UNC Football: Top takeaways from 41-19 loss to East Carolina

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CHAPEL HILL, NC – OCTOBER 28: Aaron Crawford #92 of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts after recovering a fumble against the Miami Hurricanes during their game at Kenan Stadium on October 28, 2017 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Miami won 24-19. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Defense really misses Aaron Crawford

The Tar Heels’ defense didn’t really have an answer for this Pirates’ offense as they were able to generate 501 total yards with 220 of them coming on the ground. The way they were able to run the ball on the ground helped them control the game as they finished with over 10 minutes more in terms of time of possession.

The team certainly were missing key players, like Malik Carney who started his suspension, however the player who may be missed more is defensive tackle Aaron Crawford. He was expected to be a leader of this defense and anchor for the defensive line in the middle. However, a knee injury right before the season has not allowed him to get onto the field this year.

If Crawford was able to play, he likely does not cure all ills for this defense. They struggled in a number of areas and really looked out matched against an offense that they should have been able to control. However, there is no question that this group is better when he is on the field.

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