CHAPEL HILL - Ahead of North Carolina’s regular season finale against NC State, Offensive Coordinator Chip Lindsey met with the media on Monday afternoon.
The Tar Heels witnessed their three-game winning streak come to an end against Boston College on Saturday, falling 41-21 in Chestnut Hill, Mass. UNC will now return home to face the Wolfpack with a chance to improve to 7-5 on the season.
Above is video of Lindsey’s presser and below are some notes from what he had to say:
*Omarion Hampton registered just 11 carries in the loss, and on multiple short yardage plays, UNC opted not to run the football. One particular instance came with 10:18 remaining in the second quarter, where the Tar Heels attempted a roll out pass play on 4th and 2.
“We had eight snaps, four pass and four run. Again, just trying to keep them off balance… [We wanted to] give Jacolby a chance to throw it out to one of the guys or run it. Just trying to not always do the same thing.”
*The Tar Heels started the game 0-for-10 on third down and finished just 3-for-13, a glaring struggle against the Eagles. Lindsey addressed the concerns and credited the Boston College defense.
“They did a good job pressuring us and giving us some pressure looks where we couldn’t always help with the tight ends and the running backs. At the end of the day, we have to throw it accurately and go in on some routes. As a staff, we got to look at how we can help get them open better….Not a good third down plan, obviously.”
*Trailing 41-7 and with the outcome already in hand, UNC elected to leave quarterback Jacolby Criswell in the game to help boost his confidence. The Tar Heels would score two fourth quarter touchdowns on the ensuing drives and Lindsey talked about how it helped Criswell.
*Turning the page to NC State, Lindsey discussed the Wolfpack defense, led by coordinator Tony Gibson.
“He does a great job disguising. He does a great job getting his guys into the right spots and they’re sound. They don’t give up a lot of explosive plays. It’s a challenge…He tries to take away the best things that you do. It’s what he does best I think.”
*Boston College recorded seven sacks against UNC, three of which Lindsey credited to holding onto the ball too long and being indecisive. The Tar Heels have allowed 12 sacks over the last two weeks.
*With Criswell’s recent struggles, Lindsey referenced the Tar Heels’ inability to stay on the field as part of the issue, as it prevents Criswell from finding his groove and getting comfortable.
“We have to be able to stay on the field to keep a rhythm in offense. I always thought in my experience offense is a lot of times about rhythm… When you’re a quarterback and your snaps are limited, a lot of times due to us not being good on third down, then you press a little bit. You can feel the guys pressing and we don’t need that.”
*Criswell threw an interception for the first time since North Carolina’s 21-20 loss at Duke on Sept. 2. His third and final giveaway was the result of trying to prevent a sack. Lindsey discusses how being aware of the concepts and play can help Criswell throw the ball away without the risk of an interception or intentional grounding.
*Statistically speaking, Trevyon Green has struggled for UNC, as his PFF grade of 55.8 is the lowest among all Tar Heel lineman. Lindsey spoke about how Green’s increase in playing time is a factor and how Green isn’t always to blame for the mistakes.
*As he prepares for NC State, Lindsey highlighted key defensive pieces for the Wolfpack, including Davin Vann and Brandon Cleveland along the defensive line.
