The North Carolina football team (4-6, 3-4 ACC) fell in overtime to Pitt (7-3, 4-2 ACC) on Thursday, 34-27. The Tar Heels still lead the series 10-4 now, but saw their six-game win streak against the Panthers snapped.
Here are three takeaways from the game.
1. An ‘in-the-air’ and high yardage game
During this week’s press conference, offensive coordinator Phil Longo said UNC needed to run the ball effectively in order to triumph over Pitt’s formidable defense.
The Tar Heels totaled 136 rushing yards and a total of 458 yards, while the Panthers put up 498 yards during the overtime battle. The game was expected to be a defensive battle, but it turned into an offensive matchup.
North Carolina also impressed through the air.
UNC receiver Dazz Newsome had a strong night, reaching 170 receiving yards with a touchdown. Dyami Brown also continued to dominate. He caught his ninth receiving touchdown this year, tying Marcus Wall (1994) for the fourth-most touchdown catches by a Tar Heel in a season.
2. Howell impresses again
Although he was sacked five times against the Panthers, quarterback Sam Howell posted another strong game in his first season in Chapel Hill.