie had one pass deflection and two interceptions for the Tar Heels on Saturday night, causing a lot of problems for the Panthers’ wide receivers.

Not only was Huzzie the Player of the Game for the defensive side of the ball, but he also earned special teams honors for Player of the Game thanks to his two great punt returns. He had a good return early to set the Tar Heel offense up with great field position, then he returned one 52 yards for a touchdown to give UNC football the lead for good at 21-14, against the Panthers.

Both Huzzie and Jones have been pleasant surprises through four weeks of the UNC Football season, and we expect them to continue to have a major impact on the field for the Tar Heels the rest of the season.

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