What Mack Brown mentioned after UNC soccer's loss at Duke
Following UNC soccer's loss at Duke, head coach Mack Brown mentioned what went flawed for the Tar Heels and the plan shifting ahead for the program.
UNC soccer has by no means misplaced to Pitt in Chapel Hill.
The Tar Heels (3-2, 0-1 ACC), who've gained seven straight house video games in the collection, will attempt to make it eight in a row towards the undefeated Panthers (4-0, 0-0) on Saturday (Noon, ESPN2) at Kenan Stadium.
Overall, UNC has gained 12 of its 17 video games towards Pitt, however the Heels are reeling after back-to-back losses to James Madison and rival Duke. The Panthers, who misplaced 41-24 to UNC at house final season, try to enhance to 5-0 for the first time since 1991.
UNC's Mack Brown, Jacolby Criswell aren't panicking
Here’s a take a look at issues to look at and a rating prediction for UNC vs. Pitt.
Pitt quarterback Eli Holstein might be problematic for UNC protection
Eli Holstein, Pitt’s redshirt freshman quarterback, has helped revive the Panthers offense as a four-time ACC Rookie of the Week. Holstein has accomplished 67% of his passes for 1,186 yards and 12 touchdowns with two interceptions. UNC is 94th in passing protection, permitting a mean of 232 passing yards per sport. Holstein, who has thrown three passing TDs in every of his first 4 video games, may show to be fairly the headache for the Tar Heels’ secondary.
UNC soccer’s poor punt safety
Punting is amongst the areas UNC wished to enhance in the offseason. Through 5 video games, the Tar Heels proceed to battle in defending their particular groups, most notably in the final two weeks. The first crew to permit two blocked punts this season, UNC has 9 blocked punts since head coach Mack Brown returned to the program in 2019. In 2023, Pitt tied for the nationwide lead with three blocked punts. Panthers linebacker Rasheem Biles was chargeable for all three of these blocks. If Biles has a block social gathering this weekend in Chapel Hill, the Heels might be in hassle.
UNC vast receiver JJ Jones turning into go-to goal for quarterback Jacolby Criswell
Despite the total points for UNC, vast receiver J.J. Jones is beginning emerge as the go-to receiver for quarterback Jacolby Criswell. Over the final two video games, Jones has caught 10 passes for 175 yards and a landing. Pitt introduced the finest out of Jones final season as the senior wideout hauled in six catches for 117 yards. UNC wants extra of that shifting ahead to take a few of the burden off working again Omarion Hampton.
UNC vs Pitt rating prediction
Pitt 28, UNC 26: After permitting 70 factors towards James Madison and surrendering a 20-point lead towards Duke, we’ve reached I-gotta-see-it-to-believe mode with the Tar Heels. The Panthers have struggled in Chapel Hill, however they don’t have as many questions as UNC at the second.
Staff author Rodd Baxley will be reached at rbaxley@fayobserver.com or @RoddBaxley on X/Twitter.
