Defensive keys to a UNC football victory at ranked Pitt

Despite a few crucial stops last weekend vs. Notre Dame, the UNC football team's defense largely struggled in a 37-26 loss.

North Carolina (2-2, 0-1 ACC) already faced a tall task against a team many expect to win the National Championship. The Tar Heels allowed 14 first quarter points and, without a fourth-and-goal stop, were in danger of staring a 3-touchdown, first-half deficit in the face.

Now, UNC's defense will be severely tested at a ranked, undefeated Pitt Panthers squad this Saturday at 12 p.m. Pitt (5-0, 2-0 ACC) one of three remaining, undefeated teams in the conference, is one of the country's best teams at putting points on the scoreboard.

Even without star quarterback Mason Heintschel for most of their Week 5 matchup, the Panthers staged a 14-point comeback to beat Virginia Tech, 35-33. Six different players scored a touchdown, with two through the air and three on the ground.

Pitt scored 59 points in its season-opener vs. Miami (OH), then just 12 vs. UCF. The Panthers added 27 points vs. Syracuse, then exploded again for 59 vs. Bucknell.

Despite not recording a sack vs. Notre Dame, North Carolina still has a dangerous pass-rush capable of impacting games. Xavier Lewis has six sacks to lead the Tar Heels' defensive line, while Derek McDonald and Peyton Seelmann hold down the linebacking corps. Greg Smith's emergence in the secondary is crucial, while Jaylen Harvey has a magnet for finding the football.

Can UNC's defense respond from a dud against Notre Dame last weekend? Keep reading below for five defensive keys to a North Carolina victory at Pitt.

Neutralize the running game

Notre Dame torched the Tar Heels on the ground last weekend, recording a season-high 241 rushing yards. Pitt has three 100-yard running back, led by Damon Ferguson (270 yards, three touchdowns).

UNC struggled against the run vs. TCU and at Clemson, showcasing a recurring problem. North Carolina will have its hands full vs. the Panthers.

If the Tar Heels completely shut down Pitt's running game? Great. If UNC can at least neutralize the Panthers' rushing attack, to a point when their offense is searching for solutions, the boys in Carolina Blue can win.

Don't let the Panther pass-catchers take over

Pitt knows how to score in the passing game, totaling 17 receiving touchdowns. Five different Panthers have a minimum 100 receiving yards, led by 315 from Cataurus Hicks.

The Tar Heels allowed CJ Carr to throw for four touchdowns last weekend. Pitt quarterbacks Mason Heintschel and Holden Geriner threw for two against Virginia Tech.

The Panthers will spread the football around, making UNC guess who'll catch it. North Carolina's shot at an upset victory lies largely in defending the pass.

Find a way to generate turnovers

Teams who win the turnover margin are in great position to win football games. Notre Dame turned the Tar Heels over twice last weekend.

UNC failed to force a turnover for the first time in 2026, a major reason why the Fighting Irish offense played comfortable throughout.

North Carolina forced one TCU turnovers, then two turnovers apiece vs. ETSU and at Clemson. The Tar Heels beat TCU and ETSU, then put themselves in a strong position to tame the Tigers.

If UNC finds a way to force Pitt into committing mistakes, the flight back to Chapel Hill will be much happier.

Make life miserable for Holden Geriner

If the Panthers have one disadvantage going into Saturday, it comes at the most important position on a football field. Star quarterback Mason Heintschel tore his ACL at Virginia Tech, forcing Holden Geriner into action.

Geriner, a fifth-year journeyman who previously played at Auburn and Texas State, completed 8-of-12 passes for 78 yards and a touchdown.

North Carolina's pass-rush is amongst the ACC's best. Geriner will be making his first career start on Saturday. The Tar Heels need to do everything they can to make life miserable for Geriner.

Continue to thrive in the red zone

UNC's defense made a game-altering play during its Week 5 loss, stopping Notre Dame at the goal line from two yards out. The ensuing drive, North Carolina marched 97 yards downfield for a score, shifting momentum back into its favor.

Pitt scored three red zone touchdowns last week at Virginia Tech. The Tar Heels already sported a strong red zone defense entering their matchup with Notre Dame.

If UNC can hold the Panthers to close-range field goals on Saturday, or prevent them from scoring entirely, the victory bells will sound.

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