Looking at UNC's offense, I see exactly the kind of offense Pat Narduzzi's defensive scheme is successful against. UNC has an innaccurate passer (57% completion percentage) and a running game averaging over 5 yards a carry. Pitt defense is #12 nationally only allowing 2.81ypr. Pitt defense will look to shut down the run, make UNC offense one-dimensional, and force Criswell into bad decisions. Despite the gaudy rushing stats for UNC, their OL isn't very good and gave up a ton of pressure to Duke and James Madison.
On the other side of the ball, UNC defense may be a bit better than the team that gave up 70 to James Madison. UNC is #14 nationally in 3rd down defense, but only averaging 1 turnover a game (only 1 INT for the year), so they want to force Pitt into a 3rd down situation to stop the offense. UNC is also #17 nationally in sacks whereas Pitt is #115 in sacks allowed, so protecting Eli and avoiding sacks on 1st and 2nd downs will be a big part of avoiding those 3rd down situations. Pitt's OL has been a bit banged up and trying to play through injuries, so having the week off hopefully gets the line healthy and back in shape.
On the other side of the ball, UNC defense may be a bit better than the team that gave up 70 to James Madison. UNC is #14 nationally in 3rd down defense, but only averaging 1 turnover a game (only 1 INT for the year), so they want to force Pitt into a 3rd down situation to stop the offense. UNC is also #17 nationally in sacks whereas Pitt is #115 in sacks allowed, so protecting Eli and avoiding sacks on 1st and 2nd downs will be a big part of avoiding those 3rd down situations. Pitt's OL has been a bit banged up and trying to play through injuries, so having the week off hopefully gets the line healthy and back in shape.
