Tar Heels Football: Takeaways from UNC vs. Virginia Tech

In the midst of Hurricane Matthew, it was raining a lot more than just cats and dogs. The No. 25 Virginia Tech Hokies rained on the parade of the No. 17 North Carolina Tar Heels, defeating them 34-3 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

The North Carolina Tar Heels could not gain a rhythm on offense. In turn, the defense could stop the Hokies’ offense from scoring. This loss to Virginia Tech knocked North Carolina out of the top 25 rankings.

They will have a chance to make up for the loss with another big game against Miami on Saturday, but it’s become a must-win for the Heels.

Weather conditions aside, the Tar Heels were not focused or prepared for the Hokies. North Carolina did not look like the team that defeated Pittsburgh and Florida in back-to-back weeks.

Let’s take a look at several factors that played a significant role in North Carolina’s defeat on Saturday.

Sep 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Larry Fedora reacts during the first quarter of the 2016 Chick-Fil-A Kickoff game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

The offensive play-calling was not practical!

On social media, many people were blaming the weather for North Carolina’s offensive woes. If you are going to blame the weather for the Tar Heels’ bad performance, then how do you explain Virginia Tech scoring 34 points against North Carolina…in the same game…in the same weather conditions?

Tar Heel Nation – win with grace and lose with grace. Do not be sore losers. North Carolina was not prepared against the Hokies on Saturday. The coaches did a bad job of calling offensive plays.

Carolina’s first offensive drive illustrates how quirky the play-calling was. North Carolina started on their own 44-yard line. Their first play on offense was a 14-yard run by T.J. Logan for a first down.

This gave UNC a first down at Virginia Tech’s 42-yard line. The next play was a run by Mitch Trubisky for four yards. Second down was a five-yard run by Logan that set up a ‘3rd and 1,’ (third down with one yard needed for the first down). On third down, Trubisky threw a pass to Ryan Switzer for no gain.

This lead to a fourth down and one. North Carolina went for it by handing the ball to Logan, who stopped for a loss of one yard.

North Carolina did not choose to kick a field goal on fourth down due to the distance and weather conditions. However, what’s more alarming is the fact that UNC threw the ball on a third down when they needed one yard for the first down. If it isn’t broke, then don’t fix it.

North Carolina had the momentum on offense at the start of the game. On their first three run plays, North Carolina averaged 7.6 yards. They should have stayed with the run on third down instead of passing the ball.

This would have forced Virginia Tech to respect Carolina’s rushing the entire game. In addition, this would have set up the passing game.

Everyone knows that Mitch Trubisky is a good quarterback with a good arm. Despite North Carolina having an impressive aerial attack, the weather was not conducive for Trubisky to air the ball out on most of the offensive plays.

UNC should have changed the game plan on offense against Virginia Tech. North Carolina had 33 pass plays and 29 run plays whereas Virginia Tech had 17 pass plays and 66 run plays. Despite not having Elijah Hood available to play, North Carolina had T.J. Logan, Khris Francis and true freshman Jordon Brown as running backs.

In addition, Trubisky and Ryan Switzer as very capable of running the ball effectively. Both Trubisky and Switzer are exceptional runners who possess a great deal of athleticism and elusiveness. Trubisky rushed eight times for negative two yards. Switzer did not carry the ball against Virginia Tech.

UNC’s coaching staff dropped the ball literally. They misused Trubisky and Switzer on Saturday by not utilizing their other rushing skills more.

Sep 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back T.J. Logan (8) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Georgia Bulldogs during the third quarter of the 2016 Chick-Fil-A Kickoff game at Georgia Dome. Georgia won 33-24. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Where was T.J. Logan against Virginia Tech?

T.J. Logan ran the ball 14 times for 67 yards and caught six passes for 30 yards on Saturday. His longest run was 23 yards. His longest catch was 11 yards.

Logan has had an impressive season to this point. He has scored as a rusher, receiver and as a kick returner. On Saturday, Logan did not have a chance to ‘let loose.’

Again, some people blame the weather for Carolina’s loss. North Carolina was not efficient in executing their plays and using their weapons.

Running the ball should have been the primary focus of Carolina’s offense on Saturday. Logan should have had between 25-30 carries. On Logan’s first two run plays, he rushed for a total of 19 yards with his first carry a 14-yard run for a first down.

Logan finished the game with 60 yards, which means that he gained 41 yards on 12 carries for the rest of the game. As noted earlier, Logan’s 14-yard run was North Carolina’s first play on offense.

Logan’s running was ideal as a catalyst to set up the passing game for Trubisky. Instead UNC wanted to rely on the passing game despite inclement weather.

North Carolina missed a golden opportunity to pound the ball against Virginia Tech. Logan was poised to have his way with the Hokies based on how he started the game.

Oct 8, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies defensive back Greg Stroman (3) breaks up a pass at the goal line intended for North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Ryan Switzer (3) in the third quarter. The Hokies defeated the Tar Heels 34-3 at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Switzerland was iced out in Chapel Hill on Saturday!

Ryan Switzer did not have a good game against Virginia Tech. The picture above illustrates how his day went. Switzer had two receptions for two yards. Yes, the same Switzer who had 47 catches for 587 yards and two touchdowns prior to this game.

Switzer’s productivity depends largely on how effective Mitch Trubisky is from the quarterback position. If Trubisky has a long day, then so will Switzer.

However, North Carolina could have been creative with getting the ball to Switzer. A few reverses for Switzer could have opened up the offense. Likewise, utilizing a flea flicker or running a ‘Wildcat’ play with Switzer at the quarterback position would have been great ideas to catch Virginia Tech off-guard.

This weekend, the North Carolina Tar Heels travel to the state of Florida to face the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes. Getting Switzer involved on offense should be one the focal points for the Tar Heels. Switzer is UNC’s best playmaker and one of their best players.

Oct 8, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies linebacker Tremaine Edmunds (49) sacks North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) in the second quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Mitch Trubisky – Under the weather

Mitch Trubisky came into Saturday’s game with 133 completions for 1,711 yards with 13 touchdown passes and no interceptions. After Saturday’s game, Trubisky added 58 yards and two interceptions to his season totals.

Trubisky finished the game with a quarterback rating of 5.7. Virginia Tech’s Jerod Evans had a quarterback rating of 36.5, but he completed seven of 17 passes for 75 yards and two touchdowns. Trubisky completed 13 of 33 passes for 58 yards with two interceptions.

Virginia Tech used Evans differently than North Carolina used Trubisky. Evans carried the ball 21 times for 49 yards and one touchdown in addition to what he accomplished as a passer. Trubisky ran eight times for -2 yards. Evans’ longest run was 15 yards whereas Trubisky’s was eight yards.

Virginia Tech established the run against UNC with their running backs AND quarterback. North Carolina wanted to rely on their passing game rather than their running game.

Trubisky ran track in high school. He is a gifted runner; however, he is used primarily as a ‘pocket quarterback.’ It would behoove UNC head coach Larry Fedora to loosen up the reigns on Trubisky just a little. Despite Trubisky’s great start this season, he does not utilize all of his skill set.

Saturday’s game against Virginia Tech was a great opportunity for Trubisky to show everyone his running ability as a quarterback. Trubisky has an all-around skill set as a quarterback. He can hurt defenses as a runner or passer. The coaching staff should give him more opportunity to showcase what he can do as a passer and runner.

North Carolina’s offense has many weapons. They should not finish any games with a total of three points.

Oct 8, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels punter Tom Sheldon (39) chases a missed snap in the third quarter. The Hokies defeated the Tar Heels 34-3 at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Tough road ahead for the Tar Heels!

North Carolina was a favorite to win the game against Virginia Tech. The Tar Heels must get over this loss quickly because their following stretch of games will be brutal.

Next weekend, North Carolina plays at No. 10 Miami. This game is followed by Virginia (away), Georgia Tech (home) and Duke (away). All of these games feature ACC Coastal Division rivals. North Carolina’s 2016 schedule ends with a home game against North Carolina State.

Currently, North Carolina has an overall record of 4-2 and ACC record of 2-1. UNC has a good chance to make the ACC Championship game; however, they must finish first in the Coastal Division. Virginia Tech sits in the first place spot right now after UNC’s loss.

North Carolina must pull things together and win out the rest of their schedule in order to make the ACC Football Championship game.