Keeping It Heel
Fansided

Lessons Learned from the UNC football program's victory over Charlotte

Things to celebrate, things to clean up for the UNC football program.

By Michael McKay

Charlotte v North Carolina
Charlotte v North Carolina / Grant Halverson/GettyImages
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Ritzie is a man on a mission

Ritzie
Sep 7, 2024; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels defensive lineman Jahvaree Ritzie (5) reacts after recovering a fumble in the 1st quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images / Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Groans were audible at Kenan Stadium when word got out that Kaimon Rucker would be out for the game. The Butcher is the UNC football program's best pass rusher, and Charlotte had a former Florida Gator at quarterback that couldn't have played as poorly as he did against James Madison. Getting after him would be a top priority.

Jahvaree Ritzie, who had the breakout game of his North Carolina career last week at Minnesota, continued to step to the fore. He had three sacks against the Golden Gophers and added two more against the 49ers.

North Carolina's defensive performance against Charlotte wasn't a tidy follow-up to their impressive display at Minnesota, but Ritzie continues to impress. It will be impossible for him to continue this pace, but it's certainly in the realm of possibility for the senior lineman to get 8-10 sacks for the season.

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