.vresize.36.36.medium.0.png){kind=small}
.vresize.36.36.medium.0.png){kind=small}
Tar Heels Football: 3 Things UNC must do to beat Pittsburgh
UNC prepares to take on Pittsburgh in the ACC opener for both teams
Sep 10, 2016; Champaign, IL, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Larry Fedora during 3rd quarter action against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium. North Carolina beat Illinois 48 to 23. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports
Fresh off a win over James Madison in week three, the North Carolina Tar Heels (2-1) are now set to take on a much tougher opponent in the Pittsburgh Panthers (2-1).
This matchup will be the first ACC opponent on the schedule for both teams.
And that means it’s officially ACC Football season.
The game will be crucial for both teams who are vying for the top spot in the Coastal Division of the ACC. It could also mean the difference in who gets to go to the conference championship come December.
Let’s take a look at three things UNC must do to defeat Pittsburgh this weekend.
Stop James Conner from turning into ‘Beast Mode’
Nov 15, 2014; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers running back James Conner (24) runs for a touchdown as North Carolina Tar Heels safety Dominquie Green (26) and cornerback Desmond Lawrence (2) defend in the first quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Last season, North Carolina defeated Pittsburgh 26-19 behind Marquise Williams and Ryan Switzer. Pittsburgh struggled to score touchdowns, due to the absence of their star running back James Conner.
Two years ago in 2014, Conner was a sophomore running back who went into ‘beast mode’ against the Tar Heels. Although UNC won the game 40-35, Conner rushed 30 times for 220 yards and four touchdowns.
Conner will have a chip on his shoulder for several reasons. North Carolina has defeated Pittsburgh three consecutive years. Conner did not play last season as Carolina won barely.
Also, Conner defeated his bout with cancer this year. For several months, Conner has been cancer-free. Expect him to run the ball a great deal.
Not to add insult to injury, but Conner was the 2014 ACC Player of the Year prior his leave of absence. Conner is one of the best running backs in the nation.
North Carolina’s run defense is suspect, to say the least. UNC’s run defense gives up 226.7 yards per game this season. UNC’s opponents average 25 points a game this season.
On Saturday, North Carolina will face a team whereas their running back ran for 220 alone the last time these two teams played.
The outcome of this game depends on Carolina’s ability to neutralize Conner. Stop him and it is checkmate!
Lean on Switzer – offensively and special teams!
Nov 15, 2014; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Ryan Switzer (3) with the ball in the first half at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Ryan Switzer is a game-changer. I do not compare him to Wes Welker because his ceiling will be higher than Welker’s.
Switzer’s ability to impact a game as a punt returner makes him a viable option as a catalyst to beat Pittsburgh.
In 2013, North Carolina defeated Pittsburgh 34-27. Switzer returned two punts for touchdowns in this game. One of these punt returns sealed the win for the Tar Heels. The other two touchdowns were scored by former quarterback Marquise Williams.
This season, Switzer has 17 receptions for 221 yards and one touchdown. Since 2013, Switzer has become an all-around player who plays on offense as well as special teams. Expect a big game from Switzer on Saturday.
None of Carolina’s wide receivers can be double-teamed, in particular, Switzer. Focus on him and you have Mack Hollins and Bug Howard (both over 6’0 feet tall) open.
Play a zone defense and you allow UNC’s running backs Elijah Hood and T.J. Logan to carve up running yards on the ground.
This will open up Pittsburgh’s defense a great deal on Saturday.
Mitch Trubisky must remain cool, calm and collected!
Sep 17, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) calls signals at Kenan Memorial Stadium. The Tar Heels defeated the James Madison Dukes 56-28. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Pittsburgh has not faced Mitch Trubisky yet. They can only review film of him from previous games this season. Pittsburgh may be in for a rude awakening from UNC’s Trubisky. Here’s the reason why.
Trubisky can dominate a game through the air or on the ground. Similar to Marquise Williams, Trubisky represents a dual threat for Pittsburgh.
Trubisky may be slightly better than Williams when it comes to accuracy and decision-making. With the array of offensive weapons at his fingertips, Trubisky should pick apart Pittsburgh’s defense easily.
The only negative about Trubisky is his tendency to go for the deep ball early. Last week, North Carolina connected on several long touchdown passes at the hands of Trubisky.
The bad thing about scoring a lot is that your defense does not have time to catch their breath. Carolina’s defense will need more time to catch a breather facing the likes of James Conner.
North Carolina should defeat Pittsburgh on Saturday. Pittsburgh cannot hold down or keep up with Carolina’s offense. This will decide the game.
More from Keeping It Heel
This article originally appeared on 
