Ten things to know about UNC’s opponent this week: Pitt Panthers

North Carolina (0-2) has a chance to secure its first win of the season on Saturday against Pittsburgh (2-1). But to do so, it must go through a team that is fresh off a 24-19 win over Georgia Tech last week.

UNC did not play last week because of Hurricane Florence.

The two teams will meet in Chapel Hill, in what will be UNC’s first home game and first conference game of the season.

Here are 10 things to know about Pitt.

1. 2018 recap

Pitt won its home opener against Albany 33-7 on Sept. 1. Sophomore quarterback Kenny Pickett was 16-of-22 for 154 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. As a team, the Panthers ran for 245 yards and two touchdowns.

On Sept. 8, Pitt faced No. 13 Penn State at home and lost 51-6. The Panthers could not pass the football. Pickett had only 55 yards passing and an interception. However, fifth-year senior Qadree Ollison found success running the football. He had 119 yards on 21 carries. He also ran for Pitt’s lone touchdown.

Last week, Pitt beat Georgia Tech 24-19, behind another good performance from Ollison, who ran for 91 yards and had two rushing touchdowns.

In 2017, Pitt finished 5-7.

2. 2018 leaders

Passing: QB Kenny Pickett- 41-63, 406 yards, 2 TDs, 3 INTs.

Rushing: RB Qadree Ollison- 45 carries, 283 yards, 6.3 yards per carry, 3 TDs.

Receiving: WR Taysir Mack- 8 catches, 148 yards.

Tackles: LB Quintin Wirginis- 19 tackles, 4.5 tack for loss, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble.

3. Returning all-conference players

OL Alex Bookser (Honorable mention)

4. Key losses

OT Brian O’Neill, 2017 First Team All-ACC selection.

P Ryan Winslow, 2017 First Team All-ACC selection.

WR Quadree Henderson, 2017 Second Team All-ACC, 1,207 All-Purpose yards, 2 punt return touchdowns.

5. Breakout candidates

Qadree Ollison has been the team’s best offensive player through three games. He ran for more than 100 yards against Penn State, one of the best teams in the country. The 6-2, 225-pound running back is averaging 94 yards per game and 6.3 yards per carry. UNC struggled stopping the run against East Carolina on Sept. 8 (ECU had 220 rushing yards).

Ollison caught two passes for 16 yards last season when UNC and Pitt played each other. He did not have a rushing attempt.

6. Plus

Pitt can run the football against good teams and bad teams. It averages 207 rushing yards per game, which is ranked 44th in the country. Ollison is a big reason for that. His 119 yards against No. 13 Penn State were a team-best.

7. Minus

Pitt hasn’t quite figured out its passing game yet. Pickett, a sophomore, is playing in his first full season as a starter. So far, his completion percentage is a healthy 65 percent. But he has more interceptions (three) than he does touchdowns (two). He averages 135 yards passing per game.

8. UNC vs. Pitt

UNC leads the series over Pitt 9-3. The Tar Heels have won five consecutive games against Pitt, dating back to when the Panthers first joined the ACC in 2013. Ten of the last 12 games have been decided by 10 points or fewer, including the most recent one.

UNC beat Pitt in 2017, 34-31. It was one of UNC’s three wins last season.

9. Random stat

Through its first three games, Pitt has scored 60 first-half points, and just three second-half points. Pitt led Georgia Tech 21-0 at halftime. But the Yellow Jackets outscored the Panthers 19-3 in the second half. Pitt scored zero second-half points against Albany, an FCS team, and none against Penn State.

10. Schedule

Sept. 1 Albany (W, 33-7)

Sept. 8 Penn State (L, 51-6)

Sept. 15 Georgia Tech (W 24-19)

Sept. 22 at UNC

Sept. 29 at UCF

Oct. 6 Syracuse

Oct. 13 at Notre Dame

Oct. 27 Duke

Nov. 2 at Virginia

Nov. 10 Virginia Tech

Nov. 17 at Wake Forest

Nov. 24 at Miami