Though UNC is even with Tech at 2-0, Saturday’s game will almost be like the second game of the season for the Heels, thanks to a three-week layoff between their opener against Syracuse and last week’s game against Boston College. This is a team that looks like last year’s squad in terms of personnel and schemes, but there are a few new things to keep an eye on.

Offense

Scheme

Phil Longo is still very much an Air Raid coach. On any given drive, you might see four verticals, all hitches, and a Mesh concept, just like it’s the good old days. The offense is structured to keep the QB from thinking too much, and when it’s working it eats up yardage. On the other hand, Longo is with the guys like Dana Holgorsen who’ve paired the Air Raid with a developed running game, and right now that running game is carrying the Heels.

You’ll see different zone runs, Power, and man/base stuff, but I think the play to worry about is Counter. Here’s starter Michael Carter (#8) on the call:

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