Following a crushing loss to then-No. 10 Miami, the North Carolina defense turned a corner, and helped UNC to its first winning streak of the season — one the Tar Heels hope to carry through Saturday’s game against Virginia.
The Cavaliers (2-7, 0-5 ACC) have shown flashes of potential but have yet to beat an ACC opponent.
Defensive end Kareem Martin said the talent of the Virginia offense, which is led by dual-threat quarterback David Watford, isn’t reflected by the team’s record.
“When you look at them on film and see their record, you think it’s two different teams,” Martin said. “On film they look really great — great quarterback, great size on their line.”
Watford has run for 283 yards this season — more than any UNC running back — but has thrown 10 interceptions and lost two fumbles already this season.
Coach Larry Fedora said the Cavalier offense has a different look this season.
“They’re doing much more with the quarterback,” he said. “They’ve got a kid that can run and throw, they’ve got a very talented running back and they’re finding a lot of different ways.”
Though the UNC defense has made improvements against the pass, the team has continued to struggle with opponents’ run games. N.C. State amassed 212 yards on the ground. Preventing big plays on the ground will also be critical if UNC hopes to avoid an upset on Homecoming.
The UNC defense has been burned by seven runs of more than 25 yards this season, including a 56-yard touchdown run by Boston College running back Andre Williams two weeks ago.