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Tar Heels Football: 6 key players for UNC at Illinois

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 9:26 p.m. ET

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Saturday’s game between UNC and Illinois will feature a variety of playmakers on both sides of the ball. But these six are the ones that could have the biggest impact on the game

Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

The North Carolina Tar Heels (0-1) are seeking their first win of the college football season, after losing to Georgia.

Their next opponent will be another test as they travel to Champaign, Illinois to take on the Fighting Illini under the lights. The two teams met in 2015 in Chapel Hill with the Tar Heels taking the game 48-14.

But this isn’t the same Illinois team.

The Illinois program is changing for the good. The team hired former NFL head coach Lovie Smith for that position at the school and he’s already making an impact on the program. I don’t expect a blowout either way Saturday night, instead a closer contest.

UNC is coming off a loss against Georgia in which they held a 10 point second half lead. They simply could not stop running back Nick Chubb and it cost them what would have been a statement victory.

Illinois is fresh off a big win over Murray State and their confidence level is high. When the two teams meet on Saturday, keep an eye out on these 6 players who could really change the game.

T.J. Logan, running back — UNC

Sep 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back T.J. Logan (8) returns a kickoff for a touchdown against the Georgia Bulldogs during the third quarter of the 2016 Chick-Fil-A Kickoff game at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Tar Heels fans have raved about Logan all week long and rightfully so. He was a bright spot in UNC’s loss to Georgia, scoring a touchdown as a running back and returning a kickoff for a touchdown to open the second half.

With Logan and backfield partner Elijah Hood, the Tar Heels could have a two-headed monster running the ball. They just need to find ways to get both the football.

Look for Logan to have another big game Saturday against Illinois defense. He could play a part in special teams as well.

Malik Turner, wide receiver — Illinois

Nov 21, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Malik Turner (11) rushes with the ball after making a catch in the first half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Turner had a big game in week one against Murray State and seems to be a favorite target of quarterback Wes Lunt.

The 6-foot-3, 205 pound receiver has a bigger frame than most cornerbacks do, so he’s usually at an advantage. On Saturday, he will be matched up with some good corners including M.J. Stewart and Patrice Rene.

Turner also has the speed to get past the last man in the secondary. If he can find ways to beat the Tar Heels deep, it will just open up Illinois offense a little more.

He finished 2015 with 39 receptions for 510 yards. He’s looking to up that production in 2016 and is off to a quick start.

Nazair Jones, defensive tackle — UNC

Sep 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels defensive tackle Nazair Jones (90) reacts after a defensive stop against the Georgia Bulldogs during the first quarter of the 2016 Chick-Fil-A Kickoff game at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Jones and the rest of the Tar Heels defense was torched by Chubb in week one and cant let that happen again on Saturday.

The defensive tackle is a key part in helping stop the run, something UNC has struggled with dating back to 2015. On Saturday, Illinois will look to Ke’Shawn Vaughn and Kendrick Foster to run the ball down UNC’s throat.

It’s up to Jones to stop that.

The 295-pound junior will go up against Illinois center Joe Spencer along with guards Nick Allegretti and Gabe Meggison, who will look to get that push on the Tar Heels line. Winning that battle in the trenches early could be crucial for a Tar Heels victory.

Ke’Shawn Vaughn, running back — Illinois

Vaughn is just one of two Illini running backs that can get going for the offense. Against Murray State he carried the ball 17 times for 49 yards and a touchdown.

The numbers don’t scream productive but for a UNC defense that’s had its problems stopping the run, those numbers could look better on Saturday.

If Vaughn can get going early for Illinois, it will open up the play-action and some shots down the field. But stopping Vaughn early will set the tone for a Tar Heels defense that is looking for some redemption.

Mitch Trubisky, quarterback — UNC

Sep 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) runs for a touchdown against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second quarter of the 2016 Chick-Fil-A Kickoff game at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

You knew this one was coming.

Trubisky’s start to the 2016 season wasn’t great but it wasn’t horrible. There are some things we need to see the quarterback do better, such as deep throw accuracy and able to scramble out and keep a play alive.

I think Mitch will be fine and week one was just some jitters. But he’s got to get off to a hot start against Illinois.

Last season, Marquise Williams torched Illinois with his feet as he recorded 100-plus rushing yards in the big win. If Trubisky can scramble and make some plays on the ground as well as the air, it will be a good day for the Tar Heels.

Dawuane Smoot, defensive end — Illinois

Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Smoot is arguably the best player on the Fighting Illini defense and one of the better defensive ends in the Big Ten.

Illinois is going to try to stop that Tar Heels run game early as well as getting pressure on Trubisky, making life rough on him. That starts with Smoot who anchors a defensive front that has vastly improved since last season.

As a sophomore in 2015, Smoot broke out as a star on the defensive line as he recorded a team high eight sacks, 15 tackles and three forced fumbles. Even when he’s not able to get to the quarterback, his presence is felt by sealing the edge and drawing double teams that free up his teammates.

Smoot is likely a first round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft and the Tar Heels must keep an eye out for him on Saturday.

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