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Offensive keys to a UNC football victory in ranked matchup at Pitt

North Carolina football enters its ACC road test against a 5-0 Pitt defense with a rare chance to build on last weekend’s surprising resilience. The Tar Heels held Notre Dame to a 37-26 loss in Kenan Stadium—scoring in every quarter and outgaining the Fighting Irish’s vaunted defense for the first time this season—but their offense will need to evolve to avoid a repeat of last year’s struggles.

Quarterback Billy Edwards showed flashes of poise against Notre Dame, throwing three touchdowns despite two costly interceptions, while the Tar Heels’ receiving corps, led by Jordan Shipp (who set a career high with 109 yards against the Irish), and dual-threat backs Benjamin Hall and Demon June provide weapons. However, Pitt’s pass rush (12 sacks in five games) and stingy run defense (55.6 yards per game allowed) demand a more balanced attack.

With only 77 rushing yards against Notre Dame, UNC must find a way to establish a ground game, even against one of the nation’s toughest front sevens. If Edwards avoids turnovers and the offensive line can limit sacks, the Tar Heels could pull off a second upset in five games—this time on the road at Acrisure Stadium.

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