Offensive keys to a UNC football victory in ranked matchup at Pitt

Despite losing 37-26 to Notre Dame last weekend inside Kenan Stadium, the UNC football program exceeded expectations and played a National Championship contender close for three quarters.

North Carolina (2-2, 0-1 ACC) scored the most points of any Fighting Irish (5-0) opponent this season, tallying a touchdown in each quarter. The Tar Heels started with a 7-0 lead in the opening frame, added two more passing touchdowns and a kick-six.

UNC will face another ranked squad this coming weekend, but away from Kenan Stadium. On Saturday at 12 p.m., North Carolina will test its offense at a ranked Pitt squad, one that recently survived a last-second field goal attempt at Virginia Tech.

The Panthers (5-0, 2-0 ACC) have another formidable defense, holding opponents to just 13.4 points and under 300 yards per game, but the Hokies racked up 499 yards. Pitt faced decent Power Four opponents in UCF and Syracuse, but blew out Miami (OH) and Bucknell.

The Tar Heels' offense is a major improvement from 2025, with a new big-play ability and more weapons across the roster. Benjamin Hall and Demon June give opponents two tough running backs to try and stop. Jordan Shipp and Jelani Thurman lead UNC's deeper receiving corps, while Billy Edwards shows flashes of being a strong quarterback.

North Carolina's offensive line is still a work in progress, but only allowed one sack vs. Notre Dame. The Tar Heels will now try and block a Panther pass rush with 12 sacks in five games.

What does UNC need to do with the football, this time for a second upset win in five games? Keep reading below for five offensive keys to a Tar Heels victory.

Don't turn the football over

Edwards threw a pair of early interceptions against Notre Dame, which scored off both turnovers. Edwards also threw three touchdowns, showing no fear against the Fighting Irish's strong defense.

You take away Edwards' early mistakes, North Carolina is much closer to staging a massive upset last weekend in Chapel Hill.

If Edwards and the rest of his teammates minimize their mistakes or play turnover-free football vs. Pitt, which forced four Virginia Tech turnovers, UNC will leave Acrisure Stadium with a much-needed victory.

Find a way to get the running game going

When you have a deep running back room like the Tar Heels, a strong running game is crucial to offensive success. North Carolina ran for just 77 yards on 23 carries vs. Notre Dame, failing to generate any explosive runs.

UNC's next opponent, Pitt, only allows 55.6 opponent rushing yards per game. This mark is second-best in the country behind Miami (FL).

The Tar Heels' ballcarriers face another uphill battle vs. the Panthers on Saturday. If North Carolina can find even the smallest ways to get their running backs going, a win is much more likely.

Continue getting Jordan Shipp the football

Shipp was already UNC's top wide receiver entering the Notre Dame game. Against the toughest defense he faced this season, Shipp exploded for a career-high 109 receiving yards on seven catches.

Shipp has five receptions in three of his first four games this fall, developing a crucial, early chemistry with Edwards. If this duo continues connecting for impactful completions on Saturday, the Tar Heels will leave Pitt with a crucial victory.

Execute on play-action passes

Play-action passes are one of the most effective ways to counter a strong defense. North Carolina's first score against Notre Dame came via a play-action pass, when Edwards and tight end Shamar Easter linked up on a 6-yard completion.

If UNC wants to beat Pitt on Saturday, play-action execution needs to continue. Of course, the Tar Heels will first have to get their running game going.

Wherever Jelani Thurman is…find him

North Carolina's best offenses have a strong tight end. In 2026, the tight end in question is Thurman, who leads UNC with three receiving touchdowns.

Thurman added to his best collegiate campaign vs. Notre Dame, catching Edwards' final two touchdown passes, along with 50 receiving yards on a season-best five catches.

Tar Heel Nation first saw Thurman's big-play ability in the season-opener vs. TCU. If North Carolina wants to upset Pitt on Saturday, Edwards will need to get Thurman the football whenever possible.

This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: Offensive keys to a UNC football victory in ranked matchup at Pitt