The North Carolina football team has faced a variety of offensive looks this season: the vertical attack of Georgia Tech, the bruising run game of Wisconsin, the run-and-throw balance of N.C. State.
But in no way do any of those come close to simulating the complexity of Utah's spread option attack.
"You've got to be patient, but at the same time, you've got to be aggressive," said defensive end Tommy Davis. "With them, if you're too aggressive, they will hurt you. We'll have to be disciplined, real disciplined this week."
To combat the Utes' unusual formations, which often include four or five wideouts, UNC's defense could spend much of the game in its nickel package with five defensive backs.
Victor Worsley, a junior who performed admirably in his first start at middle linebacker, will play significantly fewer snaps if the Utes spread the field.
"Not many people play them in base defense, and Victor's part of the base defense," said Coach John Bunting. "All of the routes that their offense runs are very similar to what other people run - it's just that they also have the other dimension of being able to run triple option from a spread offense.
"It's very unique."
Procedure flags a concern
The North Carolina punt-coverage team continued its strong play against the Wolfpack by allowing only 14 yards on three returns, and it now ranks 24th nationally with 37.8 net yards per kick.
