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Tar Heels Football: Takeaways from UNC vs. Illinois
UNC played a lot better against Illinois than they did Georgia. Let’s take a look at some takeaways from that game
Mitch Trubisky broke out of his shell this past Saturday night.
He morphed into a superhero and led the North Carolina Tar Heels to a 48-23 massacre of the Illinois Fighting Illini. Although the score surpassed the ’21-skunk rule,’ the game was a lot closer.
North Carolina used a pretty good fourth quarter to finally pull away from the Fighting Illini and get into the win column.
Many things went well for the Tar Heels on Saturday night. Lets take a look at these things as well as some other takeaways.
Sep 10, 2016; Champaign, IL, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) throws a pass against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the 1st quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports
Mitch Trubisky: The Man
Trubisky was the man on Saturday against Illinois.
He completed 19 of his 24 passes for 265 yards and two touchdowns. In addition, Trubisky carried the ball nine times for 42 yards and two more touchdowns. Yes, Trubisky was responsible for four of UNC’s touchdowns.
Move over Bo, because Mitch knows football.
Trubisky’s versatility gave Illinois problems obviously. They could not stop him. Trubisky’s dual-threat as a passer and runner makes him difficult to cover. Mitch’s longest run was for 39 yards and happened early in the game.
In addition, the array of offensive weapons at Trubisky’s fingertips gives him the opportunity to pick apart defenses left and right.
Trubisky improved a great deal from week one to Week two.
Against Illinois, Trubisky had a great deal of confidence and poise. If this continues, North Carolina may find themselves back in the ACC Championship in December.
Sep 10, 2016; Champaign, IL, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back T.J. Logan (8) carries the ball against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the 3rd quarter at Memorial Stadium. North Carolina beat Illinois 48 to 23. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports
T.J. Logan Senior Year Campaign for Stardom
Logan was overshadowed by Elijah Hood last season, so we really didn’t get to see what he could do. Hood had an impressive season with the second-most yards by a UNC running back ever (1,463).
Although Hood has struggled to get going in the first two games this season, Logan has impressed in a variety of ways.
Logan reminds me of Reggie Bush, when Bush was at his peak. USC had Bush in the backfield, at wide receiver, returning punts and kickoffs. Logan can do all three of these things in the Tar Heels offense, making it a little more explosive.
When North Carolina faced Illinois, Hood returned a kickoff for 58 yards. Although he did not score during this kickoff, the 58-yard run remains impressive. In addition, Logan rushed nine times for 54 yards.
Logan also caught two passes for 34 yards and a touchdown. That touchdown came on a beautiful screen play on third down as he made a few defenders miss.
This season, Logan has scored on a kickoff and run (week one) and a reception (week two). Expect more from Logan this season. He has earned his right to more playing time on offense.
I maintain my belief that UNC head coach Larry Fedora should play Hood and Logan more together. I am a huge fan of dual running back sets.
This allows quarterbacks to have two receivers coming out of the backfield or one could stay to block. In addition, they could be decoys for Trubisky who is a gifted runner, also.
Sep 10, 2016; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn
North Carolina’s Run Defense Needs Work
Illinois jumped North Carolina right away. Fighting Illini running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn had a great game as he finished with 15 rushes for 116 yards and one touchdown. That touchdown came on the third play of the game as he scampered 65 yards for the score.
Fellow running back Kendrick Foster carried the ball 12 times for 54 yards.
Although North Carolina won the game 48-23, the Tar Heels gave up 170 yards between two players. If it was not for the fumble in the second quarter, Illinois could have possibly won the game.
Prior to the fumble, Illinois was up 14-10 and had control of the game. Quarterback Wes Lunt fumbled after a five-yard loss and the Tar Heels recovered.
This play changed the momentum in North Carolina’s favor during the first half.
Lunt fumbled several times throughout the game. Despite Vaughn’s big game, the North Carolina defense kept Lunt in check. Lunt completed 17 of 35 passes for 127 yards. This is not a good outing from a senior quarterback.
Sep 10, 2016; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive lineman Dawuane Smoot (91) and defensive lineman Carroll Phillips (6) tackle North Carolina Tar Heels running back Elijah Hood (34) in the endzone for a safety during the 2nd quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports
North Carolina’s Suspect Play-Calling Deep in their territory
For the second consecutive game, the North Carolina Tar Heels allowed their opponent to get a safety. Last week, North Carolina was deep in their own territory and Mitch Trubisky threw a screen pass to Elijah Hood which resulted in a safety.
This week, the North Carolina offense was in shotgun formation. Trubisky handed the ball off to running back Elijah Hood, who was tackled in the end zone.
UNC needs to keep it simple when they get backed up close to the goal line. When the Tar Heels are backed up deep in their territory, maybe a simple quarterback sneak will be suffice? Or even a power formation run?
From experience, a screen pass and shotgun formation have not worked out too well.
Trubisky is an excellent runner. Play it safe and let him run the ball. If not Trubisky, then use Hood or Logan.
Sep 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Ryan Switzer (3) warms up prior to the 2016 Chick-Fil-A Kickoff game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
UNC’s receiving corp needs to find the end zone more
Mack Hollins reeled in a 20-yard catch for a touchdown on Saturday, it was one of the Tar Heels 6 receptions for 20-plus yards. It also put UNC ahead 31-16, all but ending the game.
Hollins’ touchdown marked the first and only touchdown from a UNC wide receiver this season.
North Carolina’s wide receivers are too good to only score once in two games thus far. Hollins and Ryan Switzer were all-conference as wide receivers a year ago. Prior to the beginning of this season, both players were projected to huge seasons.
So far, Hollins and Switzer have not produced at the high levels everyone is use to seeing from them. Part of the reason may be UNC’s running backs and quarterback getting the majority of the plays run for them.
Expect bigger games from Switzer and Hollins against James Madison this week. North Carolina’s success lies heavily on the wide receivers just as well as the running backs. The wideouts keep defenses from focusing on the run a great deal.
Do not forget about underrated UNC wideout Bug Howard. His 6’5″ 210 lb. frame represents the perfect mismatch for any secondary, when you consider that Switzer and Hollins are worthy of being double-teamed.
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