Inside the Numbers: Boston College
After a heartbreaking loss to a top 10 Miami Hurricanes team in Chapel Hill last week, the 1-5 Tar Heels are looking to get into the win column in conference play against Boston College this week.
BC is a very dangerous team and has the weapons to come into Chapel Hill and secure a win against the Tar Heels, especially with how North Carolina has struggled the past few weeks on the defensive side of the ball.
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The Eagles come in at 3-3 on the year and 1-2 in the ACC, after suffering close losses to arguably the two best teams in the ACC in Clemson and Florida State, while defeating Wake Forest the second week of the season.
Tar Heel Illustrated takes an in depth look at the matchup between the Tar Heels and Eagles.
UNC is in a must win situation if they want to keep their narrow chances of a bowl appearance this year alive, as they will eventually have to go at least 5-1 down the stretch to become bowl eligible.
Boston College has a senior quarterback in Chase Rettig as their leader, along with one of the top rushers in not only the ACC but the nation in Andre Williams.
North Carolina will have to defend the run game well against the Eagles and force BC to pass the ball, as they really have only one true threat outside at wide receiver.
Both teams give up yards on the ground and in the air, but the Tar Heels will have to put a game plan together much like they did against Miami and protect the trenches.
The Tar Heels had some costly turnovers last week against the Hurricanes and can't allow that to continue this week.
Furthermore, one shall see if North Carolina has learned their lesson from the beginning weeks with their penalty yards (which they limited last week).
T.J. Logan should get the start again for the Tar Heels and has to have a decent ground game along with A.J. Blue and Romar Morris.
Bryn Renner and Marquise Williams have created a good one-two punch at the quarterback position, as it has been able to give a different dynamic on the offensive side of the ball with Williams' athletic ability and Renner's throwing ability.
The Tar Heels will have to be sharp in their defensive scheme and management of their own game to come away with a victory and their first ACC win of the season.
The Tar Heels have to limit the big plays against a BC team that hasn't had too many on the year, yet is giving up over 190 rushing yards per game on the ground.
Every single person who comes to Kenan Stadium will see if the Miami game gave the Tar Heels confidence for the rest of the season, as they showed that they have the ability to compete with anyone in the ACC, or if it broke the camel's back and took the last breath of air out of the Tar Heels.
It's essential for UNC to follow their head coach's mantra and play smart, fast, and physical in this game. If they do, all the makings are there for an important win. But a regression could lead to another ECU-type of loss for the Tar Heels.