They’re not competing for an ACC Championship, spot in the College Football Playoff or a perfect season, but the North Carolina Tar Heels are having a fun time playing football.
After UNC’s (6-4, 3-3 ACC) first bye week, which it entered with four consecutive losses, UNC is now winners of its past three games. That included last Saturday in Kenan Stadium, when North Carolina withstood a late Wake Forest charge for a 31-24 win, clinching bowl eligibility in the process.
Throughout the Tar Heels‘ winning streak, they’ve been clicking offensively. UNC scored 41 points at Virginia on Oct. 26, then 35 the following Saturday at Florida State. North Carolina totaled 1,290 yards in its past three victories, with star running back Omarion Hampton accounting for a good portion of those. J.J. Jones took a true leap to become the Tar Heels’ top wide receiver, while the offensive line finally appears to be clicking – at times.
Even against a struggling Wake Forest defensive unit, UNC’s offense struggled outside of Hampton. Things won’t get any easier for North Carolina on Saturday, as it ships up to Boston on Saturday, Nov. 23 for a 12 p.m. kickoff with the Boston College Eagles.
BC (5-5, 2-4) has a Top-8 defensive unit in the 17-team ACC. The Eagles allow 24.5 points per game to opponents, though their past four opponents have reached the 30-point threshold.
With how hot the Tar Heels are right now, don’t be surprised to see them continue their scoring barrage. What are UNC’s offensive keys to victory on Saturday afternoon?
Jacolby Criswell has to play better
UNC’s passing attack made a couple big plays against Wake Forest, but struggled to create consistent rhythm. That helped keep the Demon Deacons in the game, as their horrendous defense created several three-and-outs.
North Carolina starting quarterback Jacolby Criswell completed 14-of-22 passes for a season-low 134 yards and a touchdown, which went to J.J. Jones in the second quarter and broke a 10-all tie.
The Tar Heels can do with a minimal passing attack at Boston College, but Criswell has to be better against a tougher team, particularly on the road.
Offensive line needs to be consistent
Part of the reason Criswell struggled Saturday against Wake Forest? North Carolina allowed five sacks to a pass-rush unit amongst the country’s worst.
The Tar Heels have dealt with offensive line injuries throughout 2024, but their injury replacements are practicing every week, so they should be comfortable in the offense.
UNC has to block Boston College better if it wants to win, as defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku is fourth in the country with 11 sacks.
Utilize John Copenhaver to spread out the passing attack
It’s tough to replace the production of your starting tight end, particularly when he’s as talented as UNC star Bryson Nesbit.
Since Nesbit will miss the remainder of 2024 with a fractured wrist, North Carolina is now looking to John Copenhaver to fill Nesbit’s void. Copenhaver played admirably against Wake Forest, finishing second on the Tar Heels with 33 yards on three receptions, but you want more production from your new starter.
If Criswell looks Copenhaver’s way Saturday, I have a good feeling about UNC’s ability to up its passing attack – and win its seventh game.
Omarion Hampton…because why not?
What can’t Omarion Hampton do?
During Saturday’s bowl-clinching win over Wake Forest, Hampton set a career-high with 244 rushing yards. Hampton is now one of three Tar Heels with three 200-yard games, tied with Marquise Williams for third on the program’s all-time rushing touchdowns lists, plus he’s fifth in career rushing yards.
You might be concerned about Hampton’s usage, as he also carried the rock against Wake a career-high 35 times, but Hampton said he’s not concerned about that in the postgame press conference.
If Hampton can play even a fraction as good as his lengthy hot stretch, North Carolina will be in for a big win.
Score early to get a cushion
Not scoring in the first quarter wasn’t a problem for UNC on Saturday – and it hasn’t been for much of the season.
North Carolina entered the second quarter against Wake Forest down 3-0, but rallied for a 10-3 halftime lead. The Tar Heels then scored 14 third-quarter points, plus seven more in the fourth.
If UNC can find a way to score in the first quarter at Boston College, fans could be leaving Alumni Stadium early.
This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire : UNC football’s offensive keys to victory in final 2024 road game at Boston College
