Keeping It Heel
Fansided

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

It's North Carolina in reverse, a struggling offense paired with a competent defense.

By Michael McKay

Aug 29, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels linebacker Amare Campbell (17) forces a fumble on Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Max Brosmer (16) during the second half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 29, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels linebacker Amare Campbell (17) forces a fumble on Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Max Brosmer (16) during the second half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports / Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
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Defense has teeth!

Stick Lane
Aug 29, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels defensive back Antavious Lane (1) forces a fumble against Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Le'Meke Brockington (0) during the second half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports / Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

Bad defense on the football squad has been a common trait for the UNC football program. Is this about to change?

We've been fooled before. North Carolina sacked Spencer Rattler nine times in last season's opener at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, but the Tar Heels never replicated that sort of output again. Against Minnesota, the Tar Heels had five sacks but, as a team, had a few more signs of sustained performance.

North Carolina kicked off to open the game and held Minnesota to three-and-outs in three of their first four drives. After giving up touchdowns in Minnesota's last two drives of the second quarter, North Carolina came out and got two more three-and-outs to start the second half.

Similar issues exist with open-field tackling and dumb coverage penalties, but Geoff Collins seems to be getting a tune-out of this group. He's using the bench, the four—and five-star recruits are finally making plays, and the defense looks like it can hold leads while the offense finds its sea legs.

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