UNC vs Oregon Preview – Sports Illustrated North Carolina Tarheels News, Analysis and More

North Carolina will try to snap a three-game dropping streak and attain the ten win mark for the primary time since 2015 after they tackle the No. 15 Oregon Geese within the San Diego Credit score Union Vacation Bowl.

With the latest motion within the switch portal and Josh Downs’ resolution to enter the NFL Draft, the Tar Heels can be with out their finest receiver and a number of key items on protection.

Squaring off in opposition to the ACC Coastal Division champions would be the Oregon Geese, led by star quarterback Bo Nix. In 12 video games, Nix has thrown for 3,389 yards and 27 touchdowns.

Just like North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye, Nix is impactful on the bottom, dashing for 504 yards and 14 touchdowns this season.

Because the Tar Heels face-off in opposition to the Geese over 2,000 miles from Chapel Hill, take a look at the keys to the sport forward of tonight’s matchup.

Battle within the Trenches

Bo Nix is without doubt one of the most finest quarterbacks in faculty soccer, whereas working again Bucky Irving averages over 200 dashing yards over recreation.

The Oregon offense is dynamic and a part of that stems from the offensive line, which has allowed simply 4 sacks this season, rating first in all of faculty soccer.

With out nosetackle Ray Vohasek and edge defender Desmond Evans, the Tar Heels have and can proceed to depend on the likes of Kevin Hester Jr. and five-star freshman Travis Shaw to mitigate the losses alongside the line of defense.

With the Geese rating fourth within the nation with 507.8 yards per recreation, a tall activity awaits for the line of defense.

Attending to Nix can be unlikely given the mixture of a profitable offensive line and a cellular quarterback, however the work of the fellows up entrance will go a great distance with serving to Oregon turn out to be one-dimensional.

Whether or not it’s placing strain on Nix or shutting down the run recreation, there may be an avenue for fulfillment for Gene Chizik and firm.

Though the protection has not instilled a lot confidence to shut out the season, they’ve confirmed to be way more profitable, significantly within the second half, when making groups one-dimensional on offense.

Set up the Run Sport

Not solely does North Carolina roster 4 totally different working backs that may make a distinction and produce on the bottom, however they’re additionally dealing with a rush protection that’s coming off of their worst efficiency of the season.

Of their 38-34 loss to Oregon State, the Geese allowed 268 dashing yards and 5 touchdowns on the bottom. After dropping linebacker Justin Flowe to the switch portal, they could be much more vulnerable in Wednesday night time’s matchup.

Oregon averaged over 170 yards allowed on the bottom of their three losses, however simply 110 of their 9 wins.

With the likes of Elijah Inexperienced and Omarion Hampton within the backfield and Maye along with his dual-threat functionality, the bottom recreation needs to be a focus for Lonnie Galloway in his first recreation calling performs for the Tar Heels.

Win the Turnover Battle

Via 12 video games, Oregon has been profitable at profitable the turnover battle, whereas North Carolina has not.

Whereas the Geese and their 21 turnovers compelled sit at simply eight greater than the Tar Heels, their turnover margin is a key issue to their success.

Rating ninth within the nation with a plus-10 turnover margin, Oregon has precipitated errors from opposing offenses and created extra alternatives for his or her dynamic offense.

In a recreation through which the Tar Heels are already 13-point underdogs, there it little room for error for Drake Maye and the offense. Maye has thrown an interception in three consecutive video games, which have all been losses.

On the flip aspect, North Carolina has subsequent to nothing to lose and might try to power turnovers by taking dangers, bringing new seems to be, and enjoying unfastened soccer.

Nix, who has thrown six interceptions on the season, could make errors and the Tar Heels have to benefit from any miscues from the Geese’ offense.