UNC vs Pitt football first look: Odds, players to watch and top story lines
No. 21 North Carolina managed to go up two games in the ACC Coastal Division, despite having last week off. It’s looking more and more likely that the Tar Heels can capture just their second Coastal crown in the farewell season for divisions in the league.
Georgia Tech, Pitt and Miami each suffered their second conference loss over the weekend. It makes the Panthers (4-3, 1-2 ACC) visit to Chapel Hill on Saturday their biggest game of the season. A win would rejuvenate their hopes of winning the division for a second straight season.
Carolina (6-1, 3-0), which already holds tiebreakers over the other two-loss teams in Duke and Miami, would need to win just two more games to clinch a spot in the ACC championship game with a win over Pitt and a Georgia Tech loss to Florida State.
QB issues
Pitt senior quarterback Kedon Slovis wasn’t expected to be as good as Kenny Pickett was last season, but most thought he’d be better than he’s showing. The senior hasn’t been the same since getting injured in a loss to Tennessee. He hasn’t eclipsed more than 200 yards passing in his past two starts.
If he gets off to a slow start against UNC, Pitt might be forced to go with Nick Patti or Nate Yarnell. Patti is the backup who replaced Slovis when he was forced out against the Volunteers, but he got injured in that game, too. Yarnell piloted their win over Western Michigan, although he finished just 9 of 20 for 79 yards.
Return of JQ?
It’s been almost a year since UNC defensive back Ja’Qurious Conley last played in a game. He suffered a left-knee injury last year on the opening kickoff Nov. 20 against Wofford. Well, Conley will likely make his season debut against Pitt, but coach Mack Brown said he will be eased back into the rotation.
When healthy, Conley was one of the Heels’ best hitters and arguably their most athletic player in the secondary. He started 10 games last season and appeared in 11 as a freshman in 2020.
Conley dressed out in their win over Duke, but did not play. Don’t be surprised if the junior from Jacksonville, N.C., makes a few appearances on special teams against the Panthers. It’s probably too much to expect him to be able to fill in at safety or nickel back just yet, but Conley is well on his way back to playing.
Three Pitt players to watch
Israel Abanikanda, RB: Broke Hall of Famer Tony Dorsett’s program record for rushing yards in a game when he totaled 320 against Virginia Tech. He leads the ACC with 959 rushing yards and his average of 137 yards per game.
Erick Hallett II, CB: Ranks 11th nationally among cornerbacks with an 85.0 coverage grade, according to Pro Football Focus, and that’s tops among all ACC players. His three interceptions are tied for the lead in the ACC and his nine passes defensed ranks fourth.
SirVocea Dennis, LB: Returned to the starting lineup against Louisville after missing the second half of their win over Virginia Tech with an undisclosed injury. He’s Pitt’s leading tackler and tied for second in the ACC with five sacks.
Three UNC players to watch
Drake Maye, QB: Registered his first game-winning drive at Carolina, scoring on a touchdown pass with 16 seconds left to beat Duke. Will now face the ACC’s second-ranked defense in pass efficiency. Opposing quarterbacks have only completed 53 percent of their passes against Pitt.
Kevin Hester Jr., NT: With news that Ray Vohasek will miss the remainder of the season, Hester’s role on the defense will increase. He has started the past two games with Vohasek out and is the most experienced of the players UNC will use at the position including redshirt freshman Keeshawn Silver and freshman Travis Shaw.
Elijah Green, RB: Had two touchdowns on three carries against Duke. It was the first time he had a rushing attempt since the opener against Florida A&M because of an injured thumb. He could be a factor in a backfield that still doesn’t have a clear cut featured back.
Vegas betting odds
The Tar Heels are a 4.0-point favorite, according to VegasInsider.com’s consensus line.
UNC vs Pitt game and TV info
Who: UNC (6-1, 3-0) vs. Pitt (4-3, 1-2)
Where: Kenan Stadium, Chapel Hill
When: 8 p.m., Saturday
TV: ACC Network
Stream: ESPN+
