Virginia Tech Hokies

Tar Heels Football: 3 Things UNC Must Do To Beat Virginia Tech

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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UNC gets set to host Virginia Tech on Saturday in a BIG ACC Coastal Division game

Sep 24, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) gets sacked by Pittsburgh Panthers offensive lineman Tony Pilato (59) during the third quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Carolina defeated Pitt 37-36. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

The No. 17 North Carolina Tar Heels (4-1, 2-0) will face the No. 25 Virginia Tech Hokies (3-1, 1-0) this Saturday at 3:30pm. Both teams reside in the Coastal Division of the ACC. Saturday’s game will be critical in determining which school heads to the ACC Championship in December.

The Tar Heels are coming off back-to-back comeback wins over Pittsburgh and Florida State, propelling them back into the Top 25.

Meanwhile, the Hokies are coming off a bye week but have won two-straight since losing to Tennessee.

The winner of the game will be in first place, as it’s a golden opportunity for the Tar Heels to separate themselves from the Hokies. Depending on what Miami does at Florida State, it could be a big day for UNC.

Lets take a look at three things that North Carolina must do to secure a win against Virginia Tech.

Sep 17, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Ryan Switzer (3), quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10), wide receiver Bug Howard (84), tight end Carl Tucker (86), and wide receiver Mack Hollins (13) react at Kenan Memorial Stadium. The Tar Heels defeated the James Madison Dukes 56-28. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Wear down Virginia Tech’s Defense!

Virginia Tech’s defense allows 264.3 yards per game where as North Carolina’s offense averages 484.2 yards per game. The Hokies’ defense versus the Tar Heels’ offense will determine the outcome of the game, in my opinion.

In four games this season, Virginia Tech’s toughest opponent was the Tennessee Volunteers in week two. Tennessee won this matchup 45-24 and gained a total of 330 yards.

The strength of North Carolina’s offense is their passing game. Prior to the season, North Carolina’s running game was pegged as the heart and soul of the team but that is not the case.

UNC quarterback Mitch Trubisky has become a solid leader five games through the season.

Ryan Switzer ranks second in the ACC in receiving yards (587). Trubisky ranks second in the ACC in passing yards (1711).

The Trubisky-Switzer connection will continue to have big play after big play on Saturday. Switzer has become Trubisky’s favorite target and so far, only the Georgia Bulldogs have been able to slow down that combination.

If North Carolina continues to be an offensive juggernaut against Virginia Tech, then it will be a long day on Tobacco Road for the Hokies.

UNC wide receivers Mack Hollins, Bug Howard and Austin Proehl are capable of big games as well as a Switzer.

Do not underestimate the Tar Heels’ running backs, Elijah Hood and T.J. Logan. Both Hood and Logan can run for over 100 yards any given game. Logan threatens any defense will his playmaking ability on special teams as a kick returner, in addition to offense.

It is safe to say that Virginia Tech has their hands full against the Tar Heels on Saturday. Again, whoever wins the matchup between UNC’s offense and Va. Tech’s defense will determine this game’s outcome.

Oct 1, 2016; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back Nate Andrews (29) cannot bring down North Carolina Tarheels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) as he scores a touchdown at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports

Continue to unleash Mitch!

Trubisky may have parlayed himself into Heisman Trophy consideration with his performances against Pitt and Florida State recently. In five games, Trubisky has completed 133 of 175 passes for 1,711 yards, 13 touchdowns and no interceptions.

Although Trubisky started out slow in the first game against Georgia he has built momentum in every game after that with his strong play. Trubisky’s poise illustrates how much the coaching staff and team trust him.

North Carolina’s offense did not miss a beat after the graduation of Marquise Williams. In fact, North Carolina’s offense improved under the leadership of Trubisky; with all due respect to Williams.

Trubisky hurts defenses with both his arm and feet.

As a dual threat, Trubisky gives defenses a hard time preparing for him. If you blitz him, he has an array of weapons to throw the ball. If you play a zone defense, Trubisky can and will run for first downs and touchdowns.

As the season moves on, Trubisky gets better and better. This is not good for opponents and Virginia Tech must do their homework on Trubisky in order to win the game.

UNC goes as Mitch Trubisky goes. Point blank.

Nov 21, 2015; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies running back Travon McMillian (34) with the ball as North Carolina Tar Heels safety Sam Smiley (3 and linebacker Shakeel Rashad (42) and safety Donnie Miles (15) defend in the first quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

UNC’s defense must stop the run!

North Carolina’s run defense has been exploited every game so far in 2016 and it has become frustrating.

Virginia Tech comes into this matchup averaging 195.5 yards per game and is led by Travon McMillan. The running back has 212 yards on 48 carries and two touchdowns on the season.

Another player to watch is Jerod Evans. Evans has 40 rushes for 209 yards on the season as the team’s quarterback. He’s very mobile and can make plays out of the pocket.

These statistics may not be impressive, but the following stats are. McMillian averages 4.4 yards per carry while Evans averages 5.2 yards per carry. Moreover, McMillian’s longest run was for 69 yards and it was a touchdown. Evan’s longest run was for 55 yards and similar to McMillian it was for a touchdown.

Although McMillian and Evans may not be amongst the top running backs in the nation, they are highly capable of having big games against North Carolina. UNC cannot afford to underestimate any opponents’ running backs. Every opponent has a chance to defeat the Tar Heels.

If North Carolina stops the run, then they force Virginia Tech to beat them through the air. North Carolina’s secondary led by Donnie Miles, Jr., M.J. Stewart and Des Lawrence will be ready for the challenge.

Keep an eye on Tar Heel’s defensive end Nazair Jones. This game could be his breakout game this season. He has gotten off to a slow start, despite making big plays to secure several wins for the Tar Heels.

North Carolina’s defense has an opportunity to earn more respect against the Virginia Tech Hokies. UNC head coach Larry Fedora must be cognizant of UNC’s big play ability on offense. Scoring a lot of points looks great on the scoreboard, but having your defense on the field for long periods of time is.

The perfect medium on offense will alleviate restlessness on UNC’s defense.