There aren’t many teams playing worse football in the ACC than the North Carolina Tar Heels right now.
UNC is fresh off a 21-20 loss to archrival Duke. North Carolina appeared well on its way to a victory, shutting out the Blue Devils in the first half and later expanding its lead to 20 points, before giving up 21 unanswered.
If you’re accustomed to Tar Heel football, though, last week’s loss didn’t surprise you in the least bit. After a 3-0 start, which was misleading considering a myriad of struggles, UNC is in danger of yet another epic collapse.
That’s why in the latest ACC Power Rankings, North Carolina was ranked 15th out of 17 teams. The Florida State Seminoles (16th) and Wake Forest Demon Deacons (17th), who have a combined two wins, only trail the Tar Heels.
“UNC blew a 20-0 third-quarter lead at rival Duke on Saturday to slip to a new low in the power rankings,” InsideCarolina’s Grant Hughes wrote. “The Tar Heels got good performances from their skill positions, but the Blue Devils exposed serious problems on both sides of the line of scrimmage on Saturday.”
In terms of good performances, Hughes is likely referring to Tar Heels running back Omarion Hampton and quarterback Jacolby Criswell.
Hampton recorded his fourth 100-yard outing against Duke, rushing for 103 yards on 29 carries. Hampton also caught four passes for 50 yards (second-most on UNC), proving his worth as a secondary pass-catcher.
Criswell fared well against constant pressure from the Blue Devils, completing 21-of-39 passes for 251 yards and two touchdowns. Criswell did toss an interception on North Carolina’s final offensive play, though as a result of UNC’s inability to block, instead of from a poor decision.
The Tar Heels don’t have a ton of time to turn their season around. After Saturday’s Homecoming matchup with Pitt, will the Heels stay put or move around in next week’s Power Rankings?
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