Previewing NC State’s Opponent: UNC

Before the Wolfpack attempts to take down the Tar Heels for the 4th consecutive time on the football field, here’s a preview of UNC.

The Tar Heels are 6-5. Prior to losing to Boston College 21-41 last week, UNC had won three consecutive games against UVA, FSU and Wake Forest.

UNC’s ACC Statistical Rankings

Scoring Offense – 32.5 (6th)

Scoring Defense – 27.5 (11th)

Total Offense – 419.4 (7th)

Total Defense – 369.3 (11th)

Rushing Offense – 189.2 (2nd)

Rushing Defense – 137.5 (9th)

Passing Offense – 230.2 (13th)

Passing Defense – 231.7 (10th)

Sacks Against – 27 (10th)

Sacks By – 35 (2nd)

Interceptions – 8 (13th)

Fumbles Forced – 6 (13th)

Senior Quarterback Jacolby Criswell has completed 58.4% of his passes for 2,179 yards and 12 touchdowns (6 interceptions). His Passing Efficiency Rating is 132. Criswell played his first three season in Chapel Hill, transferred to Arkansas last season, and transferred back this season.

Junior Running Back Omarion Hampton is easily the best at his position in the ACC. His 1,475 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns lead the conference. Hampton is averaging 5.7 yards per carry. He ranks 4th in the nation in rushing yards. Hampton also has 34 receptions for 295 yards and a touchdown. He has the most receptions of any player on UNC’s offense. If you stop Hampton, you stop UNC.

The Tar Heels’ best Wide Receiver is Senior JJ Jones, who has 31 receptions for 551 yards and 5 touchdowns. Senior Tight End John Copenhaver is also key to UNC’s passing attack, with 33 receptions for 344 yards and 3 touchdowns.

UNC’s Top-5 Highest Graded Offensive Players

1. RB Omarion Hampton – 84.5
2. G Willie Lampkin – 81.0
3. C Austin Blaske – 68.4
4. QB Jacolby Criswell – 67.3
5. T Howard Sampson – 67.0

Senior Cornerback Antavious Lane leads the Tar Heels with 73 tackles.

Senior Linebacker Power Echols has 70 tackles and a team high 6 pass breakups.

Sophomore Defensive End Beau Atkinson leads the team with 11 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. Sophomore Linebacker Amare Campbell has 5 sacks.

UNC’s Top-5 Highest Graded Defensive Players

1. LB Power Echols – 76.9
2. LB Amare Campbell – 76.0
3. DE Kaimon Rucker – 75.8
4. CB Alijah Huzzie – 74.0
5. S Will Hardy – 72.9