Strategy And Personnel


GAME BREAKDOWN

KEY MATCHUP: North Carolina’s formidable pass defense against Syracuse QB Eric Dungey. The Tar Heels rank fourth in the ACC in pass defense allowing only 185.8 passing yards a game. Dungey is completing 60 percent of his passes (102-of-170) for 1,208 yards with 10 touchdowns and four interceptions. While North Carolina does not give up the deep ball often, it also does not force turnovers. The Tar Heels have only three interceptions this season.

DRAFT SLANT

–DE Alton Robinson, a 6-foot-3 and 249-pound junior, recorded a career-high four tackles for loss against Pitt two weeks ago. He also forced two fumbles.

ROSTER REPORT:

–TE Ravian Pierce, out with an upper-body injury, has missed the last three games after catching six touchdowns over the first 15 games of his career. He is expected to return Saturday against North Carolina after returning to practice this week.

–WR Devin Butler did not play at Pittsburgh two weeks ago because of a team-related suspension. Butler is expected to return Saturday against North Carolina.

–TE Gabe Horan missed the last two games because of an undisclosed injury. He is questionable for Saturday’s game against North Carolina.

=