UNC football went on the road and did something that they haven’t done since 1992, they won a season-opening game in true hostile territory. However, despite winning 19-17 and ended up 1-0 through the first week, the Tar Heels looked anything but successful on the field.
Specfically, UNC’s defensive side of the ball had glaring issues. I will say this though, everything they did was better than last year, some issues remained the same, but overall, it was a much improved performance.
There are two majors areas of concern heading into next week — open-field tackling and third-down conversions. On multiple occasions throughout the game, Collins had PJ Fleck backed up for over 10 yards and allowed a conversion on a play over double-digit yardage.
Some HUGE performances from UNC’s new-look defense.
DB Jakeen Harris: 10 tackles
DL Jahvaree Ritzie: 3 sacks, 3 TFL (!)
The Butcher: 1 sack, 2 TFL
LB Amare Campbell: 1 sack, 1 TFL, 1 FF
Harris’ 10 tackles were third-most of his career, five years (45 games) at NC State.
— Grant Hughes (@GrantHughesNC) August 30, 2024
However, the glaring issue that even played a part in conversions was open-field tackling. When the big men got to the quarterback or when the defensive backs broke up a pass, it was electric.
When a pass was caught, though, or a runner broke the line, the ability to tackle that player was a problem and yards after contact were plentious.
Overall, the gameplan of the defense and the execution was at a place that fans haven’t seen it in a long time.
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