GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: QB Nathan Elliott needs to step up his game and light up the Tar Heels’ passing game, but he will be up against a Pitt defense that has recorded seven sacks and three interceptions in three outings. Pitt LB Quintin Wiggins has two of the sacks, and S Damar Hamlin ran back one of the picks 79 yards. Elliott has completed just 50.7 percent (37-of-73) of his passes with four interceptions despite being kept sack-free in the two games.
DRAFT SLANT:
–WR Anthony Ratliff-Williams has North Carolina’s only touchdown reception and is easily leading in yardage per catch with a mark of 20.9 yards on seven receptions. Only one other receiver (Rontavius Groves) who has more than one catch is averaging in double figures. Groves is averaging 18 yards on three receptions, though 34 came on one reception.
ROSTER REPORT:
–TE Carl Tucker has been named to the watch list for the Mackey Award that goes to the nation’s top tight end. He is coming off an injury that limited him to four games (six catches) in 2017 and is still looking for his first reception this season. The junior has averaged over 15 yards a reception in his career.
–RB Jordon Brown led Carolina in rushing with 70 yards in last year’s win over Pittsburgh. He ran for 59 yards on 13 carries in the Tar Heels’ loss at East Carolina.
–PK Freeman Jones has made all five of his field goal attempts after going 9-of-14 as a junior in 2017. He will go into Saturday’s game with a streak of six in a row working.
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