North Carolina enters Saturday's showdown against BC with a 7-3 record (3-3 in the ACC). This is a team playing well right now with three consecutive league wins over Virginia Tech, Duke, and Miami.
They are led by a quick, aggressive defense that has allowed just 16 points a game. The Tar Heels have the number 1 ranked rushing defense and the best overall defense in the conference this season. The defense has forced 22 turnovers this season. DL Robert Quinn has 10 sacks on the year and a remarkable 16.5 TFL. He is a force to be reckoned with and capable of single handedly blowing up the running game or disrupting the pass. He will be the focal point of the offensive line. Cornerback Kendric Burney had 3 interceptions last week, one of which he returned for a td. He has 4 picks on the season.
Offensively UNC hasn't been as successful. As good as the defense has been the offense has almost been as bad. They are 11th in the conference in total offense. Unlike last year, this squad lacks a play maker on offense. Junior QB TJ Yates has 10 tds and 10 ints and hasn't thrown for more than 233 yards in a game this year. The rushing carries are split between big backs Sean Draughn and Ryan Houston, although neither has true game-changing ability.
This game will be a defensive struggle, there is no doubt about that. They key will be how well Harris plays. If BC can get him going in this game they will have a great chance to win, if not they will need some big plays on defense or special teams to stay perfect at home this season.
