Whatever the result of a UNC football game is, there’s a good chance the defense struggles.
North Carolina gave us some false hope that its defensive woes subsided in the first three weeks of 2024, highlighted by holding both Minnesota and NC Central to under 20 points.
The Tar Heels’ defensive issues, particularly against the run, re-started against James Madison. UNC’s run defense was arguably worse against Georgia Tech in today’s 41-34 loss.
North Carolina allowed 371 rushing yards, which included a 68-yard walk-off touchdown from running back Jamal Haynes, that broke a 34-34 tie in the closing seconds. Jamal Haynes and Yellow Jackets quarterback Haynes King combined for 277 of those 371 rushing yards – and four touchdowns to make matters worse for the Tar Heels.
“We said they’re all coming down to a play” UNC head coach Mack Brown said of his team’s past four losses. “There’s a thin line between winning and losing and this team’s had a load put on them. There’s a run at the end of the game. There’s so many things we can fix that give us a chance to be a better team and win the last five games.”
James Madison gashed North Carolina for 223 yards, Duke gained 185 yards and Pitt ran for 139. Today’s loss was the the Tar Heels’ worst of their past four – solely in terms of their run defense.
Just one more third down stop, tightening up on Georgia Tech’s final drive, being able to swim around GT’s offensive line all could’ve helped UNC’s run defense today.
Alas, the Tar Heels have a major problem and it’s costing them their season.
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