Lessons Learned from a UNC football fumble-fueled loss at California

Encouraging Defense

After surrendering an average of 40 points per game in the previous three losses, giving up just 21 against Cal, and essentially holding them scoreless for the majority of the second half (the Golden Bears scored their last touchdown on the opening drive of the third quarter) will seem like a giant step in the right direction.

Steve Belichick's charges were not helped by three turnovers via lost fumbles. Cal put the ball on the turf twice, but were never punished. In such a tight contest, those fumbles were like boxing with one hand tied behind your back while a third boxer punches you in the back of the head.

One encouraging note was the play of defensive lineman Tyler Thompson. His two sacks, including a forced fumble of Cal freshman phenom quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele were exactly the types of plays that UNC needs more of.

Keeping opponents out of the end zone, increasing forced turnovers, and sacking the quarterback are all ingredients Steve Belichick needs to whisk, pour, and bake into the defense to give UNC's lackluster offense a chance to win against Virginia next week.