Previewing the UNC football program's homecoming game against Pitt

Why do the football gods continue to give their toughest battles to UNC football fans? Perhaps to build character? Maybe it will make the sweets sweeter when tasted after the sour? Or maybe He's just a cruel, vengeful deity who mocks our pain and toils.

In any event, the joke is on North Carolina again.

A convincing first half at Duke last Saturday was followed by a humiliating capitulation in the second half, and the Tar Heels are now 0-2 in their last two games. Next is homecoming against Pittsburgh. Pitt is 4-0 for the first time since 2000 and will be fresh off a bye week spent preparing for the Tar Heels, just like James Madison was! Yay!

More good news for the Panthers? Sure, why not! Leading rusher Desmond Reid is back after missing Pitt's win over Youngstown State. Head coach Pat Narduzzi also expects big defensive tackle Sean FitzSimmons on his D-line to try and stop Omarion Hampton. Pitt already has the nation's #63 ranked defense, giving up just 4.82 yards per play. Hampton will have his work cut out for him on Saturday.

Freshman quarterback Eli Holstein has been competent, completing 67.4% of his passes for 12 touchdowns against just two interceptions. He has been sacked 11 times, so defensive coordinator Geoff Collins will no doubt be busy in the lab dialing up some blitz packages to confuse the rookie signal caller.

Jacolby Criswell and the offense will have to eat their Wheaties to keep up with Pitt because the Panthers can put up points. They scored 55 against Kent State and 73 against Youngstown State, smaller teams for sure, but North Carolina hasn't done the same against their "inferior" competition.