UNC Football: Key players to watch against East Carolina

BERKELEY, CA - SEPTEMBER 01: Ross Bowers #3 of the California Golden Bears is sacked by Jalen Dalton #97 of the North Carolina Tar Heels at California Memorial Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
BERKELEY, CA - SEPTEMBER 01: Ross Bowers #3 of the California Golden Bears is sacked by Jalen Dalton #97 of the North Carolina Tar Heels at California Memorial Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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BERKELEY, CA – SEPTEMBER 01: Nathan Elliott #11 of the North Carolina Tar Heels passes the ball against the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
BERKELEY, CA – SEPTEMBER 01: Nathan Elliott #11 of the North Carolina Tar Heels passes the ball against the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

These are the key players to watch for the UNC football team when they play in their home opener against East Carolina University.

The UNC football team is coming off a tough 24-17 loss against Cal, one where they really didn’t get going until it was too late. The Tar Heels saw the Bears build a 17-0 lead thanks to three first half interceptions by Nathan Elliott, that Cal turned into 14 points.

However, this offense did come alive in the second half and were able to cut the Bears’ lead to one possession late, outscoring their opponents 17-7 in the final two quarters. This is what this team will need to take from that game heading in to their home opener this weekend.

It is hard to imagine that the second game of the season is a must win but it is almost setting up that way. After this game against ECU, the UNC football team will face three ranked opponents their next four weeks (vs. UCF, at Miami, vs. Virginia Tech). That is why the Tar Heels must play well and use this game as a ‘get-right’ type game before this tough stretch.

These are the key players fans should watch when the UNC football team takes on East Carolina University.