UNC still finding its legs in running game

BEAT EAST CAROLINA 35-20

What worked

Cornerback Tre Boston and linebacker Kevin Reddick recovered fumbles, while corner Tim Scott and defensive lineman Sylvester Williams both grabbed interceptions in Saturday night's win. The first three of those turnovers helped lead to a 14-0 UNC lead, and the Tar Heels never looked back. "We've got a saying in our building, 'the ball is the issue,'" interim coach Everett Withers said. "And if you can get the ball, they can't score."

What needs work

Although freshman tailback Gio Bernard recorded his third straight 100-yard ground game, finishing with 146 yards on 24 carries, back-ups Ryan Houston and A.J. Blue managed only 23 and 18 yards, respectively. Withers has stressed that he wants to use all three tailbacks, but UNC (4-1, 1-1 ACC) still needs to find the right way to use them. Although Bernard has a talent for popping big plays, the Tar Heels must balance that with a grind-it-out-back who can push for 3 or 4 yards consistently, as well.

What's next

UNC faces Louisville (2-2) Saturday at Kenan Stadium.