Southern Mississippi reached double-digit wins in Larry Fedora’s fourth year as head coach. Fedora enjoyed a similar breakout campaign last year, which was his fourth season at North Carolina. The Tar Heels went 11-3 overall, including a perfect 8-0 in ACC regular season play. In the three seasons prior, Fedora compiled 21 wins and 17 losses.
UNC’s high-powered offense certainly led the way in 2015, but a much improved defense was key as well. Former Auburn head coach Gene Chizik took over as Tar Heels defensive coordinator in 2015, and his defense surrendered 14.5 points less per game than a year before.
Larry Fedora is a perfect 6-0 as a head coach against UVA. This includes his time at Southern Miss and UNC.
North Carolina Peek
- Head Coach (record at school): Larry Fedora (32-20)
- 2015 Record: 11-3
- Offense 2015 Total Yards Game:486.9
- Offense 2015 Points/Game:40.7
- Defense 2015 Total Yards/Game:435.9
- Defense 2015 Points/Game:24.5
What To Expect On Game Day
Offense:
Last year’s Tar Heel offense established new school marks for most points (570), points per game (40.7), and touchdowns (73) in a single season. Returning to that prolific form will be a challenge, but the fact that North Carolina returns four of five starters on the offensive line, its star running back, and a talented and experienced receiving corps helps. The biggest question is at quarterback, where junior Mitch Trubisky takes over as the starter. He enters the season with no starting experience.
Trubisky, Marquise Williams’ backup last season, has played well in spot duty, completing 40 of 47 passes for 555 yards with six touchdowns and no interceptions in 2015. Obviously if he continues to play at that level the Tar Heels should do quite well. If not, UNC will have to rely more heavily on the talents of junior running back Elijah Hood, who rushed for 1,463 yards and 17 touchdowns a year ago.
Mack Hollins, Ryan Switzer, and Bug Howard headline the talent at wide receiver. UNC will be inexperienced at tight end.
Defense:
UNC led the ACC with 17 interceptions and was 12th nationally in pass efficiency defense in 2015. A strong secondary led by safety Donnie Miles and cornerbacks M.J. Stewart and Des Lawrence returns. Senior defensive end Mikey Bart, the team leader in sacks a year ago, returns on the D-line along with 2015 Third Team All-ACC selection Nazair Jones. Jones is a defensive tackle. The status of defensive end Dajuan Drennon, a starter each of the past two years, is unknown as he is battling an injury.
UNC’s biggest questions mark will be at linebacker, where Chizik will be looking to replace two starters.
Special Teams:
All-American Ryan Switzer is one of the best and most dynamic punt returners in the nation. Nick Weiler gives the Tar Heels a consistent place-kicker and kickoff specialist. The punting position is less settled heading into this season.
