UNC football vs. Pitt: Scouting report, prediction for Tar Heels' ACC opener

UNC football will travel to Pitt for its ACC opener and first true road test of the 2023 season.

The 17th-ranked Tar Heels (3-0) and Panthers (1-2) will play at 8 p.m. Saturday on ACC Network. Coming off a 31-13 win against Minnesota, UNC aims to start 4-0 for the first time since 1997.

Pitt carries a two-game losing streak into its latest meeting with the Heels, but the Panthers have won back-to-back games against UNC in Pittsburgh.

“Pittsburgh, they always play you tough,” UNC head coach Mack Brown said. “They’re one of the toughest teams in this league, traditionally. I love coach Pat Narduzzi. He’s tough; he’s a competitor.”

Here’s a look at things to watch and a score prediction for UNC’s game at Pitt on Saturday night.

UNC football doesn’t have to face former Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett

Former Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett was a catalyst in the Panthers’ overtime wins against UNC in 2019 and 2021. Pickett and the Panthers went on to win the ACC title in 2021, but the quarterback position has been an area of concern this year. Boston College transfer Phil Jurkovec completed 8-of-20 passes for 81 yards with three interceptions in Pitt’s 17-6 loss to West Virginia.

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North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye vs. Pitt’s passing defense

UNC is 7-1 when quarterback Drake Maye throws for more than 300 yards. Pitt’s passing defense is among the best in the nation. Something’s gotta give Saturday. Maye had 388 yards and five TDs in UNC’s 42-24 win against Pitt last season in Chapel Hill. Through three games this season, Pitt leads the ACC and ranks fifth nationally in total defense, allowing 236.0 yards per game. The Panthers have given up 342 total passing yards, an average of 114 passing yards per game – the lowest in the ACC and second nationally.

Armani Chatman has breakout performance for UNC’s pass defense

UNC had eight pass breakups against Minnesota for its most in a game since the Tar Heels’ 2021 loss at Pitt. Virginia Tech transfer Armani Chatman had his best game at UNC with three pass breakups and an interception. The Heels will need more of that from Chatman to boost a UNC passing defense that’s allowing 253 passing yards per game, third from the bottom in the ACC.

UNC vs. Pitt score prediction

UNC 30, Pitt 20: Carolina has struggled to get over the hump in Pittsburgh and the Panthers are always among the toughest teams in the ACC. But Pitt’s offense is going to struggle hanging with Drake Maye and the Heels.

Staff writer Rodd Baxley can be reached at rbaxley@fayobserver.com or @RoddBaxley on Twitter.

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: UNC football vs. Pitt: Scouting report, prediction